Updated: Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Deploys

Official U.S. Navy file photo of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) steaming past Point Loma into San Diego Bay last fall following their last deployment.
Focus On Defense:

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 24, 2008 (NNS) -- Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) departed San Diego Jan. 24, for a planned four-month deployment to the Western Pacific in support of U.S. commitments in the region.

Nimitz CSG is deploying under the Navy's Fleet Response Plan, which provides the U.S. with the ability to respond on short notice to any global responsibility with flexible and sustainable forces.

"The purpose of this deployment is to establish security at sea and support to the [global] war on terrorism," said Nimitz's Commanding Officer, Capt. Michael C. Manazir. "We will enhance the capability to work with other nations as one team."

During the past few months, Nimitz CSG has conducted several training exercises off the coast of California to prepare the ship's crew for this deployment.

"Everyone is highly motivated and ready to provide support and humanitarian assistance," said Nimitz's Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Billy Ward. "The crew's performance from the last deployment was excellent,now I am expecting the same results from this one."

Prior to departure, families and friends gathered at the pier to spend time with their Sailor or Marine, giving their last goodbye.

"It is very hard to leave our families and friends behind, but that's what we are here for, to support the country," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Jose Gutierrez, Nimitz crew member. "I look forward to get as many qualifications as possible and visit new countries."

Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. Terry Blake, is comprised of CSG 11, Carrier Air Wing 11, Destroyer Squadron 23, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Higgins (DDG 76) and USS Chafee (DDG 90); the "Scorpions" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49, the "Easy Riders" of HSL-37 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11.

In September 2007, Nimitz CGS returned from a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf and the Western Pacific. During this deployment, Nimitz CSG supported Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Maritime Security Operations and participated in joint and coalition military exercises and operations with several countries.

(Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Alexia M. Riveracorrea, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific.)

Tags: War, Military, terrorism, Middle East, Operation Iraqi Freedom, United States, coalition, photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism, Combat Camera, Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraq, Navy, Marines, Marine Corps, USMC, Carrier Strike Group, maritime security operation, USS Nimitz, Focus On Defense
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