User:Marcd30319/Marcd30319 revised Carrier Strike Group Seven

Carrier Strike Group Seven, abbreviated CSG-7 or CARSTRKGRU 7, was a U.S. Navy carrier strike group active between 2004 and 2011. U.S. Navy carrier strike groups gain and maintain sea control and project power ashore. The group was based at Naval Air Station North Island, California. The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) initially served as the group's flagship until relieved by the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) in 2005.

The group made five deployments to the Middle East and Western Pacific, and its embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen flew a combined total of 6500 air sorties in support of ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Units of the group participated in the joint exercise Valiant Shield 2006; the bi-lateral exercises RSOI/Foal Eagle 2007, Malabar 2008, and Malabar 2011; and the multi-lateral exercises SEACAT 2008 and RIMPAC 2010. The group also provided humanitarian assistance after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Typhoon Fengshen of 2008, and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

On 30 December 2011, Carrier Strike Group Seven was formally disestablished. Carrier Strike Group Seven's lineage included two previous aircraft carrier formations, Carrier Division Seven and Carrier Group Seven. Its heritage thus includes World War Two, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War, as well as the first and the second Persian Gulf wars, encompassing a total of 34 deployments to the Western Pacific Ocean and Persian Gulf.

Historical background
Carrier Strike Group Seven traced its lineage back to Night Carrier Division Seven, the U.S. Navy's first and only aircraft carrier formation exclusively dedicated to night air operations. Established on 19 December 1944, its aircraft carriers provided night air combat patrols for the U.S. Pacific Fleet's Fast Carrier Task Force during World War Two. Night Carrier Division Seven participated in the Philippine and Okinawa campaigns as well as carrier air raids against the Japanese home islands. Aircraft carriers assigned to this formation included USS Saratoga (CV-3), USS Enterprise (CV-6), USS Independence (CVL-22), and USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31).

Carrier Division Seven was re-established at Naval Air Station Alameda, California, on 22 March 1956. The group commander and staff first deployed to the Western Pacific Ocean onboard USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in 1957. During the Vietnam War, aircraft carriers assigned to Carrier Division Seven operated as part of Task Force 77 (pictured) from Yankee Station and Dixie Station.

Carrier Division Seven was re-designated as Carrier Group Seven on 30 June 1973, and it saw action in the First Gulf War, Operation Southern Watch, the War in Afghanistan, and Operation Anaconda. The Nimitz carrier battle group participated in Operation Blue Light, the 1981 Gulf of Sidra incident, Operation Earnest Will, Operation Desert Storm, as well as NATO exercise Northern Wedding 86.

Admiral Thomas A. Mercer commanded the group (aboard Ranger, Midway, and Nimitz) before becoming Commander, Naval Forces Philippines. Beginning in the Summer of 1992, the guided-missile cruisers USS Long Beach (CGN-9), USS Halsey (CG-23), USS Reeves (CG-24), USS Fox (CG-33), and USS Truxtun (CGN-35); Destroyer Squadron 23; Carrier Air Wing Nine; and the carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) were assigned as permanent units of the Nimitz group, Carrier Group Seven.

During 1996, Rear Admiral John B. Nathman commanded Carrier Group Seven, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and Battle Force FIFTY in the Persian Gulf. On 26 February 1998, Carrier Group Seven departed Naval Station Norfolk, the commander and staff embarked aboard the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), which was making her maiden deployment. The group consisted of the carrier Stennis; Carrier Air Wing Seven; the cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG-56); the destroyers USS Laboon (DDG-58) and USS Cole (DDG-67); the destroyer USS Caron (DD-970); the attack submarines USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (SSN-708) and USS Providence (SSN-719); and the fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10).

On 12 November 2001, two months ahead of schedule, the group left for an accelerated Middle East deployment, and became involved in the War in Afghanistan. The carrier strike group consisted of the carrier Stennis; Carrier Air Wing Nine; the cruisers USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) and USS Port Royal (CG-73); destroyers USS Decatur (DDG-73) and USS Elliot (DD-967); the guided-missile frigate USS Jarrett (FFG-33); the submarines USS Salt Lake City (SSN-716) and USS Jefferson City (SSN-759); and the fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10). From June 2002 to January 2003, the Stennis underwent a seven-month refit. On 15 November 2003, Rear Admiral Matt Moffit turned over command of the group to Rear Admiral Patrick M. Walsh. On 21 November 2003, the group completed a 26-day Composite Training Unit Exercise.

Command structure
Commander Carrier Strike Group Seven (COMCARSTRKGRU 7) served as Immediate Superior-in-Command (ISIC) for the ships and units assigned to the group. Acting as an Operational Commander, COMCARSTRKGRU 7 exercised oversight of unit-level training, integrated training, and readiness for assigned ships and units, as well as maintains administrative functions and material readiness tracking for ships and squadrons assigned to the group.

