| Carrier Strike Group Seven | |
|---|---|
Carrier Strike Group Seven crest. |
|
| Active | 1 October 2004 to 30 December 2011.[1][2] |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | Carrier Strike Group |
| Role | Naval air/surface warfare |
| Part of | U.S. Third Fleet |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station North Island, California |
| Engagements | Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Operation Anaconda Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (OEF-A) |
| Website | Official Website |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Electronic warfare |
EA-6B Prowler E-2C Hawkeye |
| Fighter | F/A-18E/F Super Hornet F/A-18C Hornet |
| Helicopter | MH-60R/MH-60S Seahawk |
| Transport | C-2A Greyhound |
Carrier Strike Group Seven, abbreviated CSG-7 or CARSTRKGRU 7, was a U.S. Navy carrier strike group. U.S. Navy carrier strike groups are employed in a variety of roles, all of which involve gaining and maintaining sea control.[3]
Carrier Strike Group Seven was based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, and it typically deployed to the U.S. Seventh Fleet operating in the Western Pacific and the U.S. Fifth Fleet in the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. The aircraft carriers USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) served as the group's flagship in succession.
The group made four deployments to the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and its embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen flew 6500 air sorties in support of ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan while CARSTRKGRU-7 surface warships supported theater security and maritime interdiction operation within that fleet's area of responsibility. CARSTRKGRU-7 also made a Western Pacific surge deployment in place of Carrier Strike Group Five.
Units of Carrier Strike Group Seven, individually and together, participated in such joint exercises as Valiant Shield 2006; such bi-lateral exercises as RSOI/Foal Eagle 2007, Talisman Saber 2007, Malabar 2008, and Malabar 2011; and such multi-lateral exercises as SEACAT 2008 and RIMPAC 2010. Finally, Carrier Strike Group Seven provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) support in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the Typhoon Fengshen of 2008, and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
On 30 December 2011, Carrier Strike Group Seven was formally disestablished, ending the existence of this U.S. Navy aircraft carrier formation whose heritage spanned World War II, the Cold War, and the Global War on Terror.[2]
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Carrier Division Seven (CarDiv-7) was established on 19 December 1944, and its aircraft carriers provided night air combat patrols for the U.S. Pacific Fleet's Fast Carrier Task Force. CarDiv-7 aircraft carriers participated in the Philippine and Okinawa campaigns as well as carrier air raids against the Japanese home islands. Aircraft carriers assigned to CarDiv-7 during World War II included Saratoga, Enterprise, Independence, and Bon Homme Richard.
During the Cold War, CarDiv-7 was re-established on 22 March 1956.[4] During the Vietnam War, Aircraft carriers assigned to Carrier Division Seven (CarDiv 7) operated as part of Task Force 77 from Yankee Station and Dixie Station, and they participated with such air campaigns as Operation Flaming Dart, Operation Rolling Thunder, Operation Barrel Roll, Operation Steel Tiger, Operation Commando Hunt, Operation Tiger Hound, Operation Iron Hand, Operation Pocket Money, Operation Linebacker, and Operation Linebacker II.
Carrier Division Seven was re-designated as Carrier Group Seven (CarGru-7) on 30 June 1973, and it saw action in Operation Southern Watch, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Anaconda, and Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (OEF-A) as a carrier battle group of the U.S. Fifth Fleet. CarDiv-7 and CarGru-7 aircraft carriers made a total of 34 deployments to the Western Pacific Ocean and Persian Gulf.[4]
Commander Carrier Strike Group Seven served as Immediate Superior-in-Command (ISIC) for all the group's units. He exercised oversight of unit-level training, integrated training, and readiness for assigned units, as well as maintaining administrative functions and material readiness tracking for units assigned to the group.
Carrier Strike Group Seven reported to Commander, U.S. Third Fleet, itself part of the United States Pacific Fleet. The group's pre-deployment training and certification comes under the operational control (OPCON) of the U.S. Third Fleet. When deployed overseas, the group came under the authority of the numbered fleet commander in whose area it is operating. When deployed in this fashion, the group utilizes a task force or task group designator, for example, Task Group 50.1 in the Fifth Fleet area.
