Carrier Strike Group 10

Historical background

Carrier Strike Group 10's lineage can be traced to Destroyer Flotilla 2, which was established during the First World War at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. The Flotilla was deactivated in 1922 as part of fleet reductions after the war. Destroyer Flotilla 2 was reactivated in 1931 and served throughout the 1930s as a caretaker of reserve destroyers until again deactivated in the early days of World War II. As part of a Navy reorganization, the Flotilla was reactivated yet again in 1946. In 1973, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 2 was renamed Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2, and it relocated to Charleston Navy Yard in South Carolina in 1974. Among its ships was USS Yosemite (AD-19), a destroyer tender.

Rear Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., the first African-American flag officer in the U.S. Navy, commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2. Vice Admiral Henry C. Mustin, also commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2. During his tenure as Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2, Admiral Mustin was a pioneer in the tactical use of the Tomahawk cruise missile, and he was one of the first non-aviators to command a U.S. Navy carrier strike group.

In late June 1990, Rear Admiral Thomas D. Paulson, Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2, led the cruiser USS Harry E. Yarnell (CG-17) and the frigate USS Kauffman (FFG-59) to visit Poland during BALTOPS '90, a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-hosted exercise in the Baltic Sea. Their port call at Gdynia was the first visit by United States Navy vessels to Poland since 1927.

In the middle of 1992, there was a U.S. Navy reorganization. The chart below shows Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2's units after the reorganization.

In 1993, following a fleet reorganization, the group staff went aboard a new flagship, the new Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73). The group participated in the 2000 NATO Exercise Destined Glory, Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Deny Flight, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Vigilant Resolve. After 2001 the group took part in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 1997 Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2, Rear Admiral Michael Mullen, led the group on deployment from George Washington.

On 1 October 2004, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2 was redesignated as Carrier Strike Group 10. Subsequently, George Washington was relieved as the flagship by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).

Command structure

The strike group commander is responsible for unit-level training, integrated training, and material readiness for the ships and aviation squadrons assigned to the group. When not deployed, the strike group is part of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and its commander reports to Commander Task Force 80, the director of Fleet Forces' Maritime Headquarters. Carrier Strike Group 10 is designated Task Group 80.4. When deployed overseas, the group comes under command of the numbered fleet (Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh) in whose area it is operating, and will have a task force or task group designator, for example, Task Group 50.1 in the Fifth Fleet area.

Group commanders since May 2004 have included:

2004-2005 deployment

Carrier Strike Group Ten departed Norfolk on 13 October 2004 for an extended deployment under the command of Rear Admiral Michael C. Tracy. The strike group participated in the Joint Maritime Course north of Scotland between 25–28 October 2004 which included multi-national strike, surface, and submarine warfare exercises. The strike group transited the Suez Canal on 11 November 2004, joining the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and relieved Carrier Strike Group Four, led by USS John F. Kennedy, on 20 November 2004.

Truman and Carrier Air Wing Three launched 2,577 sorties, totaling nearly 13,000 flight hours, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and maritime security operations being relieved by the Carrier Strike Group One in the Persian Gulf on 19 March 2005. One major air operation involved a VAW-126 detachment of two E-2C Hawkeyes that operated out of Kandahar International Airport in southern Afghanistan, from 4–13 December 2004. The detachment's mission was to provide airborne command and control for the inauguration of President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai. This event was attended by an entourage led by U.S. Vice President Richard B. Cheney and Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld.

Despite plans to cross the equator and visited South Africa, diplomatic issues caused the strike group to transit the Suez Canal, stopping in Portsmouth, England, prior to returning to the United States on 19 April 2005.

Preparation exercises, 2005 and 2007

Code-named Operation Brewing Storm, Joint Task Force Exercise 05-2 (JTFEX 05-2) was held between 14–22 July 2005, and it involved Carrier Strike Group Ten, Carrier Strike Group 2, the Spanish frigate Álvaro de Bazán, and the Peruvian submarine Antofagasta. Truman and Carrier Air Wing Three also completed sustainment training 19 July 2005 in accordance with the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Response Training Plan (FRTP), which included general quarters drills, strike warfare, close air support, and air defense operations. Following humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in September 2005, Truman underwent an extended yard period at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia.

In 2007, the strike group's final preparation for deployment was Joint Task Force Exercise 07-2 (JTFEX 07-2). JTFEX 07-2 involved 30 ships and more than 15,000 personnel from five different navies led by the aircraft carriers USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Harry S. Truman, and HMS Illustrious (pictured). It took place between 26–31 August 2007 off the coast of North Carolina and Florida.

