Carrier Strike Group 12

After 8 December 1966, {{USS|Columbus|CA-74|6}} (flag) and {{USS|Belknap|CG-26|6}} of Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 8 were involved in the response to the sinking of {{SS|Heraklion}} off Greece. Commanding CRUDESFLOT 8 at the time was Rear Admiral John D. Bulkeley.Starbuster, p. 59.

On 30 June 1973, Commander Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla 8 was re-designated as Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 8 (CCDG-8). Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 8 subsequently served as the Immediate Superior-in-Command (ISIC) for the {{USS|Saratoga|CV-60|2}}, {{USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower||2}}, and {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71|2}} carrier battle groups. The group took part in Operation Southern Watch and Operation Deny Flight.{{cite web | title= Cruiser Destroyer Group Eight | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/crudesgru8.htm | work= Military | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 7 May 2011 | access-date=30 March 2012}}

In 1986, while commanding Cruiser-Destroyer Group 8, Rear Admiral David E. Jeremiah commanded the Saratoga group and Task Group 60.2 of the U.S. Sixth Fleet during a series of operations code-named Attain Document. They were intended to assert freedom of navigation in the Gulf of Sidra as well as to challenge Libya's maritime territorial claims. The Saratoga battle group and the rest of Task Force 60 later carried out Operation El Dorado Canyon, a series of punitive air strikes against Libya in retaliations to the 1986 Berlin discotheque bombing. During both operations, Admiral Jeremiah commanded Task Force 60, the three-carrier task force of the Sixth Fleet, code-named Battle Force Zulu.{{cite book |title= Aircraft Carriers: A History of Carrier Aviation and Its Influence on World Events: Vol. II, 1946–2006 |last= Polmar |first= Norman |year= 2008 |publisher= Potomac Books, Inc. |location= Dulles, Virginia |isbn= 978-157488-665-8 |pages= 369–374 |url=http://www.potomacbooksinc.com/Books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=69770}}{{cite book |title= El Dorado Canyon: Reagan's Undeclared War With Qaddafi |last= Stanik |first= Joseph T. |year= 2003 |publisher= Naval Institute Press |location= Annapolis, Maryland |isbn= 978-155750-983-3 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/eldoradocanyonre00stan/page/120 120, 123–140, 202–205] |url= https://archive.org/details/eldoradocanyonre00stan/page/120 |url-access= registration }}

In the middle of 1992, there was a Navy reorganization. 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 }} The group's composition after the reorganization can be seen 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 Eight, late 1992

On 30 September 1992, when Saratoga accidentally fired two Sea Sparrow missiles at the Turkish

destroyer minelayer {{ship|TCG|Muavenet|DM 357|6}}, during Exercise 'Display Determination '92,' Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight was embarked.{{Cite web|url = http://www.jag.navy.mil/library/investigations/USS%20SARATOGA%20SEA%20SPRARROW%202%20OCT%2092.pdf|title = JAG Inquiry on TCG Muavenet incident|access-date = 1 November 2015|publisher = US Navy|archive-date = 4 March 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102211/http://www.jag.navy.mil/library/investigations/USS%20SARATOGA%20SEA%20SPRARROW%202%20OCT%2092.pdf|url-status = dead}}

During the early period of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight was embarked aboard Theodore Roosevelt as a part of Task Force 60, striking Iraqi targets from the Mediterranean Sea.

On 1 September 2004, Rear Admiral James W. Stevenson Jr., Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight, took command of the Enterprise group.{{cite web | author= Journalist 3rd Class Daniel Vaughan, USN | title= Cruiser Destroyer Group 8 Takes Charge of Enterprise CSG | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=15054 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805065547/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=15054 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040907-04 | publisher= USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 7 September 2004 | access-date=29 March 2012}} Admiral Stevenson had been in command of Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight since May 2004.{{cite web | title= Flag and General Officer Assignments | url= http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=7325 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121211232716/http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=7325 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 11 December 2012 | work= New Release 402-04 | publisher= U.S. Department of Defense | date= 3 May 2004 | access-date=30 March 2012}} Formerly, the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group had been under the command of Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 12 based in Naval Station Mayport, Florida.{{cite web | title= Cruiser Destroyer Group Twelve | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/crudesgru12.htm | work= Military | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 7 May 2011 | access-date=5 June 2012}} On 1 October 2004, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 8 was re-designated as Carrier Strike Group Twelve.