Carrier Strike Group Seven was an operational formation. Administratively the ships and aircraft of the strike group were assigned to U.S. Navy type commands. Carriers, cruisers, and destroyers assigned to the group over the years were administratively responsible to Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific.[5][6] Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) was under the administrative authority of Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific.
| • Rear Admiral Patrick M. Walsh | (15 November 2003 – 15 April 2005)[7] | ||
| • Rear Admiral Michael H. Miller | (15 April 2005 – 25 January 2007) | ||
| • Rear Admiral Charles W. Martoglio | (25 January 2007 – 16 November 2007) | ||
| • Rear Admiral James P. Wisecup | (16 November 2007 – 27 October 2008) | ||
| • Rear Admiral Adm. Scott P. Hebner | (27 October 2008 – 27 October 2009) | ||
| • Rear Admiral Thomas S. Rowden | (18 September 2009 – February 2011) | ||
| • Rear Admiral Robert P. Girrier | (February 2011 – October 2011) | ||
| • Captain Steve Baxter (acting) | (October 2011 – 30 December 2011) |
U.S. Navy carrier strike groups typically consist of an aircraft carrier (flagship), an embarked carrier air wing, at least one Ticonderoga class cruiser, and a destroyer squadron. At the time of its dis-establishment in 2011, Carrier Strike Group Seven was composed of the following units:
In 2004, the strike group took part in the major Navy Exercise Summer Pulse. In addition, the group made one deployment to the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and its embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen flew approximately 2940 air sorties in support of ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. At the same time, the strike group's surface warships carried out theater security and maritime interdiction operations. The group also participated in Valiant Shield 2006, a major U.S. Pacific Command joint military exercise. Finally, Carrier Strike Group Seven provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.
Carrier Strike Group Seven 2007–2009 operations included two deployments to the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and its embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen flew 2750 air sorties in support of ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan while CARSTRKGRU-7 surface warships supported theater security and maritime interdiction operation within that fleet's area of responsibility. CARSTRKGRU-7 also made a Western Pacific surge deployment in place of Carrier Strike Group Five. Also, units of Carrier Strike Group Seven, individually and together, participated in such such bi-lateral exercises as RSOI/Foal Eagle 2007, Talisman Saber 2007, Malabar 2008, and Malabar 2011, as well as such multi-lateral exercises as SEACAT 2008 and RIMPAC 2010. Finally, Carrier Strike Group Seven provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) support in the Typhoon Fengshen of 2008.
In late October 2009 Norfolk Naval Shipyard began a six-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) maintenance period on the Ronald Reagan. The overhaul came in under budget, and it marked both Norfolk Naval Shipyard's largest off-site availability as well as the largest public sector work package ever performed on an aircraft carrier berthed at Naval Air Station North Island(pictured).[10] During the maintenance period, Ronald Reagan received technological upgrades that prepared it for its next deployment and subsequent operation. Refurbishments ranged from hi-tech combat systems and firefighting equipment to improved ship's laundry services and living spaces.[11]
On 18 May 2010, the carrier Ronald Reagan departed Naval Air Station North Island for sea trials.[12][11][13] The sea trials were the final phase of the PIA, and they were conducted to assess the Reagan's material readiness to return to the fleet.[11] The Reagan returned after the sea trials to Naval Air Station North Island on 19 May 2010.[11]
On 2 June 2010, Ronald Reagan, with Carrier Air Wing Fourteen embarked, departed Naval Air Station North Island to conduct flight deck certification.[14] The first CVW-14 aircraft to land on the Reagan's flight deck was from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4 (HS-2).[14] Other embarked squadrons included:
The Reagan's air department was assessed on its ability to maintain a fully operational flight deck and respond to simulated mishaps.[14]
Upon completion of its flight deck certification, Ronald Reagan and other U.S. Third Fleet ships participated in the International Fleet Review (IFR) commemorating the 100th birthday of the Royal Canadian Navy in Victoria, British Columbia.[14] Joining the Reagan for the naval review were the cruiser Chosin, the destroyer Sampson, and the frigate Ford.[13] The naval review took place 9–12 June 2010, and it involved 21 naval ships and more than 8,000 naval personnel from Canada, France, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.[15]
