The Red Sea – U.S. carrier-based naval aviation returned to the Middle East on Dec. 14, as the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) transited through the Suez Canal and entered the U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations.
Rear Adm. Bret Batchelder, commander of CSG-8, said he feels that following the workup cycle the strike group is prepared to conduct any mission.
“We had a highly successful month in the 6th Fleet area of operation culminating with a successful Suez transit,” said Batchelder. “This region offers many opportunities to collaborate with partners and allies. Our combined efforts, resources and shared experiences foster a more stable and prosperous region.”
Sailors aboard Truman watched the Egyptian coastline as the ship transited the 120-mile long canal connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Following the passage, the crewmembers received certificates recognizing the accomplishment.
Truman’s arrival marks the first carrier strike group in the region since the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group left in October.
The 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of the Middle East’s maritime reaches and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.
