Carrier Strike Group 11

On 1 September 1961, Rear Admiral Joseph C. Wylie became Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 9, aboard {{USS|Oklahoma City|CLG-5}}. Admiral Wylie had arrived on board the Oklahoma City as Commander Cruiser Division 3 on 22 August 1961, and merely changed titles in September without shifting flagship.{{Cite web | url=http://www.okieboat.com/History/History%201957-63.html | title=History 1957–63}} As of 1 July 1969, Oklahoma City was part of Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 9 at San Diego.{{cite web | title= USS Oklahoma City Command History for the period 1 July through 31 December 1969 | url= http://www.okieboat.com/History/CLG5%201969.pdf | work= USS Oklahoma City CLG-5 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 2 February 1970 | accessdate=2012-05-14}} The primary mission of Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 9 during the Vietnam War era had been to ensure the effective employment of approximately 60 cruisers and destroyers in the United States Seventh Fleet. By January 1973, with the end of hostilities in Vietnam, the flotilla had expended nearly 80,000 rounds in naval gunfire support missions. This offshore firepower, and the equally important role of search and rescue coordination, were vital parts of the extensive naval presence in the South China Sea.{{cite web | title= History of Carrier Strike Group 11 | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/Ourship.aspx | work= Carrier Strike Group Eleven | publisher= U.S. Navy | year= 2010 | accessdate= 2010-08-25 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100704111816/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/Ourship.aspx | archive-date= 4 July 2010 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }} In 1973, a major reorganization of the U.S. Navy's cruiser-destroyer force resulted in Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 9's re-designation as Cruiser Destroyer Group 5 (CDG-5).

Rear Admiral Gerald E. Thomas served as Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 in 1974–76. Then Captain Leon A. Edney served as Chief of Staff to the Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 after 1976. In 1978 Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 consisted of Destroyer Squadron 9, Destroyer Squadron 21, Destroyer Squadron 31, and Destroyer Squadron 37 (Naval Reserve Force). The headquarters and the three active squadrons were at San Diego while Destroyer Squadron 37 was at Seattle, WA.Norman Polmar, Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, Eleventh Edition, 1978, 7.

In the middle of 1992, the U.S. Navy instituted a concept which aimed to group its escorts into a more permanent carrier battle group structure. Instead of routinely changing the cruisers, destroyers, and frigates assigned to each carrier battle group, there was an attempt made to affiliate certain escorts more permanently with the carriers they escorted. Each of the Navy's 12 existing carrier battle groups was planned to consist of an aircraft carrier; an embarked carrier air wing; cruiser, destroyer, and frigate units; and two nuclear-powered attack submarines.{{cite book |title= The Naval Institute Guide to The Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, 15th ed. |last= Polmar |first= Norman |year= 1993 |publisher= U.S. Naval Institute Press |location= Annapolis, Maryland |isbn= 1-55750-675-2 |pages= 32, 36 (Table 6-5), 376 }} Cruiser-Destroyer Group Five's units following the reorganization were as listed below.{{cite book |title= The Naval Institute Guide to The Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, 15th ed. |last= Polmar |first= Norman |year= 1993 |publisher= U.S. Naval Institute Press |location= Annapolis, Maryland |isbn= 1-55750-675-2 |pages= 36 (Table 6-5), 376, 377–381, 383, 386 }}

;Cruiser-Destroyer Group Five, late 1992

On 1 August 1992, {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63}} was appointed as Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific's "ready carrier." The ship embarked Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5; Commander, Destroyer Squadron 17 and Carrier Air Wing 15 for three months of work-ups before deploying to the Western Pacific on 3 November 1992. While on deployment, Kitty Hawk spent nine days off the coast of Somalia supporting U.S. Marines and coalition forces involved in Operation Restore Hope. In response to increasing Iraqi violations of United Nations sanctions, the ship rushed to the Persian Gulf on 27 December 1992. Seventeen days later, Kitty Hawk led a joint, coalition offensive strike against targets in southern Iraq.

On 15 July 1998, Rear Admiral Daniel R. Bowler (and his relief RADM Peter W. Marzluff), Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5, assumed operational control of Nimitz.{{cite DANFS | title = Nimitz | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/n5/nimitz.htm | accessdate = 2014-04-13 }} Kitty Hawk had left the group by shifting her homeport to Yokosuka, Japan, arriving there on 11 August 1998.{{cite DANFS | title = Kittky Hawk | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/k4/kitty_hawk-ii.html | accessdate = 2010-08-25 }}

In July 2000, {{USS|Mobile Bay|CG-53}} was transferred to Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 (up to June 2000 it had been part of Carrier Group 5). From 21 September 2001 to 13 December 2001, following an overhaul, Nimitz sailed round Cape Horn to her new home port of NAS North Island. Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 and CVWR-20, the latter comprising VFA-204, VAW-78, VS-22, VRC-30, HC-11 and HS-75, were aboard. Carrier Air Wing Eleven was reassigned to Cruiser-Destroyer Group Five and the Nimitz in January 2002. Rear Admiral Samuel J. Locklear took command of CCDG-5/Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in 2002, deploying to the Middle East in 2003.

On 1 October 2004, Cruiser Destroyer Group 5 was re-designated Carrier Strike Group 11.{{cite journal |first= Polmar |last= Norman |title= Naval Institute Guide to the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, 18th edition |url= https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0018polm/page/36 |journal= 18th Edition |publisher= Naval Institute Press |location= Annapolis, Maryland |pages= [https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0018polm/page/36 36–40] |isbn= 978-1-59114-685-8 |year= 2005 |accessdate= 2010-12-01 }}

The Carrier Strike Group commander exercises oversight of unit-level training, integrated training, and readiness for assigned ships and units, as well as maintains administrative functions and material readiness tracking for ships and squadrons assigned to the strike group. The group's pre-deployment Composite Training Unit Exercise comes under the operational control of the U.S. Third Fleet. When deployed, the group comes under command of the numbered fleet in whose area it is operating (Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh). When deployed in this fashion, the group utilizes a task group designator, for example, Task Group 50.1 in the Fifth Fleet area. Guided-missile cruisers such as Princeton provide air defence during deployments.