Carrier Strike Group Seven reported to Commander, U.S. Third Fleet as one of the five carrier strike groups currently part of the United States Pacific Fleet. CARSTRKGRU 7's pre-deployment training and certification comes under the operational control (OPCON) of the U.S. Third Fleet. When deployed overseas, Carrier Strike Group Seven came under the authority of the numbered fleet commander in whose area it is operating. When deployed in this fashion, the group utilizes a task force or task group designator, for example, Task Group 50.1 in the Fifth Fleet area.

Carrier Strike Group Seven was an operational formation. Administratively the ships and aircraft of the strike group were assigned to U.S. Navy type commands. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG-62), and Destroyer Squadron Seven (DESRON-7) were under the administrative authority of Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific. Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) was under the administrative authority of Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific.

2004–2006 operations
Prior to being re-designated as Carrier Strike Group Seven on 1 October 2004, Carrier Group Seven (CarGru-7) was one of seven carrier strike groups that partipated in Summer Pulse 2004, a multi-carrier surge deployment to test the U.S. Navy's then-new Fleet Response Plan. During Summer Pulse 2004, the its John C. Stennis Carrier Battle Group participated in three different exercises.

Carrier Strike Group Seven 2004–2006 operations also included one deployments to the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and its embarked carrier air wing flew approximately 2940 air sorties in support of ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan while CARSTRKGRU-7 surface warships supported theater security and maritime interdiction operation within that fleet's area of responsibility. This carrier strike group also participated in Valiant Shield 2006, a major joint military exercise of the U.S. Pacific Command (pictured). Finally, Carrier Strike Group Seven provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) support in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.

The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) became the new flagship for Carrier Strike Group Seven when the John C. Stennis changed its homeport in 2005.

2007–2009 operations
Carrier Strike Group Seven 2007–2009 operations included two deployments to the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and its embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen flew a total of 2750 air sorties in support of ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan while CARSTRKGRU-7 surface warships supported theater security and maritime interdiction operation within that fleet's area of responsibility. CARSTRKGRU-7 also made a Western Pacific surge deployment in place of Carrier Strike Group Five.

Units of Carrier Strike Group Seven, individually and together, participated in such such bi-lateral exercises as RSOI/Foal Eagle 2007, Talisman Saber 2007, Malabar 2008, and Malabar 2011, as well as such multi-lateral exercises as SEACAT 2008 and RIMPAC 2010. Finally, Carrier Strike Group Seven provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) support in the Typhoon Fengshen of 2008 (pictured). The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) continued to serve as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group Seven during this operation period.

2010 operations
In late 2009 a six-month maintenance period on the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) began at NAS North Island. Ship refurbishments ranged from hi-tech combat systems and firefighting equipment to improved ship's laundry services and living spaces. On 18 May 2010, Ronald Reagan departed NAS North Island for sea trials. The Reagan returned after the sea trials to NAS North Island on 19 May 2010. Reagan conducted flight deck certification from 2 June 2010.

Exercise RIMPAC 2010
On 28 June 2010, Ronald Reagan arrived in Pearl Harbor to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010. Ronald Reagan was the only aircraft carrier to participate (pictured). During the in-port phase of RIMPAC, officers and crew of the 14 participating navies interacted in receptions, meetings, and athletic events. At sea such as live fire gunnery and missile exercises; maritime interdiction and vessel boardings, and anti-surface warfare, undersea warfare, and air defense training serials took place followed by scenario exercises in Phase III.

During RIMPAC 2010, over 40 naval personnel from Singapore, Japan, Australia, Chile, Peru, and Colombia managed combat exercises while serving aboard the Ronald Reagan. This involved managing anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare for the group and the entire RIMPAC force. Also, Reagan conducted a live RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile launch, the first since 2007.

On 30 July 2010, RIMPAC 2010 ended with a Pearl Harbor press conference. A reception for over 1,500 participants, distinguished visitors and special guests was held in the Reagan's hangar bay. On 8 August 2010, she returned to her homeport after a nearly two-month underway period.

COMPTUEX
On 18 October 2010 Ronald Reagan departed for its Composite Training Unit Exercise. Over the next three weeks, flight operations were conducted nearly continuously under simulated combat conditions. Ronald Reagan also simulated a straits transit with four ships from the strike group, participated in three opposed replenishments at sea, a vertical replenishment, and ran many general quarters and man overboard drills. On 9 November 2010, the Reagan was diverted to provide assistance to the disabled cruise ship Carnival Splendor (pictured). On 14 November, the Ronald Reagan and its embarked carrier air wing completed its COMPTUEX successfully, and it returned to port on 17 December 2010.

