Military

Second Fleet Commander Welcomes Enterprise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071220-03
Release Date: 12/20/2007 9:41:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Tyler Wilson, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Marty Chanik, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, visited USS Enterprise (CVN 65) as the ship returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a very successful five-month deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Commanded by Rear Adm. Dan Holloway, the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ENT CSG) executed a full range of operations, including humanitarian assistance to stranded mariners and counter-piracy operations in the Horn of Africa.

ENT CSG also made significant accomplishments during the deployment to include: more than 7,500 missions flown, including nearly 2,000 air combat sorties in support of both Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and nearly 900 warfare pins awarded to ENT CSG Sailors.

"These numbers are significant because they are metrics of all your hard work," said Chanik. "You've done a great job."

ENT CSG conducted simultaneous dual theater combat operations from a single aircraft carrier, providing close airpower support, and airborne command and control mission against violent extremists in Iraq and Afghanistan on the first day in theater. The strike group's Theater Security Cooperation efforts fostered stronger ties with regional navies strengthening relationships with the Kingdom of Bahrain, and improving collaboration among coalition task forces.

In an announcement while aboard Enterprise, Chanik noted the significance of these accomplishments.

"You've made a tremendous impact," Chanik said. "You've made the world a better place."

For more news from Commander Second Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/C2F/.