What's Up:Carrier Strike Group Deploys to Atlantic Doubletime

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.*

British Officer Takes Command of US Navy Task Force

On 25 November 2016,Royal Navy Commodore Andrew Burns,commander,Amphibious Task Group embarked on the Royal Navy flagship HMS Ocean (L12),took command of US Naval Forces Central Command Task Force 50 (CTF 50) in the Arabian Gulf.This is the first time a Royal Navy officer has commanded a US task force in the Middle East and is a significant step in combined maritime operations,US Naval Forces CENTCOM said.*
HMS Ocean is a helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship and will provide continued forward presence in the Gulf.It can deliver Sailors and Marines by helicopter or landing craft.*
CDRE Burns,assuming command of CTF 50 from Rear Admiral James Malloy,USN,commander of Carrier Strike Group 10,said:
Together we have had an enduring presence in this region that has contributed stability,order on the high seas and freedom of navigation,and ensuring the free flow of commerce,so vital to the prosperity of our respective nations.Today marks the start of another chapter in the partnership as the Royal Navy takes on the privilege of leading a US task force in the Middle East for the first time.*
HMS Ocean will provide a range of flexible and adaptable capabilities to perform theatre security cooperation efforts and maritime security operations aimed at providing continuous forward presence as the USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) leaves CENTCOM's Area of Responsibility.The Eisenhower completed 1770 combat sorties delivering 1903 ordnances from both the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf in support of the anti-ISIL Operation Inherent Resolve.