Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Deploys

The carrier Nimitz departed from San Diego Naval Station, Calif., its homeport, with an accompanying carrier strike group on July 31 as part of a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment. Joining Nimitz on the cruise are the destroyers Pinckney and Sampson, cruiser Chosin, frigate Rentz, and fast combat support ship Bridge. Nimitz is carrying several squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 11, including the strike fighter squadrons VFA 41 ("Black Aces"), VFA 14 ("Tophatters"), VFA 97 ("Warhawks"), and VFA 86 ("Sidewinders"). Also deploying are Electronic Attack Squadron 135 ("Black Ravens"), Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 ("Providers"), Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117 ("Wallbangers"), and the helicopter anti-submarine squadrons light HSL 37 ("Battle Cats"), HSL 43 ("Wolfpack"), and HSL 49 ("Scorpions").  Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 ("Wildcards") are also providing support to Nimitz during the cruise during the four-month deployment.