Group commanders since October 2002 have included:

• Rear Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III (October 2002 – February 2004)
• Rear Admiral Derwood C. Curtis (February 2004 – February 2005){{cite web | author= Journalists 2/c Ahron Arendes and Steve Owsley | title= CCDG 5 Changes Command Aboard Nimitz | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11756 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212023615/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11756 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS040209-08 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 9 February 2004 | accessdate=2012-05-10}}
• Rear Admiral Peter H. Daly (February 2005 – August 2006){{cite web | title= Nimitz CSG has new CO | url= http://www.navytimes.com/legacy/new/0-NAVYPAPER-1967882.php | work= Around the Navy | publisher= Navy Times | date= 21 August 2006 }}
• Rear Admiral John T. Blake (August 2006 – March 2008){{cite news | title= Navy picks new commander for Carrier Strike Group 11 | url= http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080321/news_1m21b10fill.html | newspaper= U-T San Diego | date= 21 March 2008 | accessdate=2012-05-10}}
• Rear Admiral John W. Miller (September 2008 – March 2010){{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Amara R. Timberlake | title= Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Changes Command | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51791 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629220619/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51791 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 29 June 2011 | work= NNS100309-24 | publisher= USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs | date= 9 March 2010 | accessdate=2020-05-22}}
• Rear Admiral Robert P. Girrier (March 2010 – March 2011)
• Rear Admiral Thomas S. Rowden (March 2011 – November 2011){{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shawnt'e Bryan | title= CSG 11 Holds Change of Command | url= https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/CSG11HoldsChangeofCommand.aspx | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111222171334/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/CSG11HoldsChangeofCommand.aspx | url-status= dead | archive-date= 22 December 2011 | publisher= Navy Public Affairs Support Element West | date= 10 November 2011 | accessdate=2020-05-22}}
• Rear Admiral Peter A. Gumataotao (November 2011 – February 2013){{cite news | url= https://www.pncguam.com/rear-admiral-gumataotao-assumes-command-of-carrier-strike-group-11/ | title= Rear Admiral Gumataotao Assumes Command of Carrier Strike Group 11 | date= 10 November 2011 | publisher= Pacific News Center | accessdate=2020-05-22}}{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2/c Jacquelyn Childs | title= Carrier Strike Group 11 Changes Command | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72030 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130217065024/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72030 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 17 February 2013 | work= NNS130211-21 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 11 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-02-19}}
• Rear Admiral Michael S. White (February 2013 – February 2014){{cite web | title= CSG-11 Holds Change of Command Ceremony | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=79856 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140327204050/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=79856 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 27 March 2014 | work= NNS140324-15| publisher= Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 24 March 2014 | accessdate=2014-03-25}}
• Rear Admiral (lower half) Dee L. Mewbourne (February 2014 – July 2015){{cite news | url= https://nimitznews.wordpress.com/2015/07/24/strike-group-eleven-change-of-command/ | title= Strike Group Eleven Change of Command | date= 24 July 2015 | publisher= Nimitz News | accessdate=2020-05-22}}
• Rear Admiral (lower half) Richard A. Brown (July 2015 – September 2016){{cite web | title= Rear Admiral Richard A. Brown | url= https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/Bio1_24July2015-13Sep2016.aspx | publisher= U.S. Navy | accessdate=2020-05-22}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Rear Admiral (lower half) William D. Byrne Jr. (September 2016 – October 2017){{cite web | title= Rear Admiral Bill Byrne | url= https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/Bio1-14September2016-5October2017.aspx | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180513222637/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/Bio1-14September2016-5October2017.aspx | url-status= dead | archive-date= 13 May 2018 | publisher= U.S. Navy | accessdate=2020-05-22}}{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elesia K. Patten | title= Carrier Strike Group 11 Holds Change of Command in Arabian Gulf | url= https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=102769 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171010232833/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=102769 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 10 October 2017 | work= NNS171010-07| publisher= Carrier Strike Group 11 Public Affairs | date= 10 October 2017 | accessdate=2020-05-22}}
• Rear Admiral (lower half) Gregory N. Harris (October 2017 – June 2018){{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody M. Deccio | title= CSG-11 Change of Command | url= https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=106293 | work= NNS180723-05| publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 23 July 2018 | accessdate=2020-05-22}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Rear Admiral (lower half) Donald D. Gabrielson (June 2018 – May 2019){{cite web | title= Rear Admiral Donald D. Gabrielson | url= https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/Bio1-28June2019-21May2019.aspx | publisher= U.S. Navy | accessdate=2020-05-22}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Rear Admiral (lower half) Yvette M. Davids (May 2019 – May 2020){{cite web | title= Rear Admiral Yvette M. Davids | url= https://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=1020 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171012162559/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=1020 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 October 2017 | date= 9 September 2019 | publisher= U.S. Navy | accessdate=2020-05-22}}{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Hall | title= Carrier Strike Group 11 changes command at sea aboard USS Nimitz | url= https://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/130620 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200523024345/https://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/130620 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 23 May 2020 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 17 May 2020 | accessdate=2020-05-22}}
• Rear Admiral (lower half) James A. Kirk (May 2020 – April 2021)
• Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney (April 2021 – June 2023){{Cite web |title=Carrier Strike Group 11 Holds Underway Change of Command Ceremony |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/446569/carrier-strike-group-11-holds-underway-change-command-ceremony |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=DVIDS |language=en}}
• Rear Admiral Jennifer S Couture (June 2023 - May 2024){{Cite web |title=Carrier Strike Group 11 Changes Command |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/471018/carrier-strike-group-11-changes-command |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=DVIDS |language=en}}
• Rear Admiral Maximilian Clark (May 2024 - Present)

File:US Navy 050511-N-8273J-037 The guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) comes along side the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in preparation for an underway replenishment (UNREP).jpg

From 11 to 24 March 2005, the group conducted a pre-deployment Joint Task Force exercise off California.{{cite web | title= USS Nimitz Strike Group Deploys | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/05/mil-050509-nns05.htm | work= Navy NewsStand NNS050509-13 | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 9 May 2005 | accessdate=2010-08-25}} The group departed San Diego, California, on 7 May 2005 under the command of Rear Admiral Peter Daly.