On 23 June 2010, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Patrick M. Walsh and Combined Task Force commander Vice Admiral Richard W. Hunt announced the official start of the month-long 2010 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise during a press conference held in Lockwood Hall at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. RIMPAC 2010 was the 22nd exercise in the series that originated in 1971.[16] The exercise was designed to increase the operational and tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of maritime operations by enhancing military-to-military relations and interoperability.[17] Thirty-two ships, five submarines, over 170 aircraft, and 20,000 personnel participated in RIMPAC 2010, the world's largest multi-national maritime exercise.[18]
RIMPAC 2010 brought together units and personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. During the exercise, participating countries conducted gunnery, missile, anti-submarine, and air defense exercises, as well as maritime interdiction and vessel boarding, explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage operations, mine clearance operations, and an amphibious landing. RIMPAC 2010 will also emphasize littoral operations with ships like U.S. littoral combat ship Freedom, the French frigate Prairial, and the Singapore frigate Supreme.[16]
On 28 June 2010, the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan arrived in Pearl Harbor to participate in RIMPAC 2010. Ronald Reagan was the only aircraft carrier to participate in this exercise. During the in-port phase of RIMPAC, officers and crew of the 14 participating navies interact in receptions, meetings, and athletic events.[19] The Reagan completed its Tailored Ships Training Availability (TSTA) exercises prior to RIMPAC 2010.[13]
During 6–7 July 2010, 32 naval vessels and five submarines from seven nations departed Pearl Harbor to participate in the Phase II of RIMPAC 2010. This phase included live fire gunnery and missile exercises; maritime interdiction and vessel boardings; and anti-surface warfare, undersea warfare, naval maneuvers and air defense exercises. Participants also collaborated in explosive ordnance disposal; diving and salvage operations; mine clearance operations; and amphibious operations.[20] Phase III involved scenario-driven exercises designed to further strengthen maritime skills and capabilities.[20]
During RIMPAC 2010, over 40 naval personnel from Singapore, Japan, Australia, Chile, Peru, and Colombia managed combat exercises while serving aboard the Ronald Reagan (pictured). This involved managing anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare for Carrier Strike Group Seven and the entire RIMPAC force, including the use of radar, charts, and high-tech devices to monitor, chart, and communicate with other ships and submarines. Tactical action officers from the different countries coordinated the overall operational picture and provided direction and administration to the enlisted personnel involved in the Sea Combat Control (SCC) activities.[21] Also, Reagan conducted a live Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launch, firing at a simulated target, the first since 2007.[13][18]
On 30 July 2010, RIMPAC 2010 concluded with a press conference held at Merry Point Landing on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.[17] A reception for over 1,500 participants, distinguished visitors and special guests was held in the hangar bays of the carrier Reagan.[18]
During RIMPAC 2010, participating countries conducted three sinking exercises (SINKEX) involving 140 discrete live-fire events that included 30 surface-to-air engagements, 40 air-to-air missile engagements, 12 surface-to-surface engagements, 76 laser-guided bombs, and more than 1,000 rounds of naval gunfire from 20 surface combatant warships.[17] Units flew more than 3100 air sorties, completed numerous maritime interdiction and vessel boardings, explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage operations and mine clearance operations and 10 major experiments, with the major one being the U.S. Marine Corps Enhanced Company Operations experiment.[17] Ground forces from five countries completed five amphibious landings, including nine helicopter-borne amphibious landings and 560 troops from ship-to-shore mission. In all, 960 different training events were schedule and 96 percent were completed in all areas of the Hawaiian operations area, encompassing Kāneʻohe Bay, Bellows Air Force Station, the Pacific Missile Range Facility, and the Pohakuloa Training Area.[17]
On 8 August 2010, the carrier Ronald Reagan returned to its homeport, returning after a nearly two-month underway period.[13][18]
The carrier Ronald Reagan departed from Naval Air Station North Island, California, for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessment on 25 August 2010, and Reagan departed its homeport to conduct routine operations off the coast of southern California in preparation for its 2011 Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment.[13]
