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Nimitz carrier strike group joins Operation Inherent Resolve

The Nimitz carrier strike group has begun performing combat missions against the Islamic State in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

By Stephen Carlson
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) while another Super Hornet from the "Black Knights" and an EA-18G Growler from the "Gray Wolves" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 prepare to launch on July 29, 2017, in the Arabian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston A. Mohr
An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) while another Super Hornet from the "Black Knights" and an EA-18G Growler from the "Gray Wolves" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 prepare to launch on July 29, 2017, in the Arabian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston A. Mohr

July 31 (UPI) -- The Nimitz carrier strike group has begun performing combat missions against the Islamic State group in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. Navy announced on Monday.

The first flights launched from the Nimitz were composed of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, early warning radar planes and other support aircraft.

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"For the Nimitz Strike Group, today is game day," commander of CSG-11 Rear Adm. Bill Byrne said, said in a press release.

"When you hear the roar of the jets today it is for real. It's game on. Our pilots and aircrew are demonstrating our continued commitment to this region and all of our partner nations."

In addition to strike missions against Islamic State positions in Syria and Iraq, CSG-11 will conduct routine security and freedom of navigation operations in the area.

The Nimitz is the first built of the Nimitz-class and is currently the oldest aircraft carrier in U.S. service, having been commissioned in 1975. Its strike group includes several guided-missile destroyers and cruisers, a fast-attack submarine, and support ships.

The Nimitz-class is the primary fleet carrier of the U.S. Navy.

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