2007-2008 deployment

On 5 November 2007, the group departed Norfolk under the command of Rear Admiral William E. Gortney for its 2007-2008 deployment.

Carrier Air Wing Three aircraft flew more than 26,500 hours during 9,500 sorties, including 2,459 combat sorties directly in support of coalition forces operating on the ground in Iraq. This included flying almost 14,000 combat hours and expended 77,500 pounds of ordnance during 228 troops-in-contact events, as well as providing defense to the Iraqi oil platforms. Additionally, the carrier air wing provided logistical support to the American Embassy in Lebanon. The air wing's aircraft also carried out a variety of security cooperation exercises with five countries within the Sixth Fleet and Fifth Fleet areas to enhance allied cooperation and interoperability.

Surface warships of Destroyer Squadron 26 operated with over 50 coalition warships from 11 countries supporting combat operations in Iraq, carrying maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf, and conducting seven exercises throughout the Middle East. The squadron's warships made 1,021 approach-and-assist visits with local fishermen and merchants to encourage them to contact coalition warships as first responders against Persian Gulf piracy and smuggling. They also conducted Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, searching for vessels that could support international terrorist organizations by transferring personnel, drugs, and weapons. Finally, Destroyer Squadron 26 provided security patrols in the northern Persian Gulf to protect the vital Khor Al-Amaya and Al-Basra oil terminals from possible terrorist attacks.

Carrier Strike Group 10 completed its 2007-2008 deployment on 6 June 2008.

2010 deployment

On 21 May 2010, Carrier Strike Group 10 deployed for its 2010 deployment under the command of Rear Admiral Patrick Driscoll. During the seven-month deployment, the strike group flew 2,915 missions into Afghanistan and Iraq, delivering 35,000 pounds (15,876 kg) of ordnance in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn, providing surge support for coalition forces in Afghanistan, and to support existing maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf. Detachments from helicopter squadron HSL-44 based on board the destroyers Oscar Austin and Winston S. Churchill flew a combined 1,875 hours in support of anti-piracy operations, multinational training events, and counter-smuggling missions in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

Normandy served as the naval Regional Air Defense Commander (RADC) during the deployment, providing surveillance of more than 264 million square miles (683.8 million km²) of air space. On 5 July 2010, the guided-missile frigate Elrod assisted 16 stranded Pakistani fishermen (pictured) whose boat had taken on water and sank two days earlier. After being spotted floating adrift in a life raft by a Task Force 57 Lockheed P-3 Orion, the stranded crew was recovered by the Elrod's rigid-hulled inflatable boat before being transferred to the Pakistani Navy frigate PNS Babur on 6 July 2010. On 18 November 2010, guided-missile destroyer Oscar Austin located and provided assistance to two Iranian mariners who were spotted floating in a life raft in the Persian Gulf. Oscar Austin was operating with Combined Task Force 152, and the two mariners were picked up by an Iranian rescue vessel.

On 15 November 2010, four Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters from squadron VMM-266 landed and re-fueled on board the carrier Harry S. Truman following operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan. These VMM-266 helicopters part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and they were returning to the amphibious assault ship Kearsarge after completing humanitarian relief efforts in Pakistan. Because of the distance between Pakistan and Kearsarge, Truman acted as an intermediate refueling point.

Carrier Strike Group 10 returned to Naval Station Norfolk on 20 December 2010, completing its six-month deployment.

2011-2013 operations

Exercise FRUKUS 2011, involving France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, began off the coast of Virginia on 20 June 2011. It was a two-week exercise to improve the navies' maritime security operations capabilities. Involved in the exercise were the carrier strike group, Destroyer Squadron 26, the U.S. destroyer James E. Williams, the French frigate French frigate Ventôse, the Russian Udaloy class destroyer Admiral Chabanenko, and the British destroyer Dauntless. The exercise consisted of two phases, ashore and at-sea. The week-long ashore phase included damage control, fire fighting, and ship handling exercises. The at-sea phase (pictured) occurred during the second week, between 27 June and 1 July, and included maritime domain awareness training, anti-piracy operations, and maritime interdiction operations. A multi-national task group staff ashore provided command and control.