On 3 September 2004, the group's flagship Enterprise entered the Newport News shipyard for an extended selected restricted availability overhaul.{{cite DANFS | title = USS Enterprise CVN-65 |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/e4/enterprise-viiii.htm | archive-url = http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20100414134501/http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/e4/enterprise-viiii.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date=14 April 2010 | short = yes}} On 13 October 2005, the Enterprise pulled away from Norfolk Naval Station's Pier 12 for sea trials.{{cite web | author= Journalist 2/c Jason Thompson | title= Enterprise Sails Again Following ESRA | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20597 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060424080832/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20597 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 24 April 2006 | work= NNS051016-01 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 16 October 2005 | access-date=4 April 2012}}{{cite web|author=Captain Lawrence Rice |title=Enterprise Chronology of Events 1 January – 31 December 2005 |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/cvn-65/2005.pdf |work=Command Operations Reports |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |location=Washington Navy Yard |page=4 |year=2005 |access-date=6 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122025052/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/cvn-65/2005.pdf|archive-date=22 January 2012 }} Enterprise{{'}}s post-overhaul sea trials ended on 15 October 2005.

{{see also|Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2006}}

File:Anatolian Sun 2006.jpg

File:060926-N-9742R-023.jpg

On 2 May 2006, the strike group departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, for its 2006 deployment under the command of Rear Admiral Ray Spicer.{{cite web | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn65history.htm | title= USS Enterprise CVN-65 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 24 April 2012 | access-date=29 April 2012}} The group trained with naval forces from Bulgaria, Germany, Croatia, and Greece during its transit through the Mediterranean. The frigate Nichols participated in Anatolian Sun, a Proliferation Security Initiative exercise, held between 24 and 26 May 2006 hosted for the first time by Turkey.{{cite web | title= Turkey Hosts Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Interdiction Exercise, Anatolian Sun, May 24–26 | url= http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2006/66669.htm | work= Office of the Spokesman release 2006/532 | publisher= U.S. Department of State | date= 22 May 2006 | access-date=1 June 2012}}

The group spent two periods with the U.S. Fifth Fleet during its 2006 deployment. During the deployment, Carrier Air Wing One delivered 65,000 pounds (29,483.50 kilograms) of ordnance, including 137 precision weapons, to provide air support of Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Its aircraft completed more than 8,300 sorties, of which 2,186 were combat missions while flying more than 22,500 hours and making 6,916-day and night arrested landings. Carrier Air Wing One provided the first combat air support to Operation Enduring Freedom from an aircraft carrier in more than three years.{{cite web | title= Enterprise Strike Group MED 06 Deployment | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/batgru-65-med06.htm | work= Military – Navy | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 7 May 2011 | access-date=23 May 2012}}{{cite web | title= Carrier Air Wing 1 Squadrons Return to Norfolk, Oceana | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26625 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20061123072003/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26625 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 23 November 2006 | work= NNS061115-16 | publisher= Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs | date= 15 November 2006 | access-date=28 May 2012}}

The first Fifth Fleet rotation began when the strike group entered the Persian Gulf on 6 June 2006.{{cite web | author= Journalist Seaman N.C. Kaylor, USN | title= Enterprise Strike Group Begins Operations in Persian Gulf | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=24015 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805053540/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=24015 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS060606-03 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 6 June 2006 | access-date=17 May 2012}} During this initial rotation, Carrier Air Wing One flew 781 sorties in support of Coalition ground forces in Afghanistan for a total of 3,832 flight hours. The air wing also flew an additional 237 sorties in support of ground forces in Iraq for a total of 455 flight hours.{{cite web | author= Chief Mass Communication Specialist Will Borrall, USN | title= Enterprise Concludes Operations in Persian Gulf | url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=24531 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203162827/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=24531 | url-status=dead | archive-date=3 February 2014 | work= NNS060706-03 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 6 July 2006 | access-date=5 October 2019}} Carrier Strike Group Twelve ended this first operational phase and departed the Persian Gulf on 6 July 2006.

