YOKOSUKA, Japan - Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 departed for patrol, May 16, to commence its routine operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

CSG 5 is starting this patrol with the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67); guided-missile destroyers USS Barry (DDG 52), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and USS Mustin (DDG 89) from Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15; and aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5.

CVW-5 is comprised of seven fixed-wing and two rotary-wing squadrons including: the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet; the "Royal Maces" of VFA-27, the "Dambusters" of VFA-195, and the "Eagles" of VFA-115, flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet; the "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, flying the E/A-18G Growler; the "Tiger Tails" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, flying the E-2C Hawkeye; the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, Det. 5, flying the C-2A Greyhound; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, flying the MH- 60S Seahawk; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77, flying the MH-60R Seahawk.

Ronald Reagan and CVW-5 are scheduled to conduct flight deck and carrier qualifications to certify their ability to safely launch and recover aircraft following Ronald Reagan’s recent completion of sea trials.

"Coming out of a long in-port maintenance period, we have to ensure that Ronald Reagan, CVW-5 and the remainder of the strike group are integrated properly as we move forward," said Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander, Task Force 70. "As our ships' and our aircrafts' capabilities evolve, we have to do the same as a strike group. I look forward to sailing together as a cohesive unit, working with our allies and partners in the region, and continuing our persistent operations throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific."

CSG 5 is forward-deployed to Japan, and routinely operates throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific to support regional security and stability.