Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group Arrives in Hawai‘i

The Pacific Fleet announces that the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and guided-missile destroyer USS USS Sampson (DDG 102) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a regularly scheduled port call, April 27, as USS Preble (DDG 88) returned to its homeport.

PEARL HARBOR (April 27, 2018) The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) passes the USS Arizona Memorial while arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Hawaii is the final port call for Theodore Roosevelt after a scheduled seven-month deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation supporting maritime security, theater security cooperation and Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica O. Blackwell)

Hawai‘i is the final port call for the ships of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) after a scheduled seven-month deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation (AOO) supporting maritime security, theater security cooperation, and Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel.

“These Sailors and Marines have had an incredible combat deployment and it is great to be back on U.S. soil,” said Rear Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9. “They have tirelessly answered the call in support of national defense and the shared global maritime. They should be proud, and they have definitely earned this final port call before heading home to their loved ones.”

Upon arrival to Pearl Harbor, the crew manned the rails and rendered honors to the fallen when passing the USS Arizona Memorial. During deployment, USS Theodore Roosevelt transited past other historical locations such as Wake Island and the San Bernardino Straits, where important naval battles were fought.

“Pearl Harbor is rich in military history, and an appropriate final visit to conclude operations in the Pacific,” said Koehler. “This crew and the work they have accomplished has carried on the legacy of the U.S. Navy.”

While in Hawai‘i, the ships will welcome friends and family of the crew, otherwise known as “tigers.” These tigers will remain embarked with the ships on their journey back to their homeport in San Diego, California, and they will experience shipboard life together with their Sailor.

“The Sailors and Marines aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt have done a tremendous job the past seven months of making very challenging work look easy. We are proud of the crew’s performance.” said Capt. Carlos Sardiello, Theodore Roosevelt’s commanding officer. “After enjoying this port call in Hawai‘i, we are looking forward to heartwarming reunions with our families and friends soon in our homeport.”

TRCSG consists of the staff of Destroyer Squadron 23 and the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, which includes Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, VFA-94, VFA-22, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.