Photos show the USS Eisenhower carrier strike group’s 9-month deployment leading the ferocious Houthi fight
July 27, 20240
The Eisenhower pulls into port in Souda Bay, Crete.
US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Word
In late April, the Eisenhower traveled back to the eastern Mediterranean and moored at US Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Greece for four days to refuel, resupply, and rearm after more than 150 consecutive days at sea.
Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander of Carrier Strike Group 2, said the long-awaited port visit was “well-deserved.”
“The sailors of Carrier Strike Group 2 have worked tirelessly for six months straight to keep us operating on station in the most challenging, dynamic combat environment the Navy has seen in decades,” Miguez said in a statement.
Though the carrier strike group was nearing the end of its scheduled seven-month deployment — the standard duration for US carriers — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin extended their operations in the Red Sea as the conflict showed little signs of slowing down.
Northern Red Sea
US Navy officers salute during a change of command ceremony aboard Eisenhower in the Red Sea.
US Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kalvin Kes
In mid-June, the Ike also hosted a change-of-command ceremony.
Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadeh, who previously commanded the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, relieved Rear Adm. Miguez as commander of CSG-2.
“Words cannot express how honored I am to have served among these battle force warriors,” Miguez said during the ceremony, adding that the Ike strike group delivered “decisive combat power to preserve freedom of the seas.”
The battle’s tally
A fighter jet is seen aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp with the Ike seen beyond.
US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sydney Milligan
In late June, the Eisenhower briefly operated in the the US European Command area of responsibility, where the carrier participated in the final photo flyby of its deployment.
Virginia, USA
A US Navy sailor assigned to USS Eisenhower embraces his wife after the aircraft carrier and its crew returned from a nine-month deployment to the Atlantic.
US Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Giovannie Otero-Santiago
After 275 days at sea, USS Eisenhower returned to its homeport following its historic, twice-extended deployment.
Sailors and crew aboard the Ike came back to a tearful homecoming, reuniting with their loved ones after enduring nine months of intense combat.
President Joe Biden addressed sailors over the intercom, commending the ship’s crew for their service.
“You’re part of the greatest navy — this is not hyperbole — the greatest navy any nation has ever, ever put to sea,” Biden said. “That’s a fact.”
