An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Sept. 10, 2021

Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and Air Wing of the Future Operate in South China Sea

By Lt. John Lobkowicz Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

SOUTH CHINA SEA -- Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (VINCSG) and their embarked Air Wing of the Future, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, are operating in the South China Sea in order to uphold the free and open use of Indo-Pacific waters in support of security and stability in the region.

This marks the first time that a carrier strike group is operating in the South China Sea with the advanced capabilities of the F-35C Lightning II and Navy CMV-22B Osprey.

“When we deployed, we brought with us the unprecedented stealth, electronic warfare and vertical lift capabilities of the Air Wing of the Future and these platforms have delivered,” said Rear Adm. Dan Martin, commander, VINCSG.

“Integrating emerging technologies to enhance capabilities and improve effectiveness has long been fundamental to strike group operations and using the new tools and technology of the Air Wing of the Future, to include the new sets of multispectral sensors and the information they provide, have increased our lethality and survivability. Leveraging tactics and training, we continue to establish innovative ways to use these new technologies to enhance our combined warfighting efforts.”

The strike group is providing fleet commanders the ability to project power in new and powerful ways. The Air Wing of the Future uses advanced and layered effects. With integrated passive and active sensors, it provides battlespace awareness for strike groups and fleet commanders.

"Safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific means understanding the space, electromagnetic, and information environment along this vital international maritime highway," said Capt. Tony Butera, VINCSG’s information warfare commander. "The operations we conducted recently enhanced our multi-domain understanding of this historic area, ensuring the information warfare teams onboard our ships can better support the carrier strike group's overall goals of maintaining security, promoting stability, and preventing conflict."

Prior to entering the South China Sea, VINCSG and CVW-2 conducted joint interoperability flights with U.K. Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 21 and participated in Large Scale Exercise 2021.

“We are now seeing the results of years of programming, planning, and training. Our enhanced multi-spectral maneuverability is a glimpse of what the future of Naval Aviation will bring to the fight,” said Capt. Tommy Locke, commander, CVW-2. “And, it’s not just about technology. Our maintainers and operators have the most experience taking our advanced Air Wing to sea. With their resilience, innovation, and determination, nothing will stop us. Our sailors, officers, and partners are our competitive advantage."

VINCSG provides a combat-ready force to protect and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its regional allies and partners. Collectively, the VINCSG consists of more than 7,000 Sailors, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe.
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
X
362,822
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
USS Annapolis Port Visit in Perth, Australia
March 12, 2024 - USS Annapolis (SSN 760) arrived in HMAS Stirling in Perth, Western Australia Sunday...

U.S. Army Assault Helicopters Conduct Deck Landings on USNS Dahl
Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade exit a U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter after single-spot deck-landing qualifications on prepositioning ship USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312), March 7. (Courtesy photo)
March 12, 2024 - Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade (2-2 CAB) conducted deck landings with U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters on prepositioning ship USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312), March 7...

U.S. Coast Guard member safely evacuated in joint operation with Navy's HSC-25 near Guam
On March 6, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy's Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) effectively evacuated a U.S. Coast Guard member from the USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10), 100 nautical miles south of Guam, in a joint effort. The incident began on March 5, when the Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam received a communication from the Polar Star crew regarding a 43-year-old man aboard experiencing severe abdominal pain. Recognizing the need for urgent medical attention beyond the capabilities available on ship, watchstanders directed the cutter to reroute closer to Guam and initiate a medical evacuation. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Graves)
March 12, 2024 - On March 6, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy's Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) effectively evacuated a Coast Guard member from the USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10), 100 nautical miles south of Guam, in a joint...

Annapolis Visits Australia
ROCKINGHAM, Western Australia (March 10, 2024) – U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) prepare the submarine to moor alongside Diamantina Pier at Fleet Base West in Rockingham, Western Australia, March 10, 2024. The nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarine is in HMAS Stirling for the second visit by a fast-attack submarine to Australia since the announcement of the AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom, United States) Optimal Pathway in March 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kaitlyn E. Eads)
March 11, 2024 - USS Annapolis (SSN 760) arrived in HMAS Stirling in Perth, Western Australia Sunday...

Joint exercise Cobra Gold 24 concludes furthering multinational relationships and interoperability
U.S. Army soldiers assigned to Chosin Company, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, and members of the 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment Royal Thai Army conduct squad movement techniques at a small arms range during Exercise Cobra Gold 24, Feb. 29, 2024, in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand. The multilateral exercise strengthens regional relationships and enhances interoperability among Allies and partners through shared experiences and rigorous training.  (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Effie Mahugh, 7th Infantry Division)
March 11, 2024 - This year’s Cobra Gold, the paramount joint multinational military exercise in Southeast Asia, successfully concluded after two weeks of intensive training, humanitarian efforts and cultural exchanges...