The Naval Update Map shows an approximation of the current locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) and Amphibious Ready Groups (ARGs), based on available open-source information. No classified or operationally sensitive information is included in this weekly update. CSGs and ARGs are the keys to U.S. dominance of the world’s oceans. A CSG is centered on an aircraft carrier, which projects U.S. naval and air power and supports a carrier air wing (CVW). The CSG includes significant offensive strike capability. An ARG is centered on three amphibious warfare ships, with a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked. An MEU is built around a heavily reinforced and mobile battalion of Marines.
Carrier Strike Groups
- The USS Abraham Lincoln CSG with CVW 2 embarked is under way in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) conducting missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
- The USS Enterprise with CVW 1 embarked is under way in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR conducting missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
- The USS Carl Vinson CSG with CVW 17 embarked is under way in the in the Bay of Bengal participating alongside the Indian navy in exercise Malabar 2012, which is slated to run until April 16.
- The USS John C. Stennis is on a scheduled port visit to San Diego.
Amphibious Ready Groups/Marine Expeditionary Units
- The USS Makin Island ARG with the 11th MEU embarked is under way in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR supporting maritime security operations and conducting theater security cooperation efforts.
- The USS Essex ARG with the 31st MEU embarked has deployed to Subic Bay, Philippines, in order to participate in the exercise Balikatan 2012.
- The USS Iwo Jima ARG with the 24th MEU embarked is under way off the coast of Cap Draa, Morocco, supporting bilateral training exercise African Lion 2012.
