ships, forming a freeboard escort shock component of carrier band "Harry C.. Truman », 12 September left their native harbor, to begin patrolling the world's oceans. Pivot AUG - carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) - was not among them. In this context, the very notion “carrier strike groups” should cast some doubts. Certain wing on it there, but this is clearly not the Wing, who has himself Harry S. Truman.
From AUG to SAG
Experts still continue to assess its condition, after the end of August the group's flagship is out of order due to a malfunction in the electrical distribution system.
Repair aircraft carrier continues, and every effort is, and to return the aircraft carrier [give it] Wing as soon as possible
– It said in a statement the US Navy.
At the same time frame, for which are expected to diagnose and fix the problem, It remains unclear. Against this background, it was decided to create from surface vessels without their own group and carrier air wing (referred to as SAG - surface action group). It is composed of destroyers URO class Arleigh Burke USS Lassen (DDG-82) и USS Farragut (DDG-99) of Mayport, the same type of USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98) and the guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) Ticonderoga class from Norfolk. SAG given a detachment of helicopters PLO MH-60R helicopter from the Marine squadron HSM 72 from an air base in Jacksonville.
So what is really a full band, net of an aircraft carrier and air wing. but a full-fledged, a very capable group is going to answer the call of the nation in this great competition forces
– Vice-Admiral Andrew Lewis, Commander 2nd Fleet.
MH-60R
Extremely rare cases
In his words, SAG deployment was the first deployment of the case on the East Coast with 2006 of the year, acknowledging, that this situation is unusual and dysfunctional.
The situation with the "Truman" awkwardness […] No one wanted, that happened this misfortune […] But we still have a huge potential
– said commander.
As explained by the publication USNI News, AUG without deploying an aircraft carrier - "is largely unprecedented move by the [military] department ". Previously, the situation was quite rare. So, in January 2013 I was left without an escort USS Nimitz (CVN-68), which is faced with an emergency technical problem. However, he was reunited with the band in March. Now the flagship of return deadlines completely unclear.
As the Lewis, the carrier has a deterrent effect, but the cruisers and destroyers have the most popular features for Navy:
So it's a very capable group […] Aircraft carrier - the monster. He shows up at your shores and, if you are not a friend of ours, you will quickly become our friend […] There is no doubt, This effect is lost with smaller ships, but these ships are really capable.
