NNS020810-01. JFK Battle Group Set to Return Home
From Second Fleet Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the ships and squadrons of the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Aircraft Carrier Battle Group (CVBG) will return to their East Coast homeports and bases this week.
The homecoming occurs after a six-month combat deployment in the Arabian Gulf, in addition to operations in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Kennedy, the guided missile cruisers USS Hue City (CG 66) and USS Vicksburg (CG 69), along with the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), will return to Naval Station Mayport, Fla. on Saturday, Aug. 17.
The embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing Seven will fly off Aug. 14, to their home in Hampton Roads. USS Seattle (AOE 3), a fast combat support ship homeported in Norfolk, will pull pierside Aug. 16.
The Battle Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Steven J. Tomaszeski, departed its homeport of Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Feb. 7, to relieve USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Battle Group in early March.
Kennedy's deployment was highlighted by participation in Operation Enduring Freedom, where they delivered more than 64,000 pounds of ordnance on Taliban and Al Qaeda targets. Carrier Air Wing Seven aircraft flew a total of 2,599 day and night missions in support of Coalition Forces over Afghanistan.
"We were all privileged to have had the opportunity to serve our country at this time in our nation's history. Nothing is more exhilarating for our Sailors than to be at sea carrying out the Navy's mission of projecting precision power against those who would do us harm," said Tomaszeski.
"I am extremely proud of every man and woman in this battle group for their efforts and personal sacrifices during this six month deployment. They know they made a difference in this long-term war against terrorism. For a battle group that ironically began training for deployment Sept. 11, it has been a very consequential time for us all."
In addition to Kennedy's conventional war-fighting role, the flagship also served as a command and control platform for Maritime Interception (MIO) and Leadership Interdiction Operations (LIO).
Throughout the course of the deployment, Kennedy safely navigated 160 days at sea covering 69,050 miles of water and completed more than 9,100 aircraft traps/recoveries.
Other Kennedy Battle Group ships include: USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Spruance (DD 963), USS Underwood (FFG 36) and USS Taylor (FFG 50); all are Mayport-based, remain deployed and will return at a date yet to be determined.
For more news from Commander 2nd Fleet/Striking Fleet Atlantic, go to their customized Navy NewsStand Web page at www.news.navy.mil/local/c2f.
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