US Harry Truman carrying out sorties over Syria

HARRY S. TRUMAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER STARTS CARYING OUT SORTIES OVER SYRIA FROM MEDITERRANEAN: US NAVY

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaysee Lohmann/Released)

South Front,

4 May, 2018

On May 3, the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) started air operations in support of the US-led coalition’s military operation in Syria and Iraq, the US Navy said in a statement on May 5.

“Our flight operations in support of OIR demonstrate the continued commitment of the U.S. and regional partner nations to eliminating the terrorist group ISIS, and the threat it poses to the international community,” Commander, HSTCSG, Rear Adm. Gene Black said.

The HSTCG is currently deployed in eastern Mediterranean. According to the US Navy’s statement, aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1’s strike fighter squadrons conducted sorties over Syria. However, it is not clear if these aircraft have carried out strikes on any targets in the country.

The US Navy provides the following info about the carrier strike group deployed in the Mediterranean:

“Deployed assets comprising the HSTCSG are the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60); the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84); along with the embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, CVW-1 and Destroyer Squadron 28.

Embarked CVW-1 squadrons include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11; VFA-81; VFA-136; VFA-211; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137; Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126; Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11; and detachments from HSM-48 and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.”

The HSTCG is attached to the US 6th fleet, which along with the 5th fleet is participating in operations against targets in Syria and Iraq.