The “Kestrels” — as well as other squadrons of F/A-18E Super Hornets assigned to U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz — are flying day and night sorties over the South China Sea to hone their operational skills.
As per a recent U.S. Navy press statement, the ship’s fighters are carrying out maritime strike exercises and coordinated tactical training alongside other fixed and rotary wing aircraft and other surface and air units that make up part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG), a.k.a. Carrier Strike Group 11, currently under way in the South China Sea.
Nimitz’s Carrier Air Wing 17 consists of eight squadrons: their nicknames are the Fighting Redcocks, Shrikes, Kestrels, Blue Diamonds, Bluetails, Cougars, Indians, and Battlecats, plus their associated logistics detachment, the Providers.
The sorties they are flying in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, which include both day and night flights, are intended to boost maritime security, enhance interoperability with regional partners, and maintain the U.S. Navy’s ability to project power across the theater.
Rear Admiral Fred Goldhammer, the Commander of CSG11, explained: “We are here in the South China Sea to build proficiency while showcasing the carrier strike group’s ability to maintain warfighting advantage and execute flight operations supporting the full spectrum of operations.”
He added: “We are doing more than ever to strengthen peace, stability, and deterrence across the Indo-Pacific, and the Nimitz Strike group will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows.”
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet. NIMCSG consists of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing 17, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, which includes the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur, USS Gridley, USS Wayne E. Meyer and USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee.
CSG11 began its deployment in March; it has already made a port visit to Guam In April this year and has been sailing in the Philippine Sea as part of its ongoing deployment to demonstrate operational readiness and the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The same month Admiral Steve Koehler, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited the USS Nimitz while she was underway in the Indo-Pacific.
“The first cruise I did in 1991 was on this ship,” said Adm. Koehler at the time.
“Now 34 years later, as I concentrate on stewardship across the fleet, it’s obvious the crew takes great pride and ownership of USS Nimitz. I appreciate all the work you do to maintain this warship to ensure it is combat ready and continues to strengthen deterrence.”
- You can read more details on the U.S. Navy website
