5th Fleet Focus: Notes and Events

The USS Enterprise (CVN 65) has entered the 6th Fleet area of operations (AOR) as of July 16 on its way to the Persian Gulf. The USS James E Williams (DDG 95) which had a mishap during a TOWEX last Friday is expected to return to Norfolk on Friday. If the tow line wrapped around the starboard propeller can be quickly removed, and if there is no damage, it is very likely the USS James E Williams (DDG 95) will go with the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group when it deploys with the 22nd MEU. That deployment will likely be announced sometime over the next week or so.

The US has taken over responsibility of Task Force 158 in the Northern Persian Gulf from the Royal Navy. Among the changes HMS Richmond (F 239) has replaced HMS Cornwall (F 99) on station, which will be returning home soon. HMS Chatham (F87) is scheduled to depart soon to replace HMS Cornwall (F 99).

The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group has had its mission extended by 30 days, so instead of returning in mid-October, it won't return to San Diego until mid-November. There is no word if that also means the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) will have its mission extended as well. Although it is an East Coast ship and not apart of the Bonhomme Richard ESG, the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) deployed on the same day (April 10). With the LPD-17 class not ready,Austin class ships retiring, the USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) deployed to South America, the USS Peleliu (LHA 5) deployed to South East Asia, and the USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) preparing for its GFS deployment, on paper the Navy appears stretched pretty thin on Amphibious Ships not recently returned from deployment, already deployed, or in preparation for the next round of ESG deployments.