PHILIPPINE SEA –
The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG), Theodore Roosevelt CSG and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted a Multi-Large Deck Event (MLDE) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 31.
MLDE provided the two maritime forces an opportunity to engage in joint operations to include enhanced maritime communication operations, air warfare operations and cross-deck flight operations to strengthen maritime integrated-at-sea operations and combat readiness.
The event, conducted in accordance with international law in international waters, saw the participation of U.S. Navy CSGs, led by their flagships USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) of CSG-1, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) of CSG-9, and JMSDF’s Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182).
“The U.S. and Japan are uniquely capable of rapidly assembling multiple large-deck naval forces in support of mutual security interests in the Indo Pacific. Our ability to rapidly aggregate and work collectively alongside the JMSDF and the Theodore Roosevelt strike group is positive proof,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander, CSG-1. “Events like these are not new. The Vinson strike group has conducted similar operations since 2001, and most recently in November 2023 along with the Ronald Reagan CSG and the JMSDF in the Philippine Sea.”
During this multi-day event, ships and aircraft from the allied forces flew and sailed in accordance with international law in international waters while conducting air defense drills, sea surveillance, cross-deck exercises and tactical maneuvers to advance unique high-end warfighting capability.
“The purpose of this training is to improve the tactical skill and interoperability with the U.S. Navy,” said JMSDF Rear Adm. SHIMIZU Hitoshi, commander of Escort Flotilla 2. “Our relationship is committed to regional peace and stability.”
Coordinated maritime engagements and operations in the Philippine Sea are part of the U.S. Navy’s routine presence in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. naval forces, with our network of partners and alliances, are indispensable to ensuring maritime security and the flow of unimpeded lawful commerce in the region.
“The sailors of Carrier Strike Group Nine are proud to be operating forward, and to integrate with their teammates from the Vinson Strike Group and JMSDF. We are more capable when we work together to address shared maritime security challenges.” said Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, commander, CSG-9. “Being able to consistently conduct complex operations such as this demonstrates the inherent flexibility of the U.S. Navy to operate whenever and wherever we choose, giving our nation and allies flexible options for deterrence and defense.”
November 2023 is the most recent time CSG-1 participated in a large deck event in the Philippine Sea with the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group alongside JMSDF.
Participating CSG-1 assets consisted of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1, which includes Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104), USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), and USS John Finn (DDG 113).
Participating CSG-9 assets consisted of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70), nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 and three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, including USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and USS Daniel K. Inouye (DDG 118) and USS Halsey (DDG 97).
Both CSG-1 and CSG-9 are made up of a multiplatform team of ships and aircraft, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief response. CSG-1 and CSG-9 are currently deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
For more news from CSG-1, visit http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1
For more news from CSG-9, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSTR-CVN71