Conducting Sorties Over Syria

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) commenced air operations May 3, 2018, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). "Our flight operations in support of OIR demonstrate the continued commitment of the U.S. and regional partner nations to eliminating the terrorist group ISIS, and the threat it poses to the international community," said Commander, HSTCSG, Rear Adm. Gene Black.

Operating from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1's strike fighter squadrons conducted sorties over Syria, demonstrating HSTCSG's ability to support two different geographic combatant commanders simultaneously.

"Today's operations showcase the inherent flexibility and capability of carrier strike groups," said Black. "We will continue to provide commanders the ability to respond and support national security priorities, and we remain prepared to deliver precision strike capabilities, as directed."

HSTCSG entered the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations April 18 as a part of a regularly-scheduled deployment in support of coalition partners, NATO allies, European and African partner nations, and U.S. national security interests.

Deployed assets comprising the HSTCSG are the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60); the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84); along with the embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, CVW-1 and Destroyer Squadron 28.

Embarked CVW-1 squadrons include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11; VFA-81; VFA-136; VFA-211; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137; Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126; Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11; and detachments from HSM-48 and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

(Image provided with U.S. Navy news release)

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