IKE To Return Home Early, Redeploy in 2013

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS121121-27
11/21/2012

From Navy Office of Information

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy has directed the temporary return of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower(CVN 69) from her current overseas deployment, allowing the ship to return home for two months before sending it back to the Middle East region.

The unusual move is being made to accommodate delays due to emergent repair work on USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Bremerton-based carrier was expected to deploy to the region to relieve Eisenhower early next year. Nimitz is now expected to deploy once repair work is complete.

Bringing Eisenhower back home to its homeport in Norfolk, Va. in December will permit the Navy to resurface the ship's flight deck and make it available to return and remain in the Middle East region for several more months. This decision also provides the ship's crew a welcome holiday respite from what will become nearly 10 months on station.

The USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group, currently deployed to the region, will continue providing carrier presence in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. Stennis departed its homeport of Bremerton in August.