John Currin

U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE STAFF

APRIL 29, 2024 1:19 PM

USNI News Graphic

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of April 29, 2024, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.

Ships Underway

Total Battle Force	Deployed	Underway
295 (USS 235, USNS 60)	95 (USS 65, USNS 30)	63 (44 Deployed, 26 Local)

In Japan

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is in port Yokosuka. The carrier is set to depart for a repair availability in Washington state later this year. USS George Washington (CVN-73) will replace Reagan in Japan. USS America (LHA-6) is in port in Sasebo. America will also change homeports later this year, USNI News has learned.

In the Gulf of Thailand

Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is in the Gulf of Thailand after completing a port visit at Laem Chabang, Thailand.

The carrier has been using older C-2A Greyhounds as a temporary carrier-onboard delivery vehicle while the CMV-22B fleet was grounded following the November crash of an Air Force MV-22B Osprey off the coast of Japan.

Naval Air Systems Command lifted the grounding of the Ospreys and the Navy has started re-certifying crews and aircraft for the logistics operations.

Carrier Strike Group 9

Carrier
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), homeported at San Diego, Calif.

Carrier Air Wing 11

• The “Fist of the Fleet” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
• The “Black Knights” of VFA 154 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
• The “Blue Blasters” of VFA 34 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
• The “Fighting Checkmates” of VFA 211 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
• The “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
• The “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
• The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Station, Norfolk, Va.
• The “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
• The “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station North Island.

Cruiser
USS Lake Erie (CG-70), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.

Destroyer Squadron 23
Destroyer Squadron 23 is based in San Diego and is embarked on Theodore Roosevelt.

• USS John S. McCain (DDG-56), homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash.
• USS Halsey (DDG-97), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
• USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-118), homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

In the Eastern Mediterranean

The Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) entered the Eastern Mediterranean for a port visit to Souda Bay, Crete, after transiting through the Suez Canal on Friday, USNI News reported.

Ike deployed on Oct. 14, while several of the carrier’s escorts left on Oct. 13. The carrier transited the Strait of Gibraltar on Oct. 28 and transited the Suez Canal on Nov. 4. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin extended the ship’s deployment late last month, a defense official confirmed to USNI news.

Carrier Strike Group 2

Carrier
USS  Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), homeported at Norfolk, Va.

Carrier Air Wing 3

• The “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
• The “Fighting Swordsmen” of VFA 32 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
• The “Rampagers” of VFA 83 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
• The “Wildcats” of VFA 131 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
• The “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
• The “Screwtops” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
• The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
• The “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
• The “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 – MH-60S – from Naval Station Norfolk.

Cruiser
USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

Destroyer Squadron 22
Destroyer Squadron 22 is based in Norfolk, Va., and is embarked on Eisenhower.

• USS Gravely (DDG-107), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
• USS Mason (DDG-87), homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.

In the Red Sea

U.S. ships continue to patrol the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, the U.S.-led multinational effort to protect ships moving through the region. Houthi forces in Yemen continue to attack merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, while U.S. naval forces in the region have continued strikes against Houthi weapons that U.S. Central Command says are a threat to naval and merchant ships. Houthi forces say they are targeting ships with connections to the United Kingdom, the U.S. and Israel.

The U.N. Security Council on Jan. 10 approved a resolution calling on Yemen’s Houthi rebel group to “cease its brazen” attacks in the Red Sea.

On Sunday, U.S. Central Command engaged five airborne unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the Red Sea.

On Friday, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea in the vicinity of MV MAISHA, an Antiqua/Barbados flagged, Liberia operated vessel and MV Andromeda Star, a UK owned and Panamanian flagged, Seychelles operated vessel. MV Andromeda Star reported minor damage but continued its voyage.

On Thursday, USCENTCOM engaged and destroyed one unmanned surface vessel (USV) and one UAV in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

On Wednesday, USCENTCOM engaged and destroyed four UAVs over Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

In the Gulf of Aden

On Thursday, one ASBM was launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden.

On Wednesday, a coalition vessel successfully engaged one ASBM launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas in Yemen over the Gulf of Aden. The ASBM was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, owned, and operated vessel with 18 U.S. and four Greek crew members, according to U.S. Central Command.

In the Persian Gulf

U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters are forward-deployed to the region under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships with U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East. Initially deployed in 2003 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, PATFORSWA is now a permanent presence based out of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

In the Eastern Pacific

Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4) returned to San Diego, Calif., delaying its deployment after suffering a casualty, USNI News reported. The two San Diego dry docks large enough to accommodate a big deck amphibious warship are currently occupied, complicating the repairs of Boxer.

Naval Sea Systems Command told USNI News last week that it has not yet made a decision on the way forward.

“Boxer is currently pier side at Naval Station San Diego. As inspections and assessments are continuing, a decision on the most efficient way to execute repairs is still being determined,” reads the statement.

In the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic

The ships carrying pieces to build a humanitarian aid pier in Gaza are now mostly in the Mediterranean Sea.

Three U.S. Army watercraft, a Military Sealift Command transport and a Maritime Administration ready reserve transport ship are off the coast of Gaza.

