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USS Yorktown Deploys as Part of Expeditionary Strike Group

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040218-01

Release Date: 2/18/2004 7:16:00 AM

By Stacey Byington, Naval Station Pascagoula Public Affairs

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Yorktown (CG 48) and its crew of approximately 400 deployed Feb. 17 from its homeport at Naval Station Pascagoula to be part of the USS Wasp (LHD 1) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), which is making its maiden deployment as an ESG in support of the global war on terrorism.

The ESG concept is centered on the proven flexibility and combat power of a combined Amphibious Readiness Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit. The ESG adds the robust strike, anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-subsurface capabilities of two cruisers, a destroyer and an attack submarine. These combined capabilities give the combat commander a wider variety of options and enables independent operations in more dynamic environments.

"The significance of this deployment," said Yorktown commanding officer, Cmdr. Steven Sloan, "is that this is the first time in several years that a Pascagoula-based ship has deployed to Europe and the Middle East. This is the first time any Pascagoula ship has been part of an Expeditionary Strike Group."

Yorktown is slated to be the surface warfare commander for the strike group, meaning that the ship and its crew will lead the defense of the group against any surface threat.

"No boats will get close to the Wasp," said Sloan. "We have a very formidable striking power and are able to back up the Marines in a low or medium threat condition. I believe we will be a very credible asset to the theater commander."

Yorktown is capable of carrying an extensive array of weapons and electronic equipment at high speeds over vast distances. The ship's Aegis combat system can detect, track and destroy enemy aircraft, missiles, submarines and surface ships to ensure victory in battle. The system, comprised of radars, computers and weapons, is designed to function effectively in all weather conditions and hostile environments.

Yorktown will be deployed for six months, and although the crew is looking forward to making their mark in the war of terrorism, there is some anxiety.

"This will be the first deployment for a number of the crew," said Sloan. "They are a little bit anxious but are looking forward to the deployment. The ship is well trained, and we are ready to go. We are ready!"

Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 3rd Class Daniel Harton, of Glade Springs, Va., is making his first deployment.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "The ship has trained hard, and we are ready to go. The question is, 'Are they ready for us?'"

Operations Specialist 2nd Class Paul Francois, of New Roads, La., added, "The ship is ready to go, but it's hard leaving the family."

The Wasp Strike Group is commanded by Capt. Steven C. Joachim, and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is commanded by Marine Col. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. In addition to Yorktown, the strike group consists of the amphibious assault ship Wasp, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), homeported in Norfolk, Va.; the amphibious transport ship USS Shreveport (LPD 12), homeported in Norfolk, Va.; the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), homeported at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va.; the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), homeported in Norfolk, Va.; and the fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22), homeported in Groton, Conn. The MEU is composed of the Marine aviation squadron, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 266, the battalion landing team, BLT 1/6, and the MEU Service and Support Group (MSSG) 22.