On 21 July 2005 in the Persian Gulf, USS Princeton (pictured) responded to a radio call from the Iranian dhow Hamid which needed engineering assistance. A team was dispatched to the Hamid where it was determined that the engine problem was due to corroded batteries that were low on power. The batteries were removed and brought back to Princeton for maintenance, cleaning, and recharging. Princeton was able to restore the power on board Hamid, restart the engines, and then provided medical assistance and fresh water.{{cite web | author= Lt. Michael Panado, USN | title= Princeton Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Stranded Dhow | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=19518 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20051129053226/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=19518 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 29 November 2005 | work= NNS050808-16 | publisher= USS Princeton Public Affairs | date= 8 August 2005 | accessdate=2011-11-27}}

On 22 September 2005, the group departed the Persian Gulf, after completing nine weeks of operations with the U.S. Fifth Fleet. During this period, 4,500 sorties totaling over 11,000 flight hours were flown by Carrier Air Wing Eleven, including over 1,100 sorties and 6,000 flight hours bombing Iraq War targets. The group returned home on 8 November 2005.{{cite web | title= Nimitz Strike Group WESTPAC 05 Deployment | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/batgru-68-westpac05.htm | work= Military | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 17 July 2006 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}

;2005 deployment force composition{{cite web | title= CVW-11 (NH) – CVN-68 Nimitz May 7, 2005 – Nov.8, 2005 (WestPac, Persian Gulf)| url= http://gonavy.jp/CVW-NHf.html | work= CVW-11 (NH) (December 20, 1963 – Present) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 16 November 2005 | accessdate=2010-08-29}}{{cite web | title= Bureau Numbers: CVW-11 (NH) – CVN-68 USS Nimitz – May 21, 2010 – date (Mediterranean, CENTCOM AOR) | url= http://gonavy.jp/CVW3-AC2004.html | work= CVW-11 (NH) (December 20, 1963 – Present) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 14 July 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-28}}

;2005 deployment exercises and port visits{{cite web | title= 2005 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn68history.htm | work= USS Nimitz CVN 68| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 3 April 2013 | accessdate=2014-04-13}}

The group left San Diego on 2 April 2007 under the command of Rear Admiral John Blake.{{cite web | title= Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Deploys to U.S. Central Command | url= http://www.navy.mil/Search/display.asp?story_id=28687 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070615081057/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=28687 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 15 June 2007 | work= NNS070403-03 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 3 April 2007 | accessdate=2010-08-25}} The group entered the U.S. Fifth Fleet area on 8 May 2007 and began conducting missions over Afghanistan three days later.{{cite web | title= USS Nimitz Strike Group Arrives in 5th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/Search/display.asp?story_id=29262 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070614160958/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=29262 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 14 June 2007 | work= NNS070508-15 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 8 May 2007 | accessdate=2010-08-25}} The group joined Carrier Strike Group Three, led by the {{USS|John C. Stennis|CVN-74|2}}, and relieved Carrier Strike Group Eight, led by the {{USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower|CVN-69|2}}, that was currently operating in the Persian Gulf. The arrival of the strike group ensured the maintenance of the then two-U.S. carrier presence in the region.

File:Malabar 07-2 exercise.jpg

Nimitz's escorts conducted maritime security operations. Higgins boarded ships of interest in the Persian Gulf, as well as informing three Iraqi dhows on coalition aims and objectives. The VBSS teams boarded three Iraqi tugs and four super-tankers, thereby safeguarding the merchants in the region by deterring piracy and smuggling. Higgins was the only ship in the strike group to conduct a boarding of a tanker suspected of oil smuggling. After a thorough six-hour boarding, the VBSS team was able to clear the tanker.{{cite web | title= San Diego-Based Ships Return Home From Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/Search/display.asp?story_id=32320 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629054141/http://www.navy.mil/Search/display.asp?story_id=32320 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 29 June 2011 | work= NNS071003-08 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 3 November 2007 | accessdate=2009-04-20}}

The guided-missile destroyer Pinckney participated in a Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise with the Republic of Singapore Navy and three other U.S. Navy ships. The ships conducted air defense, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and VBSS operations in the compressed waters of the South China Sea, validating current tactics, techniques and procedures and identifying areas for further development.

Carrier Strike Group 11 joined Carrier Strike Group 5 and Carrier Strike Group 3 to participate in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, a joint U.S. exercise held off Guam. Carrier Strike Group 11 subsequently joined the Carrier Strike Group Five and India's aircraft carrier {{INS|Viraat|R22|2}} in the Bay of Bengal for the multilateral Exercise Malabar 07-2 (pictured), an annual naval exercise involving India, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. The group arrived back at San Diego on 30 September 2007.

;2007 deployment force composition{{cite web | title= CVW-11 (NH) – CVN-68 Nimitz April 2, 2007 – September 30, 2007 (WestPac, Persian Gulf)| url= http://gonavy.jp/CVW-NHf.html | work= CVW-11 (NH) (December 20, 1963 – Present) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 3 October 2007 | accessdate=2010-08-29}}{{cite journal |last= Morison |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=May 2008 |title= U.S. Naval Battle Force Changes 1 January 2007—31 December 2007 |journal= Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 134 |issue= 5 |pages= 109 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2008-05 |accessdate= 2010-08-29 |quote=Registration required.}}

;2007 deployment exercises and port visits

Carrier Strike Group 11 departed from San Diego on 24 January 2008. It was announced that the group would operate in the Western Pacific while the forward-based {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63|6}} of Carrier Strike Group Eight underwent scheduled maintenance in Yokosuka, Japan.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Alexia M. Riveracorrea, USN | title= Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Deploys | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34552 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080129224449/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34552 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 29 January 2008 | work= NNS080124-17 | publisher= Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific | date= 24 January 2008 | accessdate=2011-07-21}}

The strike group entered the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of responsibility on 8 February 2008.{{cite web | title= Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34937 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629054250/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34937 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 29 June 2011 | work= NNS080212-04 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 12 February 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-25}} On 9 February 2008, two Russian Tu-95 'Bear' bombers were detected by the strike group in the Western Pacific. Four F/A-18C Hornets intercepted the bombers {{convert|50|mi|km}} south of Nimitz. Two F/A-18s trailed one of the bombers, which buzzed the deck of the carrier twice, while the other two F/A-18s trailed another Tu-95 circling about {{convert|50|mi|km}} away from the carrier. Reportedly, there was no radio communication between the American and Russian aircraft. According to the Department of Defense, one of the two aircraft was said to have flown above Nimitz at an altitude of {{convert|2000|ft|m}}.{{cite news | author= Kristin Roberts | title= Russian bombers intercepted near U.S. Navy vessel | url= https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1115998520080211 | work= Reuters | date= February 11, 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-25}} The strike group returned to San Diego on 2 June 2008.{{cite web | title= USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Returns | url= http://www.10news.com/news/16472998/detail.html | work= San Diego News | publisher= KGTV | date= 3 June 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}