The strike group subsequently conducted a two-month deployment with the U.S. Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific which included training exercises with Carrier Strike Group Five. This was the first time that an East Coast-based carrier air wing had operated in the western Pacific in 18 years, and the first time that the carrier {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|2}} had operated in the Pacific since its transfer to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.{{cite web | author= Alfred M. Biddlecomb | title= Enterprise and Iwo Jima Complete Afghanistan Ops | url= http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2007/janfeb/OEF%20pp%2016-21.pdf | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140325071421/http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2007/janfeb/OEF%20pp%2016-21.pdf | url-status= dead | archive-date= 25 March 2014 | work= Naval Aviation News | publisher= United States Navy | date= January–February 2007 | access-date=28 May 2012}}{{cite DANFS | title = Enterprise, 1991 –1995 | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/e4/enterprise-viiig.htm | archive-url = http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20100414134440/http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/e4/enterprise-viiig.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date=14 April 2010 |short=yes}}

On 28 August 2006, the group rejoined the Fifth Fleet and began its second rotation in the Persian Gulf on 8 September 2006.{{cite web | title= USS Enterprise Returns to 5th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25385 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060906014643/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25385 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 6 September 2006 | work= NNS060901-09 | publisher= Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. Navy 5th Fleet Public Affairs | date= 1 September 2006 | access-date=17 May 2012}} Beginning on 2 September 2006, the strike group provided combat air support (pictured) for two major ground operations, with coalition forces engaging Taliban insurgents in the Kandahar Province as part of Operation Medusa while Operation Mountain Fury targeted Taliban forces in the Paktika, Khost, Ghazni, Paktia, Logar provinces adjacent to the Pakistani border. All four strike fighter squadrons from Carrier Air Wing One flew more than 450 sorties and delivered over 100 precision weapons during this second rotation to the Persian Gulf which ended on 1 November 2006. Carrier Strike Group Twelve returned to Norfolk on 18 November 2006.

;2006 deployment force composition{{cite web | title= USS Enterprise Departs for Six-Month Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=23479 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060506220029/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=23479 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 6 May 2006 | work= NNS060503-05 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | access-date=16 April 2012}}{{cite web | title= Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) (AB) – USS Enterprise CVN-65 : May 2, 2006 – Nov. 18, 2006 (Med, Mid-East, WestPac) | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CV-CVN65f.html | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 4 March 2009 | access-date=16 April 2012}}

;2006 deployment combat operations, exercises, and port visits

{{see also|Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2007|Piracy in Somalia}}

On 7 July 2007, the group departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, for its 2007 deployment under the command of Rear Admiral Daniel P. Holloway.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James H. Green, USN | title= "Big E" Deploys | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30463 | work= NNS070708-05 | publisher= US Navy | agency= USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 8 July 2007 | access-date= 30 May 2012 | archive-date= 29 June 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629190427/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30463 | url-status= dead }}{{cite web | title= 2007 operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn65history.htm | work= USS Enterprise CVN-65 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 24 April 2012 | access-date=29 May 2012}} The group entered the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility on 16 July 2007. Seven days later, on 23 July 2007, two French Rafale M jet fighters landed on board the Enterprise and were subsequently launched, a first for an American aircraft carrier. The group then visited Cannes, France.

File:Dai Hong Dan.jpg

File:US Navy 071105-N-0000X-005 Members of a U.S. Navy rescue and assistance team provide humanitarian and medical assistance to the crew of the Taiwanese-flagged fishing trawler Ching Fong Hwa.jpg

File:US Navy 070817-N-6524M-006 An F-A-18F Super Hornet attached to the Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 and an S-3B Viking, attached to the Maulers of Sea Control Squadron Three Two (VS-32) prepare for catapult assis.jpg