On 18 October 2010, Ronald Reagan departed for its Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX).[13] COMPTUEX was the intermediate phase of Carrier Strike Group Seven's Inter-Deployment Training Cycle (IDTC), and it was designed to hone warfare skills with the rest of the strike group while maintaining unit proficiency by bringing together every intricate part of the strike group in order to work effectively and efficiently as one cohesive unit.[22]
Over the next three weeks, flight operations were conducted nearly continuously under simulated combat conditions to ensure that naval aviators gained the necessary qualifications and proficiency to launch from and return to Ronald Reagan's flight deck. Also, Ronald Reagan simulated a straits transit with four ships from the strike group, participated in three opposed replenishments at sea, a vertical replenishment, and ran many general quarters and man overboard proficiency drills.[22] On 9 November 2010, the Reagan was diverted to provide assistance to the disabled cruise ship Carnival Splendor (pictured).[13][23] On 14 November 2010, the Ronald Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen completed a successful COMPTUEX series of training exercises.[22]
On 17 December 2010, the carrier Reagan returned to homeport after a two-day underway off the coast of southern California.[13]
| Units | CARSTRKGRU 7 Warships | Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) squadrons embarked aboard flagship USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | USS Chancellorsville (CG-62) | Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323): 12 F/A-18C | Electronic Attack Squadron 139 (VAQ-139): 4 EA-6B |
| No. 2 | USS Preble (DDG-88) | Strike Fighter Squadron 154 (VFA-154): 10 F/A-18C | Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113 (VAW-113): 4 E-2C |
| No. 3 | USS Howard (DDG-83) | Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147): 12 F/A-18F | Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Four (HS-4): 7 SH-60F |
| No. 4 | USS Thach (FFG-43) | Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146): 12 F/A-18E | Carrier Logistics Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30), Det. 1: 4 C-2A |
| Notes | [22] | [22][24] | [22][24] |
On 2 February 2011, Carrier Strike Group Seven departed Naval Air Station North Island, California, for its Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) and final deployment preparations. JTFEX is an integrated battle force exercise designed to test the capabilities of carrier strike groups operating with multi-national forces in a joint environment. This final training exercise represents the culmination of a series of exercises and training requirements conducted in preparation for overseas deployment, and it readies the strike group for any challenge that it may face while deployed.[25] Carrier Strike Group Seven will conduct its JTFEX before starting its 2011 Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment.[26]
On 5 March 2011, the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14), completed their pre-deployment training, and Carrier Strike Group Seven departed for its 2011 deployment on 2 February 2011.[26][27][28][29] Carrier Strike Group Seven returned to its home base Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, on 9 September 2011, completing its 2011 WESTPAC deployment.[30][31][32]
One highlight of the 2011 WESTPAC deployment occurred on 18 April 2011 when Captain Kevin "Nix" Mannix made his 1,000th arrested landing when he landed his F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 154 on the flight deck of the Ronald Reagan (pictured). Captain Mannix was the deputy commander of Carrier Air Wing 14.[33] Mannix noted the occasion by noting:
Mannix's first arrested landing occurred onboard the training aircraft carrier Lexington on 6 December 1987.[33]
| Units | CARSTRKGRU 7 Warships | Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) squadrons embarked aboard flagship USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | USS Chancellorsville (CG-62) | Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323): 12 F/A-18C(N) | Electronic Attack Squadron 139 (VAQ-139): 4 EA-6B |
| No. 2 | USS Preble (DDG-88) | Strike Fighter Squadron 154 (VFA-154): 12 F/A-18F | Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113 (VAW-113): 4 E-2C HE2K NP |
| No. 3 | USS Higgins (DDG-76)[Note 1] | Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147): 12 F/A-18E | Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Four (HS-4): 5 SH-60F & 3 HH-60H |
| No. 4 | — | Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146): 10 F/A-18C | Carrier Logistics Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30), Det. 1: 4 C-2A |
| Notes | [26][27][28][34][35][36] | [24][37][38] | [24][37][38] |
Carrier Strike Group Seven entered the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) on 9 March 2011.[39]
While underway, from 28 February to 6 March 2011, the guided-missile destroyer Preble conducted fisheries patrol in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of various Pacific island nations as part of the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative.[28][40] With modern technology, fishing vessels have increased their capability and capacity to catch more fish, and consequently, it is imperative that the rights of small island nations to their EEZ be preserved to prevent illegal fishing and exploitation of their ecosystems.[40] EEZ patrols are part of an ongoing partnership between the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard to reduce and eliminate illegal, unregulated, unreported (IUU) fishing and effectively enforce fishing regulations across the Western Pacific.[40]