Between 31 July and 2 August 2011, Destroyer Squadron 26 participated in a passing exercise with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ships off the east coast of the United States. Passing exercises are designed to provide realistic training environments that closely replicates the operational challenges routinely encountered around the world. The destroyer squadron worked in close coordination with the JMSDF Training Squadron which consists of newly commissioned Japanese surface warfare officers. U.S. naval units participating were Carrier Strike Group 10, Destroyer Squadron 26, the guided-missile cruiser Vicksburg, the guided-missile destroyer Nitze, and the guided-missile frigate Taylor. The JMSDF Training Squadron consisted of the destroyer Mineyuki, the training vessel Asagiri, and the training vessel Kashima.

Between 19 and 29 June 2012, the group staff participated in War of 1812 Commemoration Fleet Exercise, or 1812 FleetEx, with Rear Admiral Herman Shelanski embarked on the helicopter carrier Wasp. It involved 19 warships from the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, Portugal, Denmark, and Canada under the command of Rear Admiral Scott Craig, the Commander Strike Force Training Atlantic. The 1812 FleetEx also served as the summer cruise for over 60 midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy.

On 7 July 2012, Harry S. Truman departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia, for sea trials (pictured) following its 16-month-long docking planned incremental availability overhaul. Harry S. Truman completed its sea trials on 10 July 2012, signaling the conclusion of Truman's overhaul period and the start of its pre-deployment training cycle, beginning with carrier qualifications on 3 August 2012.

On 24 October 2012, Harry S. Truman completed its tailored ship's training availability (TSTA) period. as well as successfully its final evaluation problem (FEP) assessment, following a 24-day underway period. Carrier Air Wing Three underwent advanced training at Naval Air Station, Nevada, between 12 November to 21 December 2012 while the Truman performed carrier-based evaluation of the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System between 26 November and 18 December 2012 (pictured).

On 14 January 2013, the strike group began its Composite Training Unit Exercise in order to undertake a surge deployment to the U.S. Fifth Fleet, two months ahead of its previously scheduled departure date. One unit of Carrier Strike Group Ten not part of this surge deployment was the guided-missile cruiser San Jacinto which was undergoing repairs following a collision with the nuclear-powered attack submarine Montpelier on 13 October 2012 during training exercises off the coast of Florida. Joining the strike group were the Canadian frigate Ville de Québec and replenishment oiler Preserver, as well as the German frigate Hamburg. On 3 February 2013, the group completed its Composite Training Unit Exercise and returned to its homeports. It was also announced that the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser Gettysburg and the German frigate Hamburg would join the strike group for its upcoming 2013 deployment.

On 6 February 2013, the planned deployment of the strike group was postponed, pending the resolution of the upcoming U.S. budget sequestration, leaving Carrier Strike Group Three led by John C. Stennis as the only carrier force in the Persian Gulf region. Carrier Strike Group Ten was originally scheduled to depart Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on 8 February 2013.

On 5 June 2013, Carrier Strike Group 10 was underway to begin its final sustainment exercise (pictured) prior to its upcoming deployment, completing this exercise on 17 June 2013.

2013–2014 deployment

On 22 July 2013, Carrier Strike Group Ten departed Norfolk Naval Base, Virginia, for its 2013 deployment to the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. The group was scheduled to join the U.S. Fifth Fleet in mid-August, and was slated to relieve Carrier Strike Group Eleven. The duration of this deployment was estimated to be between eight and nine months in length. The surface warfare duties for the strike group will be coordinated by the 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron, a combined American-British staff. Carrier Strike Group Ten joined the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea in two sections. The first section consisted of the cruiser San Jacinto and the two destroyers, joining the fleet on 26 July 2013. The second section consisted of the carrier Harry S. Truman and the cruiser Gettysburg, joining on 29 July 2013. This is the first time that the strike group has operated with the Sixth Fleet since 2010.

On 19 August 2013, Carrier Strike Group Ten transited the Suez Canal (pictured) and joined the U.S. Fifth Fleet. Carrier Strike Group Ten relieved Carrier Strike Group Eleven on 26 August 2013 and began combat air operations in support of the War in Afghanistan on 27 August 2013 (pictured). Both U.S. Navy carrier strike groups remained in the north Arabian Sea area pending potential military action against Syria amid allegations that the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons during the ongoing Syrian civil war, including the gas attacks that occurred on 21 August 2013. On 2 September 2013, Carrier Strike Group Eleven moved into the Red Sea while Carrier Strike Group Ten continued to operate in the North Arabian Sea.