As of Monday, USAV General Frank S. Benson (LSV-1), USAV Montorrey (LCU-2030), USAV Matamoros (LCU-2026) were operating in the Eastern Mediterranean, along with Military Sealift Command ships USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez (T-AK-3010) and MARAD ship MV Roy P. Benavidez (TAKR-306). USAV SP4 James A. Loux (LSV-4) was in Souda Bay, according to ship spotters. USAV Wilson Wharf (LCU-2011) was in the Eastern Atlantic off the coast of North Africa, not yet in the Mediterranean Sea.

Lopez and USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (TAK-3008) were transporting parts of Naval Beach Group One’s similar floating pier system to operate in tandem with the Army’s system.

2nd Lt. John P. Bobo returned to Jacksonville, Fla., after experiencing a fire in its engine room, the Navy said Wednesday. The crew extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation, according to the statement. As of Monday USNS GySgt. Fred. W. Stockham  (T-AK-3008) was in Jacksonville.

The general concept will have the Army build a pier that it will anchor to the shore in Gaza, with no U.S. personnel setting foot on land. The Navy will build a transfer point two to three miles offshore where cargo – likely originating in Cyprus – will be transferred to the Army watercraft to be taken to the pier.

Based on the initial timelines, the pier could be completed by mid-May.

In the Western Atlantic

Aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) departed Norfolk, Va. on Thursday en route its new homeport of Yokosuka, Japan.

As part of its transit, George Washington will participate in Southern Seas 2024, which seeks to enhance capability, improve interoperability, and strengthen maritime partnerships with countries throughout the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges and cooperation. The carrier is set to arrive at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., this week for an opening ceremony for the start of Southern Seas.

Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) is operating off the East Coast.

Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) is underway conducting basic training.

In addition to these major formations, not shown are others serving in submarines, individual surface ships, aircraft squadrons, SEALs, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Forces, Seabees, EOD Mobile Units and more serving throughout the globe.

AARON-MATTHEW LARIOSA

APRIL 29, 2024 5:58 PM – UPDATED: APRIL 29, 2024 11:51 PM

This post has been updated with a statement from U.S. forces in the Philippines.

U.S., Philippine, and French amphibs and frigates drew the attention of Chinese surveillance ships and surface combatants as they sailed out of Philippine territorial waters into the disputed waters of the South China Sea over the weekend during Manila’s largest annual military exercise.

The combined force, composed of USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49), BRP Davao del Sur (LD 602), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and FS Vendémiaire (F 734), departed Puerto Princesa last Thursday to kick off the multilateral maritime exercise component of Balikatan 2024 with Chinese warships nearby.

Sailing to their planned exercise areas in the South China Sea, the ships were within Philippine archipelagic waters in the Sulu Sea during an uneventful first day at sea. However, after exiting territorial waters, at least two People’s Liberation Army Navy spy ships were spotted shadowing the multinational formation on Saturday.

One surveillance ship was identified as the Type 815-class electronic surveillance ship Tianwangxing (793). Philippine state media reported Tianwangxing was spotted near the exercise area, around 50 nautical miles from Western Palawan in the Philippine exclusive economic zone. Alongside the two spy ships, a Chinese frigate came within seven to nine nautical miles of the group on Sunday.

According to a TaiwanPlus reporter embarked on a Philippine Navy warship, the Chinese surveillance ship Tianwangxing sailed within two nautical miles of Harpers Ferry disrupting a live-fire drill with crew-served weapons. Following an earlier version of this post, two U.S. exercise spokespeople denied the Chinese ship disrupted the exercise to USNI News.

Armed Forces of the Philippines officials told local media that they were unbothered by the presence of PLAN ships because they received no provocations or disruptions to the exercise, stating that “as long [as] we continue to monitor and report them, we are in control of the situation, and besides the exercises are still ongoing.”

While maritime drills have occurred in previous iterations of Balikatan, this year’s exercise pushes the boundaries through its activities in the South China Sea. According to exercise plans, the drills will include “sailing within the bounds of the Philippines’ economic exclusive zone” and training for freedom of navigation operations.

France and the Philippines will also hold a separate bilateral exercise on Tuesday outside of the scope of Balikatan 2024. The patrol frigates Vendémiaire and Ramon Alcaraz will detach from the trilateral formation to conduct a bilateral sail in the South China Sea, although it’s unclear where or what drills the ships will perform. While the 2024 Balikatan is the first time Paris is participating, a French news release stated that Vendémiaire will leave the exercise before “it reaches its high-intensity phase,” referring to U.S.-Philippine coastal defense and amphibious assault drills.

Balikatan’s maritime component in the South China Sea wrapped up on Monday with a last-minute shadow of the PLAN Type 51B Luhai-class destroyer Shenzhen (167) and the inclusion of USS Somerset (LPD-25). The amphibs will now continue for other activities under Balikatan, such as amphibious assault and HIMARS rapid infiltration drills across Western Palawan. Somerset got underway over the weekend after stopping in Subic Bay for mid-voyage repairs. The amphibious transport dock has been operating in the Indo-Pacific since deploying in January. The ship is part of a split deployment of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Before the beginning of Balikatan, the Philippine military stated that there were around 124 Chinese Maritime Militia vessels operating within the country’s EEZ, marking a drastic increase from the numbers usually operating in the area.

