SANTA RITA, Guam -- The Carl Vinson Strike Group arrived in Guam, Jan. 30-31, for the first scheduled port visit of a Western Pacific deployment.

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) arrived with nearly 6,000 Sailors. The strike group last visited Guam in February 2017.

"We visited last year and we are glad to be back," said Rear Adm. John Fuller, the strike group commander. "Our Sailors always feel welcome in Guam and we appreciate the community's continued support."

Sailors will visit local attractions during organized tours and enjoy various outdoor activities while in Guam.

"Guam is an outdoorsman's dream," said Rebekah Mckoy, Carl Vinson's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) director. "From crystal clear snorkeling and scuba diving in the warm waters, to hiking up mountains and down waterfalls, there is plenty of fun in the sun to be had. Sailors wishing to remain indoors can catch up on movies at the theaters or shop in the abundance of retail stores."

The strike group is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to conduct maritime security operations, promote freedom of the seas, and work with partners and allies to enhance regional security and stability.

The strike group's deployment in the Indo-Pacific region marks the second time it is operating under U.S. 3rd Fleet's command and control. U.S. 3rd Fleet's control of ships and aircraft across the Western Pacific and beyond the international dateline to India enables U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet to operate together across a broad spectrum of maritime missions.

The strike group includes Carl Vinson, Carrier Air Wing 2, Wayne E. Meyer and Michael Murphy of Destroyer Squadron 1, and guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57).