The group entered the U.S. Fifth Fleet area on 1 August 2007 and began air operations over the Persian Gulf on 12 August 2007.{{cite web | title= Enterprise Strike Group Arrives in 5th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30927 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070815233205/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30927 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 15 August 2007 | work= NNS070801-11 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 1 August 2007 | access-date=1 June 2012}}{{cite web | title= Enterprise Strike Group Commences Operations in Persian Gulf | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31303 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070912062745/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31303 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 September 2007 | work= NNS070819-02 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 19 August 2007 | access-date=1 June 2012}} During its 2007 deployment to the U.S. Fifth Fleet, aircraft from Carrier Air Wing One flew more than 7,500 missions, which included 1,676 combat missions, and made more than 6,500 arrested landings for a total of 20,300 hours. Aircraft dropped 73 air-to-ground weapons and fired 4,149 rounds of 20-mm ammunition in support of ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.{{cite web | author= Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Wax, USN | title= ENTSG Returns from Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=33951 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071225161658/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=33951 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 25 December 2007 | work= NNS071219-11 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 19 December 2007 | access-date=29 May 2012}} Strike group units also protected the Iraqi oil terminals at Al Başrah and Khor Al Amaya.{{cite web | title= DoD News Briefing with Rear Adm. Spicer from Iraq | url= http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=3730 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121211224843/http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=3730 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 11 December 2012 | work= News Transcript | publisher= Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs | date= 25 September 2006 | access-date=5 June 2012}}

On 25 September 2007, the Tanzanian-flagged passenger ferry Spice Islander I was off the coast of Somalia when she experienced engine problems due to contaminated fuel. After the alarm had been raised via Kenya, the destroyer Stout, operating with Combined Task Force 150, was dispatched to her aid.{{cite web | title= M/V Spice Islander, Marlo Success Story | url= http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/marlo/Events/events_files/MARLO-Dubai-Flier%202007.pdf | work= 2007 MARLO Conference | publisher= Maritime Liaison Office | date= December 2007 | access-date= 1 June 2012 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120319181811/http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/marlo/Events/events_files/MARLO-Dubai-Flier%202007.pdf | archive-date= 19 March 2012 | df= dmy-all }} Spice Islander had been on a voyage from Oman to Tanzania, and it was not carrying any passengers. The destroyer James E. Williams also responded. Stout provided the ship with {{convert|7800|USgal}} of fuel and supplied the ten-man crew with food and water. After her engines were restarted, she resumed her voyage to Tanzania.{{cite web | title= USS Stout Assists Distressed Vessel Off Somali Coast | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/print.asp?story_id=32116&VIRIN=&imagetype=0&page=1 | work= NNS070927-03 | publisher= USS Stout Public Affairs |date=27 September 2007 |access-date=1 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016131131/http://www.navy.mil/search/print.asp?story_id=32116&VIRIN=&imagetype=0&page=1 |archive-date=16 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}

On the morning of 30 October 2007, Combined Maritime Forces received a call from the International Maritime Bureau in Malaysia, regarding the North Korean cargo vessel Dai Hong Dan (pictured), which had been taken over the previous day by Somali pirates. The ship was approximately {{convert|60|nmi|km}} northeast of Mogadishu, Somalia. The guided-missile destroyer James E. Williams was about {{convert|50|nmi|km}} from the vessel, and sent a helicopter to investigate the situation. Williams arrived in the vicinity of the Korean ship at midday, local time, and contacted the pirates, ordering them to give up their weapons. The Korean crew then confronted the Somali pirates and regained control of the ship. The crew said the pirates had been in control of the bridge, but the crew had retained control of the steering and engineering spaces. The James E. Williams crew provided care and assistance for approximately 12 hours to crew members and Somali pirates aboard Dai Hong Dan. Six pirates were captured, and one was killed. The pirates remained aboard Dai Hong Dan.{{cite web | title= 2007 operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn65history.htm |work=USS James E. Williams DGG 95 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 27 April 2012 | access-date=29 May 2012}}{{cite web | title= Crew of North Korean Pirated Vessel Regains Control | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32905 | work= NNS071030-06 | publisher= U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs | date= 30 October 2007 | access-date= 1 June 2012 }} and {{cite web | title= USS James E. Williams Assists Crew of Pirated Vessel | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32943 | work= NNS071031-16 | publisher= Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs | date= 31 October 2012 | access-date= 1 June 2012 | archive-date= 29 June 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629123902/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32943 | url-status= dead }}

