The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) along with the warships and warplanes of Carrier Strike Group 9 (CSG-9) will deploy to the Indo-Pacific in 2021 to add muscle to U.S. Navy forces already keeping watch on China.
The Nimitz-class flat top, the flagship of CSG-9, was previously expected to be deployed to the Middle East to relieve the USS Nimitz (CVN-68). The Navy has instead decided to assign the USS Theodore Roosevelt to patrol Western Pacific waters alongside the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) homeported to Yokosuka, Japan.
The deployment is the second for CSG-9 this year. The carrier's deployment from January to July was cut short by a severe COVID-19 outbreak that infected more than 1,200 of the 4,800 sailors aboard the carrier. One of these sailors later died from the disease.
CSG-9 and its air wing have been in isolation since mid-November ahead of the deployment to prevent another coronavirus outbreak.
The deployment of CSG-9 began after completion of a sustainment exercise that began shortly after the carrier left San Diego in December.
"Completing SUSTEX confirmed that Carrier Strike Group Nine is ready to sail west to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression, and if necessary, win against any competitor," said CSG-9 commander Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo.
"The entire strike group team came together during a challenging time to train and ultimately prove that it is ready to answer any call."
CSG-9 deployed with two escorts from the earlier 2020 deployment: the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (DDG-52) and guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG-59) as part of Destroyer Squadron 23. It will also include the destroyer USS John Finn (DDG-113) on this deployment.
"Our sailors worked incredibly hard to make sure we set sail with a healthy, capable, and ready crew," said Capt. Eric Anduze, Theodore Roosevelt's commanding officer.
"Our success is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our team and the support of our families and loved ones."
On this deployment, CSG-9 consists of the warships USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71); the cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) and the Arleigh-Burke-class destroyers of Destroyer Squadron 23: USS Russell (DDG-59) and USS John Finn (DDG-113).
CSG-9's Carrier Air Wing 11 based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments. The strike squadrons consist of the "Tomcatters" of VFA-31; the "Golden Warriors" of VFA-87; the "Blue Diamonds" of VFA-146 and the "Black Knights" of VFA-154.
