Mediterranean Sea - USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) entered the Mediterranean Sea today, in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.
Ike CSG ships are the centerpiece of the Great Green Fleet initiative, which emphasizes use of energy conservation measures as a key combat enabler to allow ships to go farther, stay longer and deliver more firepower.
Great Green Fleet operations in Europe will involve a multi-day passing exercise (PASSEX) with units of the Italian Navy's Flotta Verde. The PASSEX will highlight energy conservation operations and will involve a refueling at sea (RAS) event, during which an Italian oiler will refuel Ike CSG ships with advanced alternative fuel (F76 equivalent).
While the Ike CSG is involved in Great Green Fleet activities and operations, the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is also conducting combat sorties from the Mediterranean in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, demonstrating the mobility, flexibility and power projection capability of the Navy's globally deployed force -- anytime, anywhere.
The presence of two carrier strike groups in the area of operations demonstrate the U.S. commitment to safety and security in the region; and provide a variety of multi-mission platforms, capable and ready for tasking. Two CSGs also send a strong message of support to our allies and partners in Europe, and demonstrate our ability to enable global operations that support U.S. European Command as well as other combatant commands.
The Ike CSG consists of aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 with associated guided-missile destroyers USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Nitze (DDG 94) and USS Stout (DDG 55).
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