On 5 November 2007, James E. Williams and Arleigh Burke provided aid to the crew of MV Ching Fong Hwa 168 (pictured), a Taiwanese-flagged fishing trawler that had been seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia in May. After the Somali pirates returned to shore, the destroyer escorted the Taiwanese ship out of Somali waters and provided needed supplies and medical assistance.{{cite web | author= Luis Martinez | title= U.S. Navy Triumphs Over Pirates on the High Seas | url= https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2007/11/us-navy-triumph/ | work= Investigative | publisher= ABC News | date= 5 November 2007 | access-date=1 June 2012}}{{cite web | title= 2007 operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg51history.htm | work= USS Arleigh Burke DDG-51 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 24 April 2012 | access-date=1 June 2012}}{{cite web | title= Boat captain recounts piracy ordeal | url= http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2007/11/17/2003388233 |newspaper=Taipei Times | date= 17 November 2007 | access-date=20 April 2009}} Finally, the guided-missile destroyer Forrest Sherman executed a circumnavigation of the African continent while performing theater security operations with local military forces as the flagship of Task Group 60.5, the U.S. Navy's Southeast Africa task force.{{citation | author= Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Wax, USN | title= Enterprise Strike Group Exemplifies CNO's Maritime Strategy | work= NNS071125-02 | publisher=Enterprise Public Affairs/Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic | date= 25 November 2007 }}{{cite web | title= 2007 operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg98history.htm | work= USS Forrest Sherman DDG-98 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 1 June 2012 | access-date=1 June 2012}}

Carrier Strike Group Twelve transited the Suez Canal on 1 December 2007, and the group returned to Norfolk on 13 December 2007.

For this deployment, Enterprise received the Battle "E" award, the Battenberg Cup, and the Admiral Flatley Memorial Award for the year 2007.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Jamica Johnson, USN | title= Big "E" Nabs the Battle "E" | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35524 | work= NNS080306-18 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 6 March 2008 | access-date=1 June 2012}}, {{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Glen Dennis, USN | title= Enterprise Wins Battenberg Cup | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37955 | work= NNS080620-02 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 20 June 2008 | access-date=1 June 2012}}, and {{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark Meredith, USN | title= Enterprise Takes Admiral Flatley Award | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37054 | work= NNS080514-07 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 14 May 2008 | access-date=1 June 2012}} Also during this deployment, the strike group was the second U.S. Navy carrier strike group to deploy with the new ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) targeting system for its F/A-18 strike fighters. This new system allowed its pilots to use their weapon systems at higher altitude with greater accuracy and safety.{{cite web | author= Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Wax, USN | title= ATFLIR: CVW-1 Gets New Targeting System | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32869 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212025545/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32869 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS071110-05 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs/Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic | date= 10 November 2012 | access-date=1 June 2012}} Finally, the 2007 deployment marked the final cruise for squadron VS-32 and its S-3 Viking aircraft (pictured). During this deployment, VS-32 aircraft flew 960 sorties, which totaled more than 2,200 flight hours, and included more than 950 carrier landings. Squadron VS-32 operated at sea for 180 days with only 13 days spent in port.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Smarr, USN | title= Maulers Make Final Homecoming | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34056 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212031916/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34056 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS071220-12 | publisher= Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Southeast | date= 20 December 2012 | access-date=1 June 2012}}

;2007 deployment force composition{{cite web | title= Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) (AB) – USS Enterprise CVN-65 : Jul. 7, 2007 – Dec. 19, 2007 (Med, Persian Gulf, North Arabian Sea) | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CV-CVN65f.html | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 4 March 2009 | access-date=16 April 2012}}{{cite web | title= Bureau Numbers – Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) (AB) – USS Enterprise CVN-65: Jul. 7, 2007 – Dec. 19, 2007 (Med, Persian Gulf, North Arabian Sea) | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVW1-AB2007.html | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 4 March 2009 | access-date=16 April 2012}}

;2007–2008 deployment exercises and port visits

File:US Navy 080611-N-3396B-129 Ships from various navies participating in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) maneuver into formation.jpg

On 11 April 2008, Enterprise began a two-year, US$661.7 million Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) overhaul at the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard in Virginia.{{cite web | title= The USS Enterprise{{’}}s Long ESDRA Drydocking | url= http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/USS-Enterprise-Headed-into-Drydock-04847/ | work= Defense Industry Daily | date= 15 April 2010 | access-date=2 June 2012}}