;2008 deployment force composition{{cite journal |last= Morison |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=May 2009 |title= U.S. Naval Battle Force Changes 1 January 2008—31 December 2008 |journal= Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 135 |issue= 5 |pages= 119 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2009-05 |accessdate= 2010-08-29 |quote=Registration required.}}{{cite web | title= Nimitz Gets Underway for Western Pacific Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34557 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080128165055/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34557 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 28 January 2008 | work= NNS080124-09 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 24 January 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}{{cite web | title= CVW-11 (NH) – CVN-68 Nimitz January 24, 2008 – June 3, 2008 (WestPac) | url= http://gonavy.jp/CVW-NHf.html | work= CVW-11 (NH) (December 20, 1963 – Present) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 29 October 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-29}}{{cite web | title= Bureau Numbers: CVW-11 (NH) – CVN-68 USS Nimitz – January 24, 2008 – June 3, 2008 (WestPac) | url= http://gonavy.jp/CVW3-AC2004.html | work= CVW-11 (NH) (December 20, 1963 – Present) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 11 June 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-28}}

;2008 deployment exercises and port visits

File:US Navy 100215-N-8421M-173 Ships and aircraft assigned to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 operate in formation in the South China Sea.jpg

Carrier Strike Group 11 departed San Diego on 31 July 2009 on a regularly scheduled deployment commanded by Rear Admiral John W. Miller.{{cite web | title= Nimitz Strike Group Underway in Support of Maritime Strategy | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=47343 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090803115102/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=47343 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 3 August 2009 | work= NNS090731-19 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 31 July 2009 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}{{cite journal |last= Morison |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=May 2010 |title= U.S. Naval Battle Force Changes 1 January 2009—31 December 2009: U.S Naval Ship Deployments/Returns |journal= Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 136 |issue= 5 |pages= 110 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2010-05 |accessdate= 2010-08-26 |quote=Registration required.}} In September 2009, it was announced that the carrier strike group deployment schedule would be changed to accommodate the delay in the return of {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|2}} from overhaul. This resulted in extending the deployment to eight months.{{cite web | title= Navy Carrier Strike Group Deployment Schedules to Shift | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=48233 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805054711/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=48233 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS090911-22 | publisher= U.S. Fleet Forces Command | date= 11 September 2009 | accessdate=2012-12-27}}

On 4 December 2009, the group began five months in the northern Arabian Sea, providing air support to coalition forces in Afghanistan.{{cite web | title= Nimitz Resumes Combat Operations Over Afghanistan | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50006 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091216094714/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50006 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 16 December 2009 | work= NNS091204-01 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 4 December 2009 | accessdate=2009-11-26}} Carrier-based aircraft provided 30 percent of the combat air support for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) during the time that the group was in the northern Arabian Sea.{{cite web | title= Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Home After Eight-Month Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52195 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100402050925/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52195 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 2 April 2010 | work= NNS100326-15 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 26 March 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-26}} VAW-117's E-2C Hawkeye aircraft used their radar and communication systems to synchronize and direct air crews over Afghanistan.{{cite web | title= Command, Control Above Afghanistan | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50521 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629054732/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50521 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 29 June 2011 | work= NNS100114-25 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 14 January 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-25}} Also, EA-6B Prowlers assigned to squadron VAQ-135 jammed electronic signals in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.{{cite web | title= Navy Non-Kinetic Air Power for OEF | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50390 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805134333/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50390 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS100106-02 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 6 January 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-25}} Effective 2 July 2009, ISAF air-ground combat support operations were ordered to take steps to minimize Afghan civilian casualties.{{cite web | author= Jim Garamone | title= Directive Re-emphasizes Protecting Afghan Civilians | url= https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/id/55023/ | work= American Forces Press Service | publisher= U.S. Department of Defense | date= 6 July 2009 | access-date=2012-10-01}} and {{cite web | title= Tactical Directive | url=http://www.nato.int/isaf/docu/official_texts/Tactical_Directive_090706.pdf | publisher=NATO/International Security Assistance Force | date= 6 July 2009 | accessdate=2012-10-02}} In total, Carrier Air Wing 11 air crews flew more than 2,600 combat sorties supporting ISAF.{{cite web | title= Nimitz Strike Group Arrives in Hong Kong | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51316 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100221055247/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51316 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 21 February 2010 | work= NNS100217-02 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 17 February 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-25}} The other strike group ships contributed to counter-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa, the protection of critical Iraqi infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, and other maritime security operations. On 26 March 2010, the strike group returned to their homeport after an eight-month deployment.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Amara R. Timberlake, USN | title= Nimitz Sailors Prepare to Return Home | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51601 | work= NNS100303-08 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 3 March 2010 | accessdate= 2009-04-20 }} and {{cite web | title= Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Home After Eight-Month Deployment | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cds23/Pages/CDS23_rtns_8mo_deployment.aspx | work= NNS100326-15 | publisher= COMDESRON 23 | date= 26 March 2010 | accessdate= 2009-04-20 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110216052059/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cds23/Pages/CDS23_rtns_8mo_deployment.aspx | archive-date= 16 February 2011 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}

;2009–2010 deployment force composition{{cite journal |last= Morison |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=May 2010 |title= U.S. Naval Battle Force Changes 1 January 2009—31 December 2009: Aircraft Carrier Air Wing Assignments and Composition as of 1 March 2010 |journal= Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 136 |issue= 5 |pages= 115 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2010-05 |accessdate= 2010-08-29 |quote=Registration required.}}

;2009–2010 deployment exercises and port visits

File:Ships and submarines participating in RIMPAC 2012 sail in formation.jpg

File:A U.S. Navy F-A-18C Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Pacific Ocean April 8, 2013 130408-N-LP801-313.jpg

On 11 May 2011, the U.S. Navy announced a duty station change for Carrier Strike Group 11 from Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, to Naval Station Everett, Washington, in December 2011.