Preble's mission supported the United States' long-standing partnership with the maritime nations of Micronesia, Oceania, and the Marshall Islands, with the focus on IUU fishing in the EEZ of these island nations and on the high seas itself. During the course of this operation, Preble encountered multiple vessels conducting fishing operations in EEZ. All the data was reported to USCG District 14 for evaluation and follow-on action via the embarked Coast Guard liaison team. Also, Preble{{'} embarked detachment of SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopters from squadron HSL-43 was used to conduct routine aerial patrols, enabling the surveillance team to search multiple areas of interest.[40]
Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2011 (KR/FE 11) started 28 February 2011, and employed almost 13,000 US troops and more than 200,000 South Korean troops, as well as a Carrier Strike Group Seven led by the carrier Ronald Reagan.[39][41][42] Key Resolve involved computer-based military simulations that ran from 10 March 10, while Foal Eagle field training programs were completed by 31 March 2011.[41][43][44][45]
On 11 March 2011, the U.S. Pacific Fleet announced that several U.S. naval units will provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) support to Japan in the aftermath 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, with this mission code-named Operation Tomodachi. Units would include Carrier Strike Group Seven (CARSTRKGRU 7), elements of the Expeditionary Strike Group Seven led by the amphibious assault helicopter carrier Essex, and the command ship Blue Ridge, the flagship of the U.S. Seventh Fleet.[35]
Carrier Strike Group Seven diverted from its upcoming port call to Busan, Republic of Korea, prior to participating in Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2011 exercises, and the strike group was the first U.S. naval unit to reach off Japan. CARSTRKGRU 7 arrived off the east coast of Honshu on 13 March 2011, and the carrier strike group immediately began providing HA/DR support. The carrier Ronald Reagan served as an afloat platform for refueling Japan Self Defense Force and other helicopters involved in rescue and recovery efforts ashore.[26][46] Also, the guided-missile cruiser Chancellorsville began providing HA/DR support while operating off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture.[27] The guided-missile destroyer Preble provided more than 700 pounds ( kg) of supplies to earthquake and tsunami survivors, and Preble also used its embarked SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopters (pictured) from squadron HSL-43 to survey coastline and provide an aerial perspective to other Joint Support Force ships in the surrounding area involved in the HA/DR operation.[47]
While on its initial approach to Sendai, Japan, on 13 March 2011, sensors on the carrier Reagan detected nuclear radiation. The strike group applied the expertise of its nuclear-trained personnel aboard Reagan, and it established a Radiation Control (RADCON) Central to address this new challenge. Also, on 23 March 2011, the Reagan temporarily suspended flight operations to conduct a fresh water washdown on its flight deck and embarked aircraft. This was done to remove any traces of radioactive contamination deposited from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant over the previous 11 days.[26][48]
Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa, U.S. ambassador to Japan John Roos, and Joint Support Force commander Vice Admiral Patrick M. Walsh flew out to the carrier Ronald Reagan to express their personal thanks for their strike group's relief effort to Japan. On 4 April 2011, Carrier Strike Group Seven concluded its involvement in Operation Tomodachi.[49] Strike group chief of staff Captain Steve Baxter summarized Carrier Strike Group Seven's involvement with Operation Tomodachi by noting:
Malabar 2011 was a scheduled bi-lateral naval training exercise involving the U.S. Navy and the Indian Navy held between 2–9 April 2011. U.S. naval units initially included guided-missile destroyers Sterett and Stethem; the guided-missile frigate Reuben James; and a nuclear powered attack submarine. Indian naval units included the guided-missile destroyers Delhi, Ranvijay, and INS Ranvir (D54); the corvette INS Kirch (P62); and the replenishment tanker Jyoti.[50][51][52]
The at-sea portions were conducted in the western Pacific Ocean, east of the Luzon Strait, and east of Okinawa. The exercise's location coincides with the Indian Navy's western Pacific deployment. Malabar 2011 was designed to advance U.S.-Indian military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations. Exercise events exercise included liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; communications exercises; surface action group exercise operations; formation maneuvering; helicopter cross deck evolutions; underway replenishments; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; gunnery exercises; visit, board, search and seizure; maritime strike; air defense; screen exercise; and anti-submarine warfare.[50]
