U.S. Naval Update Map: April 18, 2012

April 18, 2012 | 1933 GMT  
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Analysis

The Naval Update Map shows an approximation of the current locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) and Amphibious Ready Groups (ARGs), based on available open-source information. No classified or operationally sensitive information is included in this weekly update. CSGs and ARGs are the keys to U.S. dominance of the world’s oceans. A CSG is centered on an aircraft carrier, which projects U.S. naval and air power and supports a carrier air wing (CVW). The CSG includes significant offensive strike capability. An ARG is centered on three amphibious warfare ships, with a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked. An MEU is built around a heavily reinforced and mobile battalion of Marines.

Carrier Strike Groups

• The USS Abraham Lincoln CSG with CVW 2 embarked is under way in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) conducting missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
• The USS Enterprise with CVW 1 embarked is under way in the U.S. 5th AOR conducting missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
• The USS Carl Vinson CSG with CVW 17 embarked is under way in the Bay of Bengal after concluding the Malabar 2012 exercise April 16 with the Indian navy.
• The USS Nimitz is under way in the Pacific Ocean for routine training ahead of a scheduled visit to San Francisco Bay.
• The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is under way in the Atlantic Ocean for routine training.

Amphibious Ready Groups/Marine Expeditionary Units

• The USS Makin Island ARG with the 11th MEU embarked is under way in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR supporting maritime security operations and conducting theater security cooperation efforts.
• The USS Essex ARG with the 31st MEU embarked is deployed to Subic Bay, Philippines, participating in the bilateral exercise Balikatan 2012.
• The USS Iwo Jima ARG with the 24th MEU embarked is under way off the coast of Cap Draa, Morocco, supporting U.S.-Moroccan training exercise African Lion 2012.
• The USS Wasp is in a scheduled port visit to New Orleans, La.

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