These encounters with Chinese vessels have occurred despite the Philippine Coast Guard’s reported commitment of six patrol vessels to safeguard the exercise areas from “unauthorized vessels.”

Chinese spy ships have been a common sight across the Indo-Pacific over the last decade. During the Rim of the Pacific exercises, Beijing’s spy ships consistently deploy around Hawaii to track the multinational naval drills. Even in 2014, when China sent four ships to participate in the exercise, a Dongdiao-class auxiliary general intelligence ship was spotted observing the drills from a distance. Japan, Australia and India have also reported the presence of PLAN spy ships.

In 2022, the PLAN spy ship Haiwangxing (792) entered Philippine archipelagic waters and loitered around the Sulu Sea for three days claiming innocent passage. The Philippine government protested the incursion, stating that “[i]ts movements, however, did not follow a track that can be considered as continuous and expeditious, lingering in the Sulu Sea for three days.” These events also transpired during the U.S.-Philippine Marine Exercise 2022, which had several activities in Palawan.

Related

JOHN GRADY – APRIL 29, 2024 6:03 PM

Helping island nations, like Vanuatu, protect their resources and enforce their laws is “a sweet spot” for the Coast Guard’s operations in the Pacific, Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan said Monday.

The Coast Guard does a good job helping allies and partners build capacity globally, Fagan said Monday, during an online Center for Strategic and International Studies event.

Fagan used Vanuatu, a South Pacific nation spread over 80 islands, as an example to show how the Coast Guard can partner with other nations. Vanuatu’s ship riders were on USCGC Harriet Lane (WMEC-903) and boarded several Chinese vessels suspected of illegal fishing in its exclusive economic zone, she said.

“During the operation, Vanuatu officers supported by U.S. Coast Guard crew members … found multiple violations of Vanuatu law. The operation was made possible by a 2016 ship rider agreement between the United States and Vanuatu, which enables Vanuatu maritime law enforcement officers to ride aboard U.S. Coast Guard cutters and enforce Vanuatu’s laws within its waters,” the American embassy in the capital Port Vila said in a release

Fagan said Harriet Lane was now homeported in Honolulu to “create more [Coast Guard] presence” in the Indo-Pacific. She added the service expects to add two fast response cutters to its operations there.

The Coast Guard requested $263 million to increase presence and missions in the Indo-Pacific for Fiscal Year 2025.

“Illegal fishing is absolutely a global problem” that can dramatically impact small nations’ abilities to feed their citizens, the Coast Guard commandant said.

“[The] Coast Guard is operating as a professional military force” that “is[operating] consistent with international law,” Fagan said. She pointed to transit of cutters through the 90-mile wide Taiwan Strait as an example of that and the Coast Guard’s close alignment with the Pentagon’s Indo-Pacific Command in missions and operations.

She noted that other nations, including the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, have capacity-building missions similar to the Coast Guard’s Mobile Training Teams.

The “long, long relationship” with Japan serves as an example of the service’s presence in the Pacific that now extends to missions with India. The service will again participate in this year’s Rim of the Pacific [RIMPAC] exercise, which is expected to have 29 nations participating.

On the Coast Guard’s largest capital shipbuilding program, the Polar Security Cutter, Fagan said, “we’re on budget [and] we’re really going to lean into it. It’s important to be cutting steel for this.”

The cutter is being built at Bollinger Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. It is the first heavy icebreaker to be built in the United States in 50 years. She added USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10), the nation’s only heavy icebreaker, will be completing maintenance work at Mare Island, Calif., and be available for Antarctic service this fall. Fagan added Polar Star was her first cutter after commissioning into the service.

On delays in delivery and repair work, “we’re competing with the Navy” for space in shipyards for both building and repair, she said. “We’re all operating with scarce capacity,” she said. Fagan praised the efforts the Navy has put into modernizing American shipyards to improve efficiency, expand operations and attract and retain a skilled workforce.

At the same time, the Navy and Coast Guard are also competing with the shipyards in attracting and retaining workers who can be trained or already are “welders, pipefitters, electricians. You don’t grow that overnight.”

The Coast Guard stepped up recruiting efforts, Fagan said.

“Maybe, I’m biased, I think … we’re the world’s best military [service]. You won’t find a better organization in the world,” Fagan said.

Like all the uniformed services, recruiting has proved a growing challenge as the economy rebounded from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on job opportunities.

In early April, the Coast Guard announced a comprehensive talent management initiative, examining billets against the military’s traditional up-or-out pyramid. It also is simplifying recruiting procedures and adjusting initial training to take into account recruits’ skills when enlisting. The service was down 2,500 recruits from mission.

“We’re moving away from a rigid one-size-fits-all system to one that enables every individual to perform to their full potential,” she said at the annual Coast Guard dinner in March. “It’s a generational change in our approach to talent management.”