Joint Task Force Exercise
On 2 February 2011, Carrier Strike Group Seven departed Naval Air Station North Island, California, for its Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) and final deployment preparations. JTFEX is an integrated battle force exercise designed to test the capabilities of carrier strike groups operating with multi-national forces in a joint environment. This final training exercise represents the culmination of a series of exercises and training requirements conducted in preparation for overseas deployment, and it readies the strike group for any challenge that it may face while deployed. Carrier Strike Group Seven will conduct its JTFEX before starting its 2011 Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment.

2011 WESTPAC deployment
On 5 March 2011, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14), completed their pre-deployment training, and Carrier Strike Group Seven departed for its 2011 Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment. Carrier Strike Group Seven returned to its home base Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, on 9 September 2011, completing its 2011 WESTPAC deployment.

During a port visit to Hong Kong on 12 August 2011, the destroyer USS Higgins (DDG-76) temporarily joined Carrier Strike Group Seven for the return journey across the North Pacific. Higgins had been on an independent deployment to the U.S. Fifth Fleet since its departure from San Diego on 20 January 2011.

A deployment highlight occurred on 18 April 2011 when Captain Kevin "Nix" Mannix made his 1,000th arrested landing when he landed his F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 154 on the flight deck of the Ronald Reagan (pictured). Captain Mannix was the deputy commander of Carrier Air Wing 14.

The group returned home from the deployment to NAS North Island on 9 September 2011.

Operation Tomodachi
In the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Carrier Strike Group Seven was despatched to take part in the U.S. military relief effort, Operation Tomodachi. It appears that the unplanned Japan disaster relief operations meant the carrier strike group's planned participation in Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2011 in Korea was cancelled. A planned port call to Busan, in South Korea was cancelled, and the group was the first U.S. naval force to arrive. It arrived off the east coast of Honshu on 13 March 2011 and immediately began supporting relief operations.

Ronald Reagan served as a platform for refueling Japan Self Defense Force and other helicopters involved in rescue and recovery efforts ashore (pictured). Chancellorsville also began providing relief support while operating off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture. Preble provided more than 700 pounds of supplies to earthquake and tsunami survivors, and also used its embarked helicopters to survey the coastline.

Approaching Sendai, Japan on 13 March 2011, sensors aboard Reagan detected nuclear radiation. Reagan's nuclear-trained personnel established a Radiation Control Central in response. Ten days later, on 23 March 2011, the Reagan conducted a fresh water washdown on its flight deck and embarked aircraft, to remove any traces of radioactive contamination.

On 4 April 2011, Carrier Strike Group Seven concluded its involvement in Operation Tomodachi after being thanked by Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa and U.S. ambassador to Japan John Roos during a visit to the Reagan.

Exercise Malabar 2011
Because of its involvement in Operation Tomodachi, the group was able to participate in the U.S./Indian Exercise Malabar 2011 (pictured) between 2–9 April 2011. It was held east of the Luzon Strait, and east of Okinawa. U.S. naval units initially included guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG-104) and USS Stethem (DDG-63); the guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG-57); and a nuclear powered attack submarine. Indian naval units included the guided-missile destroyers INS Delhi, INS Ranvijay, and INS Ranvir; the corvette INS Kirch; and the replenishment tanker Jyoti.

Fifth Fleet operations
On 9 May 2011, the group entered the U.S. Fifth Fleet area, and its air wing began to launch combat sorties against the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. U.S. Army liaison officers were embarked to coordinate with coalition ground troops. The carrier strike group launched over 900 air sorties supporting ground forces in Afghanistan.

2011 post-deployment training
On 14 October 2011, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) departed NAS North Island for carrier qualifications (CQ) with Carrier Air Wing Fourteen off the coast of southern California, returning on 3 November. On 4 November 4, 2011, Ronald Regan departed NAS North Island for additional CQ training with the Naval Air Training Command. On November 2011, the Ronald Reagan was underway for Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications.

Deactivation
On 5 August 2011 news media reported that Carrier Strike Group Seven would be deactivated effective 30 December 2011. The deactivation was due to reallocation of Navy resources following defense budget reductions. Reagan (pictured) was reassigned as flagship of another carrier strike group. At the time of its disestablishment in 2011, Carrier Strike Group Seven was composed of the following units:


 * USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), flagship
 * Carrier Air Wing Fourteen
 * USS Chancellorsville (CG-62)
 * Destroyer Squadron Seven:
 * USS Gridley (DDG-101)
 * USS Howard (DDG-83)
 * USS Decatur (DDG-73)
 * USS Benfold (DDG-65)
 * USS Thach (FFG-43)

In total, aircraft carriers assigned to the formation made a total of 34 deployments to the Western Pacific Ocean and Persian Gulf.