USS Theodore Roosevelt Returns from Deployment

Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) returns to Naval Air Station North Island. Theodore Roosevelt, lead ship of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, returned to Naval Air Station North Island May 25 after a deployment to U.S. 7th Fleet in support of maritime security operations to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. *U.S. NAVY / Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Natalie M. Byers*

SAN DIEGO – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) returned to San Diego, May 25, marking the completion of its deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, the U.S. 3rd Fleet’s Public Affairs office said in a May 25 release.

Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG), departed on deployment Dec. 23, 2020, to the U.S. 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

“Whether it was operating in the Indo-Pacific and the South China Sea or high northern latitudes in the Gulf of Alaska, Carrier Strike Group Nine demonstrated that the U.S. Navy is ready for anything,” said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine. “We met the challenges that COVID-19 brought head-on and successfully deployed forward to work with our allies and partners from Australia, India, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.”

In U.S. 7th Fleet, Theodore Roosevelt’s primary mission was conducting maritime security operations, ensuring freedom of navigation and economic trade in the Indo-Pacific region. In support of allies and partners, Theodore Roosevelt conducted bilateral exercises with the Indian navy and air force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Navy, Republic of Korea navy, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force, focusing on building capabilities and increasing combat readiness to win the high-end fight. In May, Theodore Roosevelt participated in exercise Northern Edge 2021 in the Gulf of Alaska.

“I am incredibly proud of this crew for all their hard work and sacrifice throughout this deployment,” said Capt. Eric Anduze, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “Our presence in the Indo-Pacific had a significant impact on maintaining stability and security in the region that would not have been possible without every single Sailor aboard.”

Theodore Roosevelt joined forces with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to conduct dual-carrier operations and, on a later date, the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group in the South China Sea for expeditionary strike force operations, increasing interoperability as well as command and control capabilities.

The TRCSG consists of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), Destroyer Squadron 23, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59).

Theodore Roosevelt’s embarked air wing consists of the “Tomcatters” of Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 31, “Golden Warriors” of VFA-87, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, “Black Knights” of VFA-154, “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115, “The Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistic Support Squadron (VRC) 30 Detachment 3.