Carrier strike group

A carrier strike group is a special team used by the United States Navy. It usually has about 7,500 people and includes an aircraft carrier, at least one cruiser, a group of two or more destroyers or frigates, and a carrier air wing with 65 to 70 airplanes. Sometimes, it also has submarines, logistics ships, and a supply ship. The leader of the carrier strike group reports to the leader of the numbered fleet.

Carrier strike groups are very important for showing the strength of the United States. One big supercarrier can have as much power as the air forces of whole countries. Until recently, these groups were called “carrier battle groups,” but now they are known by the name of the carrier they use, like the Enterprise Strike Group. As of March 2023, there are 11 carrier strike groups in the U.S. Navy.

These groups can work in tight spaces or wide open waters, day or night, and in any weather. The main job of the aircraft carrier and its airplanes is to attack, while the other ships help protect and support. Sometimes, the other ships also join in attacks, and the airplanes help defend the group. This makes the carrier strike group a strong and flexible team for the navy.

History

The idea of grouping ships together for the U.S. Navy started in the 1920s, using experiences from battles with big ships like battleships. During World War II, aircraft carriers were part of special groups called carrier divisions and were used in important battles like the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway.

After World War II, these groups changed names a few times. In 1973, Carrier Division 1 became Carrier Group 1. By the 1990s, they were called Carrier Battle Groups. In 2004, the name changed again to carrier strike groups, focusing more on using aircraft to support land operations instead of big sea battles.

Missions

Carrier strike groups have many important jobs, both during war and in times when there is no war. In times of peace, they help keep the world safe, support friends, and be ready if something bad happens. These groups travel to different parts of the world for about six to eight months to help where it is needed.

Some of their main jobs include:

• Attacking important targets from far away, no matter the weather or time of day.
• Keeping control of the sea, including near coasts and important water paths.
• Protecting ships that carry goods or soldiers.
• Helping marine soldiers get ready for operations on land.
• Giving help after natural disasters.
• Watching and learning about what happens in areas near the coast.
• Leading groups of U.S. and other countries' forces.
• Taking control of the sky in certain areas.
• Defending places from attacks by missiles.
• Supporting peace by working with friends and showing strength when needed.

Typical CSG composition

A carrier strike group is a special team used by the United States Navy. It usually has about 7,500 people and includes different types of ships and airplanes. The main ship is a very big aircraft carrier, which acts as the leader for the whole group. There are also airplanes, cruisers, destroyers, and sometimes submarines. These ships help protect the aircraft carrier and can carry special missiles for long distances.

Each part of the strike group is important and works together. Even though they work together during missions, they are usually part of different Navy teams when not on a mission. This helps make sure everyone is ready for different jobs when needed.

Composite Warfare Command structure

A carrier strike group has many important leaders who help keep everything running smoothly. The main leader is called the Commander of the CSG, often a rear admiral. This leader makes sure all the ships and planes are ready and working well.

During battles, the same leader becomes the Composite Warfare Commander. This leader has special commanders for different jobs, like planning air attacks or keeping watch over the water. These commanders help make sure the whole group works together safely and effectively.

List of Carrier Strike Groups

The United States Navy has 11 carrier strike groups. Ten of these are based in the United States, and one is stationed in Japan. These groups were renamed from older carrier and cruiser-destroyer groups. The Navy needs six of these groups ready to deploy within 30 days and two more within 90 days. Usually, one group stays in the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Southwest Asia, and another stays in the U.S. Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific. The groups operate in the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean and the U.S. Fourth Fleet near South America when moving between areas. The leaders of these groups report to the commander of the fleet they are working with, depending on where they are.

Some carriers go through long refuelling and repair periods. For example, the USS Theodore Roosevelt did not have a carrier strike group while it was being repaired from 2009 to 2013. The USS Abraham Lincoln moved to Newport News, Virginia in 2012 for similar repairs. In 2014, the U.S. Navy announced that the USS Ronald Reagan would take the place of the USS George Washington as the main ship for Carrier Strike Group Five in Japan. The George Washington was preparing to go to Newport News for its own repairs.

Some carrier strike groups have changed their home ports. In 2014, the USS Theodore Roosevelt moved its home port to Naval Base San Diego, California, and joined the U.S. Third Fleet. As of January 2012^[update], the U.S. Navy aimed to keep 11 carriers active but only had 10 until the USS Gerald R. Ford entered service in 2017. On August 4, 2017, the George Washington entered a dry dock in Newport News, Virginia for a four-year repair period.

Some carrier strike groups are no longer active. Carrier Strike Group Four was renamed several times and now serves as a training command. Carrier Strike Group Six was disestablished after being created in 2004. Carrier Strike Group Fifteen was also disestablished, and its ship, Ronald Reagan, was moved to Carrier Strike Group Seven. Carrier Strike Group Seven was deactivated in 2011 due to budget cuts and fewer available ships.