While his flagship was going into refit, Rear Admiral Daniel P. Holloway was given the task of supervising Exercise

BALTOPS 2008, that took place from 8 to 18 June 2008 (pictured).{{cite web | title= Carrier Strike Group 12 Prepares for BALTOPS 2008 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37575 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110522132616/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37575 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 22 May 2011 | work= NNS080602-20 | publisher= Carrier Strike Group 12 Public Affairs | date= 2 June 2008 | access-date=6 June 2012}} BALTOPS began in 1971 as a NATO freedom of navigation exercise directed against the Soviet Union in the Baltic, and it is now a Partnership for Peace interoperability exercise involving former Warsaw Pact adversaries, including Russia. Holloway used the guided-missile cruiser {{USS|Gettysburg|CG-64|2}} as his temporary flagship which was joined by two other U.S. naval vessels, the guided-missile destroyer {{USS|Cole|DDG-67|2}} from Destroyer Squadron 22 and the fleet oiler {{USNS|Patuxent|T-AO-201|2}} from the Military Sealift Command, to form Task Group 369.4.{{cite web | title= USNS Patuxent praised as BALTOP 2008 ends | url= http://www.msc.navy.mil/msfsc/bzs/patuxent2.htm | publisher= Military Sealift Fleet Support Command | date= 8 June 2008 | access-date= 2 June 2012 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130221165251/http://www.msc.navy.mil/msfsc/bzs/patuxent2.htm | archive-date= 21 February 2013 | df= dmy-all }} Gettysburg returned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, on 14 July 2008.{{cite web | author= Lt. j.g. Dennis Panos, USN | title= USS Gettysburg Completes BALTOPS | url= http://news.jacksonville.com/military_archives/archives/2008/MayportMirror/Mayport080708/080708-z-005-MM-MayportMi.pdf | work= The Mirror | publisher= Naval Station Mayport | access-date= 20 April 2009 | archive-date= 1 February 2014 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140201220359/http://news.jacksonville.com/military_archives/archives/2008/MayportMirror/Mayport080708/080708-z-005-MM-MayportMi.pdf | url-status= dead }}

Enterprise returned to Naval Station Norfolk on 19 April 2010 after completing its post-overhaul sea trials, signalling the start of the pre-deployment training cycle for Carrier Strike Group Twelve.{{cite web | author= Ensign Michael Hatfield | title= Enterprise Completes Sea Trials, Rejoins the Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52721 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100422234524/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52721 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 22 April 2010 | work= NNS100419-03 | publisher= US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 19 April 2012 | access-date=2 June 2012}}

{{see also|Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2011|Piracy in Somalia}}

On 13 January 2011, Carrier Strike Group Twelve departed its home base of Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, under the command of Rear Admiral Terry B. Kraft.{{cite web |author= Captain William C. Hamiltonm, USN |title= Chronology of Events – USS Enterprise CVN-65 – 1 January 1 – 31 December 2011 |url= http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/cvn-65/2011.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121224145614/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/cvn-65/2011.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 24 December 2012 |work= Command Operations Reports |publisher= Naval History & Heritage Command |location= Washington Navy Yard |pages= 4, 13–18 |date=2005 |access-date=6 April 2012 }}{{cite web | title= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Deploys | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58024 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110116213247/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58024 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 16 January 2011 | work= NNS110113-13 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Public Affairs | access-date=2 June 2012}}{{cite web | title= 2011 operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn65history.htm | work= USS Enterprise CVN-65 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 24 April 2012 | access-date=2 June 2012}} The strike group entered the U.S. Sixth Fleet's area of responsibility on 20 January 2011 and following its transit of the Suez Canal on 15 February 2011, joined the U.S. Fifth Fleet.{{cite web | author= Chief Mass Communication Specialist Stephen M. White, USN | title= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Enters 6th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58120 | work= NNS110120-14 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Public Affairs | date= 20 January 2011 | access-date=2 June 2012}} and {{cite web | title= Enterprise Strike Group Transits Suez Canal, Enters US 5th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58633 | work= NNS110216-08 | publisher=Enterprise Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 16 February 2011 | access-date=2 June 2012}}

File:US Navy 110306-N-5324W-038 A rigid-hull inflatable boat from the guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) approaches the Japanese-owned comme.jpg

