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Carter Assumes Command of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS111008-04
10/8/2011

From USS Enterprise Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter Jr. relieved Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft as Commander, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Carrier Strike Group during a shipboard ceremony, Oct. 6.

Since September 2010, Kraft commanded the 5,500 Sailors and Marines serving in the strike group which returned in July from a six-month deployment supporting operations in the Mediterranean and the Arabian Sea.

"I could not be more proud of the professionals in this strike group. From a challenging set of work-ups to combat operations in two different theaters, these warriors did it all," said Kraft. "I also want to thank the families who have supported our team so well."

While deployed, the strike group served in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility conducting missions from counter-piracy and counter-terrorism in Operations Odyssey Dawn, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

Enterprise strike group flew more than 1,450 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation New Dawn in Iraq. The strike group also disrupted nine piracy attempts resulting in the capture of 75 suspected pirates and the detention of 18.

Carter, a native of Pascoag, R.I., is a 1981 Naval Academy graduate, as well as an alumni of U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in the last all-Phantom class in 1985.

The former commander of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carter is excited about assuming command of Enterprise Strike Group prior to its final scheduled deployment early next year.

"I am humbled and proud to serve as the Commander with this proven group of professionals," Carter said. "We have a lot of hard work in front of us, and I am energized to lead Enterprise Strike Group through their final and historic deployment."

Kraft has been confirmed to become the Commander, Naval Warfare Development Command in Norfolk.

Carter was previously the Commander, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, U.S. Joint Forces Command where he provided the framework and major overhaul for the disestablishment of U.S. Joint Forces Command.