Arabian Gulf - Aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, began missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) from the Arabian Gulf

Alongside the 19-nation air coalition, the U.S. Navy is committed to defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and helping set the conditions for improved security and stability in the region. The primary focus of the carrier strike group (CSG) in the region is to dismantle and roll back terrorist networks in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere and to ensure free flow of commerce.

The arrival into the Arabian Gulf marks Ike's ninth combat operations deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

"Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group last operated in the Arabian Gulf in 2013," said Rear Adm. Jesse Wilson, Ike CSG commander. "We continue our longstanding commitment to this region and accelerating the fight against ISIL."

Between June 28 and July 8, CVW-3 completed a total of 116 sorties from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in support of OIR.

"The efforts of the 'Ike-Battle Axe' team have and will continue to be instrumental in the fight against ISIL," said Capt. Jeffrey Anderson, commander, CVW-3.

CVW-3 includes Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 "Swordsmen," VFA 86 "Sidewinders," VFA 105 "Gunslingers," and VFA 131 "Wildcats;" Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 130 "Zappers;" Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 "Screwtops;" Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 "Rawhides;" Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 "Swamp Foxes;" and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 "Dusty Dogs."

Ike CSG is the first CSG to deploy under the new optimized fleet response plan (OFRP), a cross-community collaboration effort to better prepare the fleet in meeting combatant commander needs without straining the ships, aircraft and Sailors. It is also the centerpiece of the Great Green Fleet for the second half of 2016, an initiative that demonstrates efforts to transform energy use and highlight it as a strategic resource.

Ike CSG is deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.