On 11 June 2012, Nimitz departed Everett and once Carrier Air Wing Eleven was embarked, departed Naval Air Station North Island, California, on 15 June 2012 for carrier qualifications.{{cite web | title= 2012 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn68history.htm | work= USS Nimitz CVN 68| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 30 September 2012 | accessdate=2012-07-14}} The Air Wing consisted of U.S. Navy strike fighter squadrons VFA-154, VFA-147, and VFA-146; U.S. Marine Corps fighter squadron VMFA-323; airborne early warning squadron VAW-117; electronic warfare squadron VAQ-142; helicopter squadrons HSC-6 and HSM-75; and Detachment 3 from squadron VRC-30.{{cite web | author= MCSA Ryan Mayes, USN | title= Nimitz staying busy during RIMPAC | url= http://www.thenorthwestnavigator.com/news/2012/jun/21/nimitz-staying-busy-during-rimpac/ | work= Northwest Navigator | publisher= Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group | date= 21 June 2012 | accessdate=2012-07-15}}{{cite web | title= CVW-11 (NH) – CVN-68 Nimitz | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVW-NHf.html | work= CVW Deployment | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 4 July 2012 | accessdate=2012-07-10}}

On 2 July 2012, Nimitz pulled into Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, Hawaii, for a four-day port call prior to participating in Exercise RIMPAC 2012 that was scheduled from 29 June to 3 August 2012.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran, USN | title= USS Nimitz Arrives in Hawaii for Port Visit | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68189 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121213003031/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68189 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 13 December 2012 | work= NNS120703-01 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 3 July 2012 | accessdate=2011-07-14}} Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing Eleven were the only aircraft carrier and carrier air wing to participate in RIMPAC 2012 (pictured).{{cite web | title= RIMPAC to begin June 29 | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/Pages/RIMPACtobeginJune29.aspx | publisher= Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs | date= 8 May 2012 | accessdate= 2012-07-14 | archive-date= 15 June 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120615215045/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/Pages/RIMPACtobeginJune29.aspx | url-status= dead }} and {{cite web | author= Richard Dudley | title= RIMPAC 2012 – Naval Forces Roaming in the Pacific | url= http://defense-update.com/20120706_rimpac-2012-naval-forces-roaming-in-the-pacific.html | publisher= Defense Update | date= 6 July 2012 | accessdate= 2011-07-16 }} Following RIMPAC 2012, Nimitz departed Pearl Harbor on 3 August 2012, arriving at North Island on 9 August 2012. The aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Eleven flew off Nimitz on 8 August 2012 to return to their home air stations.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Winn | title= Carrier Air Wing 11 Departs USS Nimitz | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=689158 | work= NNS120809-12 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 9 August 2012 | accessdate= 2011-08-24 }}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Nimitz returned to Naval Station Everett, Washington, on 20 August 2012, completing a 70-day underway period.

On 29 September 2012 Nimitz departed Naval Station Everett to begin its pre-deployment training cycle and certification exercises under the supervision of the Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Phillip Ladouceur, USN | title= Nimitz Sets Sail For COMPTUEX | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=69872l | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140508030542/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=69872l | url-status= dead | archive-date= 8 May 2014 |work= NNS120930-08 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 30 September 2012 | accessdate=2012-10-02}} Joining Nimitz were Carrier Air Wing Eleven, the guided-missile cruiser {{USS|Princeton|CG-59|2}}, and the guided-missile destroyers {{USS|Higgins|DDG-76|2}}, {{USS|Shoup|DDG-86|2}}, {{USS|Stockdale|DDG-106|2}}, and {{USS|William P. Lawrence|DDG-110|2}}.

On 17 October 2012, the group began its 18-day pre-deployment Composite Training Unit Exercise.{{cite web | author= MCS 3rd Class (SW) Carla Ocampo, USN | title= #Warfighting: USS Nimitz, CSG 11 Begins Composite Training Unit Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70218 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121112133519/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70218 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 November 2012 | work= NNS121018-12 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 18 October 2012 | accessdate=2011-11-14}} On 13 November 2012, Nimitz pulled into Naval Air Station North Island, California, to disembark part of the air wing. On 21 November 2012, it was announced that the strike group's deployment would be delayed because a cooling pump aboard the Nimitz needed to be repaired. It was also announced that Nimitz would now deploy in summer 2013.{{cite web | author=Christina Silva | title= Faulty part on carrier has domino effect on deployments | url= http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/faulty-part-on-carrier-has-domino-effect-on-deployments-1.198541 |work= Stars and Stripes | date= 27 November 2012 | accessdate=2012-11-30}}

Following repairs, on 5 April 2013, the Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing Eleven departed Naval Air Station North Island, California, to begin their scheduled Sustainment Exercise (pictured) to re-certify the group's readiness to deploy.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacquelyn Childs, USN | title= Nimitz Sets Sail for Sustainment Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73052 | work= NNS130331-01 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 31 March 2013 | accessdate=2013-04-11}} and {{cite web | title= Nimitz, CSG 11 Participate in SUSTEX | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73252 | work= NNS130409-04 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 9 April 2013 | accessdate=2013-04-11}} They joined the guided-missile cruiser Princeton which had departed on 3 April 2013.{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cg59history.htm | work= USS Princeton CG 59| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 30 September 2012 | accessdate=2013-04-12}}

With the Nimitz undergoing repairs, Carrier Strike Group 11 deployed in two waves. The first wave consisted of four destroyers operating initially as a surface action group until the Nimitz and the rest of the strike group deployed three months later.

;2013 deployment force composition{{cite journal |last= Morison |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=September 2014 |title= U.S. Battle Force Aviation Changes 2013–14, Part A: CARRIER AIR WINGS & ASSIGNMENTS CVW/DOI: 2 April 2013 |journal= Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 140 |issue= 9 |pages= 48–49 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2014-09/us-battle-force-aviation-changes|accessdate= 13 September 2012 |quote=Registration required; downloadable PDF file.}}{{Cite web| title= CVW-11 (NH) – CVN-68 USS Nimitz – 30 March 2010 – (SUSTEX, WestPac) | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVW-NHf.html | work=NNS130528-06 | publisher=GoNavy.jp | date= 24 April 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-08}}{{Cite web| author=MC3 Devin Wray | title= EODMU 11 Shares Knowledge with Royal Thai Navy | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74425 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193119/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74425 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 29 October 2013 | work=NNS130528-06 | publisher=Carrier Strike Group Eleven | date= 28 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-28}}

On 14 January 2013, the destroyers {{USS|Higgins|DDG-76|2}}, {{USS|Shoup|DDG-86|2}}, {{USS|Stockdale|DDG-106|2}}, and {{USS|William P. Lawrence|DDG-110|2}} departed Naval Base San Diego, California, for a deployment to the Middle East.{{cite web | title= Nimitz Strike Group Surface Action Group ships depart for deployment | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/NimitzStrikeGroupSurfaceActionGroupshipsdepartfordeployment.aspx#.UQAWVSc8CSo | work= COMCARSTRKGRU ELEVEN | publisher= Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | date= 11 January 2012 | accessdate= 2013-01-23 | archive-date= 15 January 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130115020644/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/NimitzStrikeGroupSurfaceActionGroupshipsdepartfordeployment.aspx#.UQAWVSc8CSo | url-status= dead }} These ships operated with the U.S. Fifth Fleet as a surface action group until the Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing Eleven, and the guided-missile cruiser Princeton deployed.

File:Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) prepare to offer rescue assistance to a burning vessel during a transit of the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, 2013 130311-N-ZQ631-124.jpg

On 1 March 2013, the William P. Lawrence entered the Persian Gulf for operations with Carrier Strike Group Three. On 11 March 2013, the Lawrence rendered assistance to a burning vessel while operating in the Strait of Hormuz (pictured).{{cite web | author=MCS 3rd Class (SW) Carla Ocampo, USN |title= Lawrence Conducts First Strait of Hormuz Transit | url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72475 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713083707/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72475 | url-status=dead | archive-date=13 July 2015 | work= NNS130304-05 | publisher= USS William P. Lawrence Public Affairs | date= 3 March 2013 | accessdate=2013-03-14}} and {{cite web | author=MCS 3rd Class (SW) Carla Ocampo, USN |title= USS William P. Lawrence encounters burning vessel | url=http://www.dvidshub.net/image/886966/uss-william-p-lawrence-encounters-burning-vessel#.UZFBKKKG2iM | work= Navy Media Content Center #886966 | publisher= DVIDS | date= 14 March 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-14 |quote=Photo taken on March 11, 2013.}} In April 2012, on two separate occasions, the Lawrence joined the French frigate Montcalm in rendering assistance to civilian mariners in distress while operating in the Gulf of Oman as part of Combined Task Force 150.{{cite web | title= Warships from CTF-150 Come to Mariners Rescue in Sea of Oman | url= http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Warships-from-CTF-150-come-to-mariners-rescue-in-Sea-of-Oman-273e | work= BBC News | publisher= Muscat Daily | date= 20 April 2013 | accessdate= 2013-05-06 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131020072606/http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Warships-from-CTF-150-come-to-mariners-rescue-in-Sea-of-Oman-273e | archive-date= 20 October 2013 | url-status= dead }} Starting 2 September 2013, William P. Lawrence began operating in the Red Sea as part of Carrier Strike Group 11.{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg110history.htm | work= USS William P. Lawrence DDG 110| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 25 January 2013 | accessdate=2013-01-25}}{{cite news |work=Reuters |title=USS Nimitz carrier moves into Red Sea |date=2013-09-02 |accessdate=2 September 2013 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-ships-idUSBRE9810DA20130902 |archive-date=29 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929125929/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/02/us-syria-crisis-ships-idUSBRE9810DA20130902 |url-status=live }}

Following bilateral mine countermeasure exercises in the Persian Gulf, the USS Higgins left the Fifth Fleet area. After paying port visits to Thailand, Japan, and Guam, the Higgins arrived at Naval Base San Diego, California, on 7 October 2013, completing a nine-month-long deployment.{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg76history.htm | work= USS Higgins DDG 76| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 4 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-03-06}}{{cite web |author=Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Wray, USN | title= US, UK Complete Mine Countermeasure Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75384 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190958/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75384 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 29 October 2013 | work= NNS130716-09 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 16 July 2013 | accessdate=2013-07-22}}

{{cite web |title= USS Higgins Returns to San Diego Following Deployment | url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76993 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20131015074729/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76993 | url-status=dead | archive-date=15 October 2013 | publisher= Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | work=NNS131007-02 | date= 7 October 2013 | accessdate=2013-10-14 }} On 8 November 2013, the Stockdale and William P. Lawrence returned to Naval Base San Diego, California, completing a ten-month-long deployment.{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg106history.htm | work= USS Stockdale DDG 106| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 5 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-03-07}}{{cite web |title= USS Stockdale and USS William P. Lawrence Return to San Diego Following Extended Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77569 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131109210149/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77569 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 9 November 2013 | work= NNS131108-34 | publisher= Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | date= 8 November 2013 | accessdate=2013-11-09}} On 18 November 2013, the USS Shoup arrived back at Naval Station Everett, Washington. At 313 days, the Shoup completed the longest deployment by a U.S. Navy destroyer since World War II.{{cite news|publisher=The Herald |title=USS Shoup returns after long deployment |date=18 November 2013 |accessdate=20 November 2013|url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20131118/NEWS01/711189911}}{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg86history.htm | work= USS Shoup DDG 86| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 4 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-03-06}}

;2013 deployment exercises and port visits

File:A U.S. Navy F-A-18E Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 prepares to take off from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Gulf of Oman June 13, 2013, in support 130613-N-TI017-057.jpg (June 13, 2013)]]

File:131022-N-ZG290-021 USS Nimitz transits Suez Canal Oct 22 2013.JPG

File:USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and Francesco Mimbelli (D561) underway in the Med 2013.JPG destroyer Francesco Mimbelli in the Mediterranean (October 26, 2013)]]

