Unprecedented: Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier battle group returns from combat mission

In total, IKECSG warships fired 155 standard missiles and 135 TLAMs from their vertical launch system, both for self-defense and planned attacks. IKECSG aircraft fired nearly 60 air-to-air missiles and dropped 420 air-to-ground weapons.

US Navy press release

The strike group – consisting of the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Mason (DDG 87) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 – was involved in combat operations in the Middle East from November 2023 to June 2024.

“We offer options to our nation’s decision makers. Our job is to keep the peace, respond in crises and, when necessary, fight decisively and win, and you have achieved all of those goals.” said Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti. “They had a mission and fulfilled it every day with determination and perseverance.”

When the Houthis’ capabilities threatened innocent commerce in key waterways, CVW-3 worked with U.S. Air Force forces and coalition partners to launch seven pre-planned, targeted strikes on Iranian-backed and Houthis-controlled areas in Yemen. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Carney (DDG 64) reinforced the strike group in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of ​​operations and launched Tomahawk land-attack missiles (TLAMs) from the Red Sea into Yemen in support of the strikes.

“When called upon, the force took the fight to the Houthis in their front yard, combining airstrikes with dynamic and self-defense strikes. These actions reduced the risk to shipping and also reaffirmed our country’s commitment to maritime security,” said Vice Admiral George Wikoff, commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet. “The currency that funded this important mission was the incredible focus, resilience and professionalism of the Sailors of the IKE Carrier Strike Group over eight months… these are the Navy’s greatest moments since World War II.”

In addition to self-defense strikes against Yemen, IKECSG units attacked dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and unmanned underwater vehicles using one-way attacks, earning awards such as the Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Unit Commendation Award. Several pilots also received personal medals for their exemplary actions against the Houthis’ attacks on IKECSG units on December 31 and January 9, and subsequent attacks. At sea, Philippine Sea and Gravely successfully escorted over 28 valuable, vulnerable units, enabling peaceful passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and Aden, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and Red Sea.

In total, IKECSG warships fired 155 standard missiles and 135 TLAMs from their vertical launch system, both for self-defense and planned attacks. IKECSG aircraft fired nearly 60 air-to-air missiles and dropped 420 air-to-ground weapons.

The Houthi targets in Yemen posed an imminent threat to the United States, coalition, and commercial shipping, and these attacks were aimed at debilitating the Houthi’s strike capabilities at more than 460 pre-planned, dynamic, self-defense targets.

Due to these threats, many civilian vessels were damaged and IKECSG warships responded to their distress calls. Laboon rescued stranded civilians in the Red Sea and handed them over to the regional coast guard. Philippine Sea and its embarked detachment of MH-60R helicopters from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 rescued 24 civilian mariners in distress after a USV struck the M/V Tutor in the southern Red Sea.

For nine months, units within IKECSG were able to maintain operations with minimal port visits thanks to their seamless integration with the Military Sealift Command (MSC). The fast supply-class combat ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6) deployed as part of IKECSG. Logistics in the Red Sea was also supported by the Henry J. Kaiser-class USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196) and the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE-3). Together with the carrier, they enabled all battle group operations, logistics support, command and control structure, and critical medical resources.

The Sailors of IKECSG demonstrated unprecedented resilience, supported by the embarked Deployment Resiliency Team, which worked tirelessly to build connections between Sailors, families and friends. The team included a deployed resilience counselor, two psychologists, a licensed social worker, an integrated prevention coordinator, seven chaplains and a command dog named Demo. When IKECSG returns home, Return and Reunification Teams will be embarked to provide the Sailors with workshops and one-on-one counseling to help them reunite with their loved ones back home.

“What a beautiful day,” said Rear Admiral Kavon Hakimzadeh, Commander of CSG-2 of the IKECSG, upon the return of the IKECSG. “These Sailors are surrounded by their loved ones after a long deployment. Each and every one of them has demonstrated a level of courage and resilience that we can all be proud of. I am so proud to be part of this Navy team and I am grateful to everyone who put in the time and effort to make this homecoming a great one!”

The units departed their homeports of Norfolk and Oceana, Virginia; Mayport, Florida; and Whidbey Island, Washington, on October 13 and 14 for their scheduled deployment. Now back home, the IKECSG Sailors will have an opportunity to rest and recuperate.

The squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 3 include the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, the Fighting Swordsmen of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, the Screwtops of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the Zappers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7, the Swamp Foxes of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, and the Rawhides of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.