Ships of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Conduct Port Visit in Duqm

12 April 2021

From U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (April 12, 2021) – The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), flagship of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG), and guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) conducted a scheduled port visit in support of logistics and maintenance in Duqm, Oman, April 10-12.

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210411-N-AY174-1086 DUQM (April 11, 2021) - Vice Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces speaks with Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during a sustainment and logistics visit in Duqm, Oman, April 11. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Paciﬁc through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brianna T. Thompson-Lee)

While this was a working port visit, crew members had an opportunity to rest and unwind in a designated liberty area on the pier. These activities were planned and carried out in full compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Defense (DOD) and host nation COVID-19 mitigation measures.

“I can’t say enough great things about the hard work and dedication shown by the entire IKE team throughout the deployment,” said Capt. Paul Campagna, commanding officer of Eisenhower. “We are excited for the opportunity to take a break from the day-to-day operations at sea and we are grateful to our Omani partners for providing their port facilities and supporting us during this visit.”

During the port visit, Vice Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, visited the Eisenhower and addressed the crew over the ship’s public address system.

“It is wonderful to see the IKE crew out here in the 5th Fleet, still leading the way after having undergone some of the most demanding conditions from her previous deployment,” said Paparo. “Having been previously stationed aboard as a naval aviator years back and seeing the enduring commitment that the crew brings to today’s mission only reinforces the strength and resilience that’s infused in everything IKE and the strike group as a whole has accomplished in U.S. 6th Fleet and what has carried on into our area of operations.”

While in 5th Fleet, the IKE CSG is operating and training alongside regional and coalition partners, and providing naval aviation support to Operation Inherent Resolve.

Deploying ships and aircraft of the strike group, commanded by Rear Adm. Scott F. Robertson, include the Eisenhower; guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); and guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Mahan (DDG 72) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

Squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, embarked on Eisenhower include the “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, “Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, “Rampagers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83; “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7; “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74; “Screwtops” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123; “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, the “Rawhides”.

The 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three chokepoints, critical to the free flow of global commerce.

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