US carrier strike group enters Mediterranean Sea to support Israel, deter Iran

US carrier strike group enters Mediterranean Sea to support Israel, deter Iran

The U.S. Navy's Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group crossed the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea on October 28 on its way to reinforce warnings against Middle East powers intervening in Israel's war against Hamas.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and its entourage of vessels will join the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Eastern Mediterranean "in support of the defense of Israel and to deter aggression throughout the region," the Navy said in a statement.

“Our arrival in the Mediterranean, en route to CENTCOM, provides reassurance to our allies and partners that we are committed to ensuring their security and well-being,” Rear Adm. Marc Miguez said in a statement. “Our presence, along with that of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier strike group, demonstrates the combat power and proficiency of the Navy’s deployed forces.”

The strike group is comprised of the flagship aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN69), the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), the guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Gravely (DDG 107) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 with its nine squadrons, and the Information Warfare Commander.

Squadrons of CVW-3 include the “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, the “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, the “Rampagers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the “Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, the “Screwtops” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, the “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7, the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.