Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Departs Guam and Saipan After Port Call

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Department of Defense's Indo-Pacific Command announced the departure of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group from Guam and Saipan following a scheduled four-day port call. The group's visit aimed to promote cultural exchange, volunteer work, and rest for the crew. Rear Adm. Adan Cruz, commander of the Carrier Strike Group, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledged the importance of these strategic hubs in the Western Pacific. During the port call, sailors and Marines participated in various volunteer projects, experienced the islands' natural beauty, and reconnected with their families.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked staffs, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Nine, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, as well as USS O'Kane (DDG 77), USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), and USS Spruance (DDG 111).
  • CVW-9 includes an F-35C squadron, three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons, an EA-18G Growler squadron, an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye squadron, two MH-60R Sea Hawk squadrons, and two MH-60S Sea Hawk squadrons.
  • The port call provided opportunities for sailors and Marines to give back to the community through multiple volunteer projects, including beach clean-ups, pier clean-ups, and hiking trail clean-ups.
  • Island Girl Power, a charitable organization, was supported by sailors and Marines, who aimed to empower young Guamanian girls.
  • Over 75 family members attended a homecoming ceremony for 20 sailors and Marines assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Nine on arrival to Guam.
  • Sailors and Marines participated in tours and activities organized by Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) to experience the islands' rich natural beauty.

Statistics:

  • The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consisted of 6 ships, including USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS O'Kane (DDG 77), USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), and USS Spruance (DDG 111).
  • 20 sailors and Marines assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Nine attended a homecoming ceremony on arrival to Guam, with over 75 family members in attendance.
  • Sailors and Marines participated in multiple volunteer projects, including beach clean-ups, pier clean-ups, and hiking trail clean-ups, and volunteered with Island Girl Power.

Sources:

  • [1] "Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Departs Guam and Saipan." U.S. Department of Defense's Indo-Pacific Command. August 9, 2024.
  • [2] "Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group." U.S. Department of Defense. [No date]
  • [3] https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3867372/abraham-lincoln-carrier-strike-group-departs-guam-and-saipan/