George H.W. Bush and Carl Vinson Strike Groups Turnover Duties

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chase Martin, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH, At Sea (NNS) -- Carl Vinson Strike Group (CV CSG) relieved George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWB CSG) of their duties in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Oct. 18.

The GHWB CSG deployed Feb. 15, and since then conducted maritime security operations and theater security cooperation, supported Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Inherent Resolve against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorists in Iraq and Syria, as well as participated in various military exercises with regional partners in U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet AORs.

Following the turnover, GHWB CSG will depart the 5th Fleet AOR and return to its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia.

Commanded by Rear Adm. DeWolfe Miller, GHWB CSG is comprised of aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22, guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).

"The Sailors who man our ships and squadrons should be extremely proud of what we, as a team, accomplished while deployed to the 5th Fleet AOR," said Miller. "Carl Vinson Strike Group has the watch and their presence, like ours, will enhance regional stability and make a difference in the fight against terrorism."

To date, the Carrier Airwing 8/GHWB team amassed 32,611 flight hours, 12,548 total sorties, and 9,752 traps.

GHWB CSG is on a scheduled deployment to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.