On 19 April 2013, the Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing Eleven departed Naval Air Station North Island, California, joining the cruiser Princeton to begin their deployment.{{cite web |author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacquelyn D. Childs, USN | title= Nimitz Strike Group Departs for Western Pacific Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73511 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130424005858/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73511 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 24 April 2013 | work= NNS130419-18 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 19 April 2012 | accessdate=2013-04-19}} On 3 May 2013, the two ships joined the U.S. Seventh Fleet.{{cite web | title= Nimitz Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet AOR | url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73880 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723163021/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73880 | url-status=dead | archive-date=23 July 2013 | work= NNS130503-07 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 3 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-05}} Nimitz and Princeton exercised with the Republic of Korea Navy amid the ongoing 2013 Korean crisis over North Korean actions.{{cite web | author= Jon Rabiroff and Yoo Kyong Chang | title= Camera club tips off North Korea to US carrier's Pacific presence | url=http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/camera-club-tips-off-north-korea-to-us-carrier-s-pacific-presence-1.220018 | work= Stars and Stripes | date= 8 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-08}}{{cite web | author= Jon Rabiroff and Yoo Kyong Chang | title= US, S. Korea start naval drill in site of past North-South clashes | url=http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/us-s-korea-start-naval-drill-in-site-of-past-north-south-clashes-1.219753 | work= Stars and Stripes | date= 6 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-08}}{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn68history.htm | work= USS Nimitz CVN 68| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 11 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-11}} The strike group's deployment to the Seventh Fleet coincided with the joint exercises of China's three operational fleets in the South China Sea amid the ongoing Spratly Islands dispute between China and the Philippines.{{cite news|newspaper=South China Morning Post|title=PLA Navy's three fleets meet in South China Sea for rare show of force|date=2013-06-24 |accessdate=16 July 2011|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1246897/pla-navys-three-fleets-meet-south-china-sea-rare-show-force}}

Carrier Strike Group 11 entered the U.S. Fifth Fleet's area on 9 June 2013, relieving Carrier Strike Group Eight.{{cite web | author=MCSA Victoria I. Ochoa, USN |title= Nimitz Strike Group enters 5th Fleet | url= http://www.dvidshub.net/news/108374/nimitz-strike-group-enters-5th-fleet#.UbdAdOfVDSc |publisher= Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System | date= 10 June 2013 | accessdate=2013-06-11}} and {{cite web |title= Eisenhower Strike Group Departs U.S. 5th Fleet AOR | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74800 | work=NNS130613-02 |publisher= Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 13 June 2013 | accessdate=2013-06-14}} On 13 June 2013, Carrier Air Wing Eleven aircraft launched their first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (pictured). The British Type 45 destroyer {{HMS|Dragon|D35|2}} also joined the group in the Gulf of Oman. The Royal Navy warship maintained anti-aircraft defenses, directed aircraft sorties, and provided assistance to returning planes landing on the Nimitz.{{Cite web| title= Dragon take it to the Nimitz working with US carrier battle group | url= https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/8475 | work=Navy News | publisher=Royal Navy | date= 1 August 2013 | accessdate=2013-08-25}}

On 22 August 2013, USS Momsen returned to Naval Station Everett, Washington, after a four-month underway period of independent operations with the U.S. Seventh Fleet. During part of this period, Momsen operated with Carrier Strike Group Five led by the carrier {{USS|George Washington|CVN-73|2}}.{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg92history.htm | work= USS Momsen DDG 82| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 21 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-21}}

Carrier Strike Group 11 was relieved by Carrier Strike Group Ten on 26 August 2013.{{Cite web| author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chase C. Lacombe, USN | title= Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Assumes the Watch in the Navy's 5th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76231 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150610224153/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76231 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 10 June 2015 | work= NNS130828-15 | publisher= USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs | date= 28 August 2013 | accessdate=2013-08-29}} At the time of this relief, Carrier Air Wing 11 had completed over 1,200 sorties in support of combat operations in Afghanistan for a total of 6,500 flight hours.{{Cite web|author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan R. McDonald, USN |title= Nimitz Strike Group Begins Operations in Central Mediterranean |url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77207 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131219012222/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77207 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 19 December 2013 |work= NNS131023-03 |publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs |date=23 October 2013 |accessdate= 23 October 2013}} Both U.S. Navy carrier strike groups initially remained in the north Arabian Sea pending potential military action against Syria amid allegations that the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons during the ongoing Syrian civil war, including the gas attacks that occurred on 21 August 2013.{{cite news|publisher=CBS News-Associated Press|title=U.S., Russia said to up Naval presence in Gulf region|date=29 August 2013 |access-date=30 August 2013|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-russia-said-to-up-naval-presence-in-gulf-region/}}

On 2 September 2013, Carrier Strike Group 11 transited the Bab-el-Mandeb and moved northward into the Red Sea for potential combat operations against Syria. At this point, the strike group consisted of the carrier Nimitz with Carrier Air Wing 11 embarked, the cruiser Princeton, and the destroyers William P. Lawrence, Stockdale, and Shoup. On 12 September 2013, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that U.S. naval forces would remain in the region as Russian and American diplomats negotiated the turn-over of Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons to the United Nations, with spokesman George E. Little noting: "We’re prepared for any potential military contingencies that might involve Syria."{{Cite web|title= Pentagon: Destroyers to Stay Near Syria During Chemical Weapon Negotiations |url= http://news.usni.org/2013/09/13/pentagon-destroyers-stay-near-syria-chemical-weapon-negotiations |work= USNI News |publisher= United States Naval Institute |date=13 September 2013 |accessdate= 13 September 2013}}{{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Times|title=Pentagon: 4 destroyers, aircraft carrier to remain near Syria |date=12 September 2013 |accessdate=2013-09-13|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/12/pentagon-4-destroyers-aircraft-carrier-remain-near/}}

On 20 October 2013, Carrier Strike Group 11 transited the Suez Canal to join the U.S. Sixth Fleet.{{Cite web|title= Nimitz Leaves Red Sea |url= http://news.usni.org/2013/10/21/nimitz-leaves-red-sea |work= USNI News |publisher= United States Naval Institute |date=21 October 2013 |accessdate= 21 October 2013}} and {{Cite web|title= Nimitz to Operate in Mediterranean |url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77161 |work= NNS131021-01 |publisher= Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs |date=21 October 2013 |accessdate= 21 October 2013}} This was the first time that the carrier Nimitz had operated in the Mediterranean Sea since 1998 (pictured). On 8 November 2013, Carrier Strike Group 11 transited the Suez Canal, leaving the U.S. Sixth Fleet's area of operations again.{{Cite web| author=Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jess Lewis, USN |title= Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Departs 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility |url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77566 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131109210021/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77566 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 9 November 2013 |work= NNS131108-32 |publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs |date=8 November 2013 |accessdate= 9 November 2013}} Nimitz was initially intended to join Operation Damayan, the U.S. military's humanitarian mission to the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan, but plans were changed and the carrier was released to return home.{{cite news|newspaper=Stars and Stripes|title=USS Nimitz, not needed for storm relief, will head home to Washington |date=19 November 2013|accessdate=20 November 2013|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/uss-nimitz-not-needed-for-storm-relief-will-head-home-to-washington-1.253672}}

