Arabian Gulf - The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 began sorties from the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR).
"The first day of flight operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve is a highly-anticipated day where the Theodore Roosevelt strike group transitions into combat operations to demonstrate our continued commitment to this region and our partner nations," said Rear Adm. Steve Koehler, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9. "Success in this important mission takes every Sailor and Marine on board working as a team. I'm incredibly proud of all the work this team has done throughout their training and preparation, they are ready and now it is time to go to work."
"Our priority is to be ready for any contingency," said Capt. Chris Ford, commander of CVW-17. "The counter-terrorism mission is one of many reasons why we are here. I'm confident the highly skilled and professional warfighters in this air wing are ready to execute assigned tasking alongside U.S. and coalition forces."
CVW-17 squadrons include the "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, the "Mighty Shrikes" of VFA-94, the "Redcocks" of VFA-22, the "Checkerboards" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, the "Cougars" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, the "Sun Kings" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, the "Indians" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 and the "Battlecats" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73.
"Carrier strike groups are a flexible, adaptable and persistent force that help deter potential adversaries, respond to humanitarian crises, reassure partners and enhance security," said Koehler. "We look forward to building on the success of the strike groups and air wings that have operated before us in 5th Fleet."
The Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group's deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supports Operation Inherent Resolve and signals the continued commitment to defeat and destroy ISIS. In addition to anti-ISIS missions, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation and maintain the free flow of commerce.
Theodore Roosevelt left its homeport of San Diego, Oct. 6, for a regularly-scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of operations. Roosevelt's last deployment to U.S. 5th Fleet was in 2015 during the ship's homeport shift from Norfolk.