NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) will return to homeport Norfolk on Sunday following a seven-month deployment.
The strike group left Norfolk on January 17 for its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and then set off on deployment following that. During the COVID-19 pandemic, operations continued to as the group maintained maritime stability and security.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS San Jacinto pulled into Naval Station Norfolk on August 9 marking the end of the deployment after operating in the 5th Fleet in the Middle East and the 6th Fleet in Europe.
In May, the ship crossed the equator during deployment becoming the Navy’s first ‘Iron Shellbacks,’ with more than 100 days at sea.
Words cannot express the admiration I have for each and every Sailor onboard. These young men and women were thrust into a situation no one could have predicted and they responded as only Navy Sailors can – they adapted and overcame the adversity.
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Capt. Kyle Higgins
I witnessed their excellence day in and day out as they accomplished repairs never before attempted at sea. I am deeply humbled to have the privilege of working alongside them. They are what make our Navy the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen.
The U.S. Navy is reporting that the USS Vella Gulf, USS James E. Williams, and USS Truxtun are scheduled to return to Norfolk on Monday, August 10. The USS Stout (DDG 55) remains on deployment and will return to Norfolk at a future date.
