For the first time since 2016, the United States is deploying two Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, the USS John C. Stennis and the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Mediterranean.
A typical carrier strike group (CSG) includes an aircraft carrier, a guided-missile cruiser, two guided-missile destroyers, an attack submarine and a supply ship for logistical support.
The last time two US carrier strike groups were in the Mediterranean was in summer of 2016, when the Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman CSGs were deployed to the region simultaneously.
In a statement, the US Navy said that this is “a unique opportunity for two strike groups to work together alongside key allies and partners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.”
During their deployments, the CSGs will work with a number of our regional allies and partners at sea, creating opportunities for high-end maritime integration in a challenging environment while improving collective proficiency and interoperability , the US Navy said.
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) deployed from Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Oct. 15, 2018, while USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) deployed from Naval Station Norfolk, April 1, 2019.
Via CNN