On 29 October 2013, USS Princeton returned to Naval Station San Diego, California, following an extended seven-month deployment. Following operations with the U.S. Fifth and Seventh fleets, Princeton paid port-calls to the United Arab Emirates, Guam, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On 28 November 2013, USS Preble returned to Naval Station San Diego.{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg88history.htm | work= USS Preble DDG 88| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 29 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-06-05}} On 11 December 2013, squadrons of Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) began departing the carrier Nimitz to return to their home naval air stations. During this 252-day deployment, CVW-11 aircraft made 9,344 launches and flew 1,374 sorties in support of combat operations in Afghanistan for a total of over 29,440 flight hours.{{cite news|publisher=Visalia Times-Delta|title=Dozens of U.S. Navy pilots head home to Lemoore |date=11 December 2013 |accessdate=11 December 2013 |url=http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20131211/NEWS01/312110010/-Best-Christmas-present-ever-}}{{cite web |author=Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Kole E. Carpenter, USN | title= Carrier Air Wing 11, DESRON 23 Return from Nimitz Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78238 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131214185134/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78238 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 14 December 2013 | work= NNS131212-18 | publisher= Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 12 December 2013 | accessdate=2013-12-14}} On 12 December 2013, the carrier Nimitz arrived at Naval Station San Diego, California, completing the {{frac|8|1|2}}-month-long 2013 overseas deployment for Carrier Strike Group Eleven. Nimitz returned to Naval Station Everett, Washington, on 16 December 2013.{{cite news|newspaper=Navy Times|title=USS Nimitz returns to home port in Everett |date=2013-12-17 |accessdate=17 December 2013 |url=http://www.navytimes.com/article/20131217/NEWS/312170017/USS-Nimitz-returns-home-port-Everett}}

;2013 deployment exercises and port visits

On 23 June 2014, the Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet announced that the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Eleven, the Nimitz, is scheduled to change its home-port to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for its 2015 planned incremental maintenance period.{{Cite web| title= Nimitz to Move to Bremerton in 2015| url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=81834 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150210021027/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=81834 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 10 February 2015 | work=NNS140623-25 | publisher=Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | date= 23 June 2011 | accessdate=2015-02-09}} Between 20 and 31 October 2014, Carrier Strike Group Eleven participated in multi-lateral task group exercises with Canadian, Japanese and U.S. naval units.{{Cite web| author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelly Agee, USN |title= Nimitz to Participate Alongside Canadian, Japanese, other US Ships in Task Group Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=83960 | work=NNS141020-10 | publisher=USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 10 October 2014 | accessdate=2015-02-09}} and {{Cite web| author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kole E. Carpenter, USN |title= Task Group Exercise Comes to a Close, Ends with Success | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=84194 | work=NNS141101-04 | publisher=USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 1 November 2014 | accessdate=2015-02-09}} On 13 January 2015, the Nimitz arrived at Naval Base Kitsap, Washington, completing its home-port change-over.{{Cite web| title= USS Nimitz Completes Homeport Change | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=85180 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150115080003/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=85180 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 15 January 2015 | work=NNS150114-01 | publisher=USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 14 January 2015 | accessdate=2015-02-09}} On 13 January 2015, Nimitz began its 16-month Extended Planned Incremental Availability (EPIA) major maintenance cycle at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) at Bremerton, Washington.{{cite web | title= 2015 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn68history.htm | work= USS Nimitz CVN 68| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 19 May 2012 | accessdate=2015-06-18}}

In late May 2017, the US Navy announced that CSG-11 would be deployed to the western Pacific Ocean, joining Carrier Strike Group 1 (USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)) and Carrier Strike Group 5 (USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)), amidst Trump administration concerns over North Korea.[https://worldview.stratfor.com/situation-report/us-third-carrier-group-dispatched-pacific-amid-heightened-tensions U.S.: Third Carrier Group Dispatched To The Pacific Amid Heightened Tensions], Stratfor, 2017-05-30 Following the collision that damaged the destroyer USS Fitzgerald, its place within the strike group was taken up by the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha which was on deployment in the western Pacific after a request by US authorities.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}

• History of the United States Navy
• List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

;Footnotes

{{Reflist|group=Note}}

;Citations

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{cite journal |last= Morison |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=September 2014 |title= U.S. Battle Force Aviation Changes 2013–14 |journal= Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 140 |issue= 4 |pages= 48–50 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2014-09/us-battle-force-aviation-changes |accessdate= 13 September 2014 |quote=Registration required.}}
• {{cite journal|author-mask=2|last= Morison |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=May 2009 |title= U.S. Naval Battle Force Changes 1 January 2008—31 December 2008: Aircraft Carrier Air Wing Assignments and Composition as of 17 Feb 2009 |journal= Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 135 |issue= 5 |pages= 118–120 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2009-05 |accessdate=2010-08-26 |quote=Registration required.}}
• {{cite journal|author-mask=2|last= Morison |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=May 2010 |title= U.S. Naval Battle Force Changes 1 January 2009—31 December 2009: Aircraft Carrier Air Wing Assignments and Composition as of 1 March 2010 |journal= Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 136 |issue= 5 |pages= 106–116 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2010-05 |accessdate=2010-08-29 |quote=Registration required.}}
• {{cite journal|author-mask=2 |last= Morison |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=May 2011 |title= U.S. Naval Battle Force Changes 1 January 2010—31 December 2010: Aircraft Carrier Air Wing Assignments and Composition as of 1 March 2011 |journal= Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 137 |issue= 5 |pages= 117–120 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2011-05 |accessdate=2010-08-29 |quote=Registration required.}}
• {{cite journal|author-mask=2 |last= Morison |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=May 2012 |title= U.S. Naval Battle Force Changes 1 January 2011—31 December 2011: Aircraft Carrier Air Wing Assignments and Composition as of 2 April 2012 |journal= Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 138 |issue= 5 |pages= 112–113 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2012-05 |accessdate= 2012-05-11 |quote=Registration required.}}

{{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/n5/nimitz.htm}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130216222407/http://www.nimitz.navy.mil/csg-11.html Carrier Strike Group Eleven] – Official {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68}} web site

{{US Navy navbox}}

{{United States Navy Carrier strike groups}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carrier Strike Group 11}}

Category:Carrier Strike Groups

Category:Military units and formations established in 2004

Category:Military in San Diego