NORFOLK, Va. — The Navy aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) left Naval Station Norfolk Saturday morning after its Friday deployment was temporarily delayed.
The Navy did not provide an exact reason for the delay, but in a news release, U.S. Navy Second Fleet said: "The departure is delayed to ensure the ship is in peak readiness when she joins the units from the strike group."
On Friday, strike group leaders said the Eisenhower team will be ready for whatever awaits them.
"The first question that gets asked by our national leaders is, 'Where are the carrier strike groups?' We just happened to coincide this scheduled deployment with some worldwide events that are going on right now. And when asked, we will support whatever we're tasked with," said Rear Admiral Marc Miguez, Commander Carrier Strike Group Two.
UPDATE: Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group now headed to Eastern Mediterranean amid Israel-Hamas conflict
"Another key part of our mission is Naval diplomacy. This is important. U.S. Navy warrior-sailors have been sea-faring diplomats since the service's inception. We take great pride in assuring our many allies that we have their back," said Captain Chris Hill, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Commanding Officer.
Deployment day is always a difficult time for family members who must watch their loved ones sail off into uncertainty.
Carol Maher's grandson is part of the Ike crew. Given recent instability in the Middle East, Maher admitted she's worried.
"Yes, I can't say that I 'm not definitely a little stressed by that for sure, yes," she said.
The deployment includes the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), and the Florida-based destroyer USS Mason (DDG 107), which left from Naval Station Mayport.
Several aircraft squadrons from Norfolk and Virginia Beach are also part of the deployment.
The Eisenhower last went out on deployment in 2021. The Navy says more than 5,000 service members make up the Strike Group. There is no word on how long the group will be gone.