On 6 October 2013, the strike group's flagship, Harry S. Truman, dispatched a helicopter in response to a medical assistance on board the Marshall Islands-flagged merchant vessel C Elephant located 130 nautical miles (240 km; 150 mi) from Carrier Strike Group in the Gulf of Oman.

The destroyer Mason carried out independent operations in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, including escorting the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Eleven, the carrier Nimitz, during its southbound transit of the Suez Canal on 6 November 2013.

On 16 November 2013, the cruiser San Jacinto provided assistance to a fishing vessel found adrift in the Red Sea. The two mariners were brought on board San Jacinto for medical examination prior to transferring them to the Yemen Coast Guard on 17 November 2013. Previously in October 2013, San Jacinto escorted Carrier Strike Group Eleven when that group operated in Red Sea.

By the midpoint of this deployment, 6 December 2013, Carrier Strike Group Ten and its Carrier Air Wing Three embarked on the carrier Truman had completed over 7,000 sorties for a total of 19,700 flight hours, including 1,500 sorties in support of combat operation in Afghanistan for a total of over 8,900 flight hours.

As of New Years Day 2014, Carrier Strike Group Ten was the only U.S. Navy carrier strike group underway worldwide. On 14 January 2014, Carrier Strike Group Ten began combined air operations with the French Navy's Task Force 473 led by its flagship, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Additionally, both carrier task groups conducted cross-deck air training, air defense maneuvers, and a war at sea exercise during this month-long combined deployment in the Persian Gulf. On 2 February 2014, combined operations between the two carrier task groups concluded. Carrier Strike Group Ten ended combat operations for its 2013–2014 deployment on 19 March 2014. Carrier Air Wing Three flew over 2,900 sorties for over 16,400 flight hours in support of coalition operations in Afghanistan since 27 August 2013. On 22 March 2014, Carrier Strike Group Two relieved Carrier Strike Group Ten as Task Force 50. Carrier Strike Group Ten transited the Bab-el-Mandeb strait on 24 March 2014. On 18 April 2014, units of Carrier Strike Group Ten arrived back at their home-ports, completing a nine-month-long deployment.

Subsequently, Harry S. Truman entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia, to begin its yard maintenance period on 5 November 2014. Major tasks include modernization of the nuclear propulsion plant, the main engine, and attached lube oil pump repairs as well as major inspections of the ship's catapult launch system.

2015 operations

On 27 May 2015, the Harry Truman completed five days of sea trials following its six-month condensed incremental availability (CIA) maintenance period. From 19 May 29 to 4 June 2015, the Truman completed flight deck certification and carrier qualifications. Truman also conducted an underway on-loading of ammunition from the dry cargo ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE-12) between 1–3 June 2015. Over 1,340 pallets of ordnance weighing estimated 3,900,000 lb (1,800,000 kg) were transferred to the Truman in preparation for the upcoming work-up exercise cycles for 2015 deployment of Carrier Strike Group Ten. On 8 June 2015, the Truman completed its Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) exercises. The strike group completed its Fleet Synthetic Training - Group Commander exercise on 21 August 2015. Truman departed for its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) training on 2 September 2015.

Unit changes

On 6 October 2014, U.S. Fleet Forces Command announced that the future deployments for two Norfolk-based aircraft carriers have been changed in accordance with the U.S. Navy's Optimized Fleet Response Plan (O-FRP).

Beginning in Fiscal Year 2015, the Optimized Fleet Response Plan aligns carrier strike groups to a 36-month training and deployment cycle. All required maintenance, training, evaluations, plus a single eight-month overseas deployment, are scheduled throughout this 36-month cycle in order to reduce costs while increasing overall fleet readiness. Additionally, this new plan streamlined the inspection and evaluation process while maintaining a surge capacity for emergency deployments. The ultimate objective is to reduce time at sea while increasing in-port time from 49% to 68%. While initially to be used by U.S. Navy carrier strike groups, the Optimized Fleet Response Plan will be adopted for all fleet operations.

Accordingly, the carrier Harry S. Truman will be the first carrier to deploy under this new O-FRP cycle, replacing the preciously-scheduled USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in the deployment line-up. Additionally, the Carrier Strike Group Eight command staff will deploy with Truman while Eisenhower will serve as the new flagship for Carrier Strike Group Ten. This change does not affect the other ships or units that are otherwise assigned to either strike groups.