The deployed San Diego-based aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson transited the Strait of Hormuz on Friday and is now operating in the Arabian Gulf, according to the commanding officer.
The carrier, which departed San Diego nearly two months ago, will begin flight operations Saturday, Capt. Karl Thomas said in a weekly note to followers of the Vinson’s Facebook page. Since the Vinson is replacing the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, its air crews are expected to take part in airstrikes against Islamic State terrorists in Iraq and Syria.
“It was an early morning for the team as we formed up with the other ships in our strike group and began the transit,” Thomas wrote. “Helos were launched to lead the way and to provide situational awareness of contacts that were in front of the group. It was a professional transit filled with interesting vessels from the countries that adjoin the straits.”
He said the narrow passage that connects the Arabian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman — and flows past sometimes belligerent Iran — contained tankers, wooden dhows and fishing vessels that kept the crew on their toes.
“Thank goodness for radar and well-trained watchstanders — it makes for a much safer transit,” wrote Thomas, who took command of the massive vessel last month when the former skipper, Kent Whalen, was promoted to rear admiral.
The deployment was marred in September by a collision between two FA-18C Hornet fighter jets, resulting in the death of one pilot.
The guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill and guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley, USS Sterett and USS Dewey are accompanying the carrier, which is named after Carl Vinson, who served in Congress for 50 years, including 29 as chairman of the House Naval Affairs and Armed Services Committee.
— City News Service
