WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- The USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group entered the 5th Fleet area of operations, boosting U.S. Navy presence in the Gulf region.
The USS Stennis CSG moved into position on Monday to conduct Maritime Security Operations and provide support to ground troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a news release on Tuesday from the U.S. 5th Fleet, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
The Stennis CSG joined the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group that has been deployed in the region since Oct. 2006. The 5th Fleet area of operations includes the Arabian Sea, Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and parts of the Indian Ocean.
"The USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is here to help foster stability and security in the region," said Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, commander of the Stennis CSG.
"We look forward to working with our coalition partners to provide support for ground forces operating in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as conducting maritime security operations that help provide a safe environment for shipping within the region," Quinn said.
The Stennis CSG brings more than 6,000 sailors and Marines to the region. In addition to the Nimitz-class carrier, it includes cruisers and destroyers.
The news release did not indicate how long the Stennis CSG would be deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