U.S. and Indian navies conducted the final operations for Malabar 2011 on 9 April 2011. Because of its involvement in Operation Tomodachi, Carrier Strike Group Seven was able to participate in Malabar 2011 (pictured).[52]
On 9 May 2011, Carrier Strike Group Seven entered the U.S. Fifth Fleet's area of responsibility, and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) launched its first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan (OEF-A) (pictured).[26][53] During a visit to the carrier Ronald Reagan on 15 June 2011, Fifth Fleet commander Vice Admiral Mark I. Fox noted the contribution that strike group made:
You are conducting operations to support our troops on the ground every single day from the flight deck of this ship. I am truly impressed with the way that the entire CSG has conducted its operation; you guys have been hitting it out of the ballpark.[54]
Beginning on 17 June 2011, three U.S. Army Ground Liaison Officers (GLO) embarked on the strike group's flagship, the carrier Ronald Reagan, to coordinate air support to coalition ground forces in Afghanistan.[55] Major Brendan McShea, USA, of the 4th Battlefield Coordination (BCD) detachment assigned to the Reagan, explained the importance of Ground Liaison Officers:
We are here because we get the ground concept. We coordinate with the ground commanders and interpret their needs, then pass that along to the pilots.[55]
Ground Liaison Officers possess first-hand experience working in a hostile environment, providing a unique perspective to guide these air sorties. GLOs help field the request from coalition ground commanders, and they coordinate with the Carrier Strike Group Seven to determine the best course of action to meet a given situation. Ground Liaison Officers typically deploy for a year at a time, with half of that time usually spent aboard aircraft carriers assigned to the Fifth Fleet's carrier task force.[55]
During its 2011 Fifth Fleet deployment, Carrier Strike Group Seven and its CVW-14 aircraft flew over 900 air sorties in support of coalition ground forces in Afghanistan.[32]
| Number | Regional Exercises | Port Visits | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | U.S. Force | Joint/Bilateral/Multilateral Partner(s) | Operating Area | Location | Dates | ||
| 1st: | 2 Feb. 2011 | Chancellorsville | Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield 2011 | Pearl Harbor | — | — | [27] |
| 3rd: | 28 Feb. to 6 Mar. 2011 | Preble | Oceania Maritime Security Initiative: U.S. Coast Guard | Western Pacific | Pearl Harbor | 19 Feb. 2011 | [28] |
| 3rd: | 2–9 April 2011 | Carrier Strike Group Seven[Note 2] | Malabar 2011: Indian Navy[Note 3] | Western Pacific | Sasebo, Japan | 19 Apr. 2011 | [26][27][28][52] |
| 4th: | — | Carrier Strike Group Seven | — | — | Phuket, Thailand | 1–5 May 2011 | [26][27][28][56][57] |
| 5th: | — | Carrier Strike Group Seven | — | — | Al Hidd, Bahrain | 22–26 May 2011 | [26] |
| 6th: | — | Preble | — | — | Singapore | 29 Jun. 2011 | [28] |
| 7th: | — | Preble | — | — | Muara, Brunei | 4–9 Jul. 2011 | [28] |
| 8th: | — | Preble | — | — | Da Nang, Vietnam | 15 Jul. 2011 | [28] |
| 9th: | — | Carrier Strike Group Seven | — | — | Hong Kong | 12–16 Aug. 2011 | [26][27][28][34][58] |
| 10th: | — | Carrier Strike Group Seven | — | — | Apra Harbor, Guam | 21 Aug. 2011 | [26][27][34][59] |
| 11th: | — | Carrier Strike Group Seven | — | — | Pearl Harbor | 31 Aug. to 3 Sep. 2011 | [26][60] |
On 14 October 2011, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) departed Naval Air Station North Island, California, for carrier qualifications (CQ) with Carrier Air Wing Fourteen off the coast of southern California, returning on 3 November. On 4 November 4 2011, Ronald Regan departed NAS North Island for additional CQ training with the Naval Air Training Command (NATRACOM). On November 2011, the Ronald Reagan was underway for a Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ).[26]
On 1 August 2011, the U.S. Navy announced that Carrier Strike Group Nine will change its permanent duty station from Naval Station Everett to Naval Base San Diego effective 14 December 2012. The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) will be re-assigned as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group Nine following the de-activation of Carrier Strike Group Seven. Abraham Lincoln will shift its homeport from Everett, Washington, to Newport News, Virginia, for its Refueling and Complex Overhaul in August 2012.[2] The deactivation of Carrier Strike Group Seven effective 30 December 2011 reflects the U.S. Navy's future budgetary reductions as well as the realignment of its resources based on the reduced availability of its operational carrier fleet and carrier air wings.[2][61]
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