A flight operating crew member signals a F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet on the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) aircraft carrier in Southern Red Sea, Middle East, February 13, 2024. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/File Photo
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) returned to Naval Station Norfolk on July 14, 2024, following a historic nine-month deployment as the flagship of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG).
During its deployment, IKE supported maritime security, promoted regional stability, and deterred malign activities in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas, including delivering significant naval power for nearly seven months in the U.S. 5th Fleet area, particularly in operations to defend against drone and missile attacks by Iranian-aligned Houthis.
IKE successfully launched and recovered over 13,800 sorties, accumulating more than 31,400 flight hours, supporting engagements with Houthi-employed UAVs, USVs, and UUVs in critical shipping lanes and military units across the Strait of Hormuz, Gulfs of Oman and Aden, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Red Sea.
In total, the Eisenhower Strike Group conducted over 750 engagements, using 792 munitions in combat against various threats.
“Many have described our deployment as unprecedented,” said Capt. Chris “Chowdah” Hill, commanding officer of Dwight D. Eisenhower. “But I would argue that every day for the last nine months, I’ve observed the consistent, relentless professionalism of the men and women aboard IKE. Their service and hard work made this deployment a safe and successful operation. I couldn’t be more proud or more honored to serve alongside every one of them.”
Throughout its 275 days at sea, IKE conducted over 30 replenishments-at-sea, sailing over 75,000 nautical miles and on-loading more than 23 million gallons of fuel without any mishaps. The medical team aboard supported over 30 underway surgeries, 14,000 dental X-rays, and 1,000 physical therapy appointments.
IKE departed Norfolk, Virginia, on October 14, 2023, for the scheduled deployment. The IKE Carrier Strike Group includes the USS Philippine Sea, USS Mason, USS Gravely, Carrier Air Wing 3, and the Information Warfare Commander.
Secretary Del Toro was in Norfolk for the arrivals. “By defending our allies as well as innocent civilian merchant mariners against relentless attacks, they made an incredible impact that will be an enduring part of our naval services’ legacy,” said Secretary Del Toro.
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