USS Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group Returns to San Diego After 9-Month Deployment

The USS Theodore Roosevelt and its accompanying strike group returned to their homeport of San Diego on Tuesday after after a nine-month deployment that extended from the Pacific through the Indian Ocean to the Middle East.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier returned with the guided missile destroyer USS Russell, while the destroyers USS Halsey and USS Daniel Inouye docked at Peral Harbor. The group’s guided-missile cruiser, the USS Lake Erie, and the destroyer USS John S. McCain remain deployed.

The deployed air wing included the “Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-34, the “Fist of the Fleet” of VFA-25, the “Flying Checkmates” of VFA-211, the “Black Knights” of VFA-154, the “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron VAW-115, the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-137, the “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron HSM-75, the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron HSC-8 and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron VRC-40.

“The strike group’s ability to quickly adjust from operations in 7th Fleet to 5th Fleet is a testament to both the flexibility of our naval forces as well as the strength and training of our Navy sailors,” said Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9. “We had the distinct honor to strengthen our skills and relationships with 10 allied and partner nations, demonstrating our nation’s commitment to the freedom of navigation.”

During the deployment, the carrier’s air wing reported 9,000 sorties totaling 21,000 flight hours, while the strike group traveled 71,000 nautical miles.

Ships in the group visited Bahrain, Diego Garcia, Guam, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Thailand.

“The crew worked incredibly hard and maintained mission focus this entire deployment,” said Capt. Brian Schrum, commanding officer of the Roosevelt. “I am extremely proud of our Sailors and the work accomplished across the world’s oceans to keep our nation safe at home.”