A powerful flotilla of US Navy and Royal Danish Navy assets,the USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) and Carrier Strike Group 10 (CSG 10),were deployed in the U.S. 2nd Fleet AOR (the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic) on 20 February 2020.The deployment occurred immediately the Eisenhower,"the Mighty Ike",completed its COMPTUEX (Composite Unit Training Exercise) with NATO Allies France,Canada and Denmark,who each contributed a frigate to the COMPTUEX.
The COMPTUEX certifies that a CSG is ready to deploy and conduct the full range of maritime operations,including warfighting,following a maintenance period (the Eisenhower had an extended maintenance period of 18 months,versus the normal six months).Normally,the CSG will visit its home port-in this case Norfolk,Virginia-after the COMPTUEX to say goodbye before deployment.The abrupt departure this time is being seen as an example of the US Navy's new Dynamic Force Employment (DFE) strategy,which is basically an unpredictability intended to demonstrate the Navy's flexibility to our adversaries.The strategy was first executed in 2018,when the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and its CSG conducted back-to-back deployments.At that time,ADM James G. Foggo III,commander US Naval Forces Europe and Africa and Allied Joint Forces Command Naples,noted that:
The National Defense Strategy makes clear that we must be operationally unpredictable to our long-term strategic adversaries,while upholding our commitments to our allies and partners.*
According to RDL Paul Schlise,commander,CSG 10:
Carrier Strike Groups are visible and powerful symbols of US resolve to our allies and partners,and possess the flexibility and sustainability to fight major wars and ensure the freedom of the seas.*
RDL Schlise is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).Commissioned through Marquette University's ROTC program,RDL Schlise earned a Matser's degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College.His decorations include the Legion of Merit;Defense Meritorious Service Medal;Navy Commendation Medal;and Navy Achievement Medal.*
CSG 10 includes Carrier Air Wing 3 and its nine fixed wing and helicopter squadrons and detachments;
two guided-missile cruisers;
Destroyer Squadron 26 (three guided-missile destroyers plus the Royal Danish Navy frigate Iver Huitfeldt (F361);
and possibly an undisclosed submarine.*
Commanding officer of the USS Eisenhower is CAPT Kyle Higgins.*
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