Truman takes over for Eisenhower in 5th Fleet - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Truman takes over for Eisenhower in 5th Fleet

For the sailors aboard the carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower, the large, gray flattop that roared past the port side was a welcome sight.

That ship was the carrier Harry S. Truman, and the long-awaited exchange happened Saturday. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group will officially relinquish control of Task Force 50 and the area of responsibility Friday.

“The Eisenhower strike group has done a great job supporting the troops on the ground in Afghanistan and executing maritime security operations,” Rear Adm. Phil Davidson, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8, said in a release. “We leave knowing that Eisenhower, [Carrier Air Wing] 7 and all the ships in our Ike ‘five-star’ team have worked hard to improve security and stability in the region.”

The Eisenhower strike group, which deployed for five months in 2009, has operated in 5th Fleet since Jan. 25. Its aircraft have flown 2,970 combat sorties and 17,730 cumulative flight hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in this most recent deployment, according to Navy statistics. Its ships also supported anti-piracy missions and provided maritime security.

“The Eisenhower strike group’s performance in 5th Fleet and their support for military personnel in Afghanistan has been superb. We have big footsteps to follow in,” Rear Adm. Pat Driscoll, commander of CSG 10, said in the release.

The Truman strike group deployed May 21 from Norfolk, Va., after a seven-month delay caused when the carrier Enterprise was late coming out of the yard. The strike group transited the Suez Canal and entered 5th Fleet on June 18. Its six ships, air wing and 6,000 sailors will provide close air support to coalition ground forces in Afghanistan. The strike group last deployed in November 2008.