NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk-based Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) passed into the Persian Gulf in the Middle East region on Sunday, more than a month after its deployment.
In October, the strike group was directed to the Middle East in response to escalations by Iran and proxy forces across the region amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas. According to the U.S. Central Command, the strike group will support naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Middle East.
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The group passed through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, to reach the Persian Gulf. The ships that passed include aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea, and guided missile destroyers USS Gravely and USS Stethem.
“Our passage through this important strait and continued presence in the area plays a critical role in maintaining the freedom of navigation that is key to regional security and stability,” Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, the strike group commander, wrote in a news release.
“I am incredibly proud of the sustained professionalism of each IKECSG Sailor, especially in evolutions like a strait transit, where detailed planning, precision navigation and the proficiency of our warfighting teams are on full display.”