File:US Navy 110324-N-BZ392-412 Sailors man a dual-mounted M-240 machine gun aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) as an SH-60 Sea Ha.jpg

File:US Navy 110621-N-ZZ999-027 The Navy's oldest aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise (CVN 65), left, passes the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS George.jpg

During the 2011 deployment, aircraft from Carrier Air Wing One flew 7764 sorties, with more than 7120 combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Units of Carrier Strike Group Twelve also disrupted nine piracy attacks, resulting in the capture of 75 suspected pirates and the detention of an additional 18 suspected pirates.{{cite web | title= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Returns to Norfolk | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=61603 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110717220944/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=61603 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 17 July 2011 | work= NNS110715-03 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 15 July 2011 | access-date=2 June 2012}} Also during this deployment, the guided-missile destroyer Barry was detached from Carrier Strike Group Twelve in order to participate in Operation Odyssey Dawn.{{cite web | title= 2011 operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg52history.htm | work= USS Barry DDG-52 | publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 27 April 2012 | access-date=2 June 2012}}{{cite web | title= US Navy P-3C, USAF A-10 and USS Barry Engage Libyan Vessels | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=59406 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120915124314/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=59406 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 15 September 2012 | work= NNS110329-03 | publisher= Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn Public Affairs | date= 29 March 2011 | access-date=2 June 2012}} During that operation, on 19 March 2011, Barry was credited with launching the 2000th Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Garst, USN | title= Navy Recognizes USS Barry Sailors for 2,000th Tomahawk Launch Milestone | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=62061 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120924015527/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=62061 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 24 September 2012 | work= NNS110809-13 | publisher= Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs | date= 9 August 2011 | access-date=14 June 2012}}

In February 2011, Enterprise, Leyte Gulf, Sterrett. and Buckley, as well as the guided-missile destroyer {{USS|Sterett|DDG-104|2}}, responded to the seizure of the American yacht Quest by Somali pirates off the coast of Oman.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna41715530 |title=4 American hostages killed by Somali pirates – World news – Africa – Somalia | work= NBC News | date= 22 February 2011 |access-date=2 June 2012}} and {{cite web | author= Jim Garamone | title= Admiral provides details of Somali piracy killings | url= http://www.centcom.mil/news/admiral-provides-details-of-somali-piracy-killings | work= American Forces Press Service | publisher= U.S. Central Command | date= 22 February 2011 | access-date=2 June 2012}} During this event four pirates were killed, and 15 were taken into custody. Enterprise is the first U.S. aircraft carrier to directly support a counter-piracy incident. Enterprise and Leyte Gulf also supported the recapture of the {{DWT|37,000}} Liberian-flagged bulk carrier MV Arrilah-1 from Somali pirates by United Arab Emirates special operation forces on 2 April 2011.{{cite web | title= U.A.E. Takes Back MV Arrilah-1 | url= http://www.somaliareport.com/index.php/post/435/UAE_Takes_Back_MV_Arrilah-1 | work= Piracy Report | publisher= SomaliaReport | date= 3 April 2011 | access-date= 6 November 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111011175630/http://somaliareport.com/index.php/post/435/UAE_Takes_Back_MV_Arrilah-1 | archive-date= 11 October 2011 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}

On 6 March 2011, while operating with Combined Task Force 151, the destroyer Buckley responded to a distress call from the Bahamian-flagged, Japanese-operated oil tanker {{MV|Guanabara}} which had reported on the previous day of being under attack from Somali pirates while operating {{convert|328|nmi|km mi}} southeast of Duqm, Oman. Joining Buckley was the Turkish frigate {{ship|TCG|Giresun|F 491|2}} from NATO's Operation Ocean Shield. After determining that Guanabara{{'}}s crew was safely in the ship's citadel, Bulkeley{{'}}s boarding team, supported overhead by its embarked SH-60 helicopter, secured the Bahamian-flagged vessel and detained four suspected pirates (pictured).{{cite web | title= USS Bulkeley Frees Ship and Crew From Pirates | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58946 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110310153403/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58946 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 10 March 2011 | work= NNS110306-02 | publisher= Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs | access-date=2 June 2012}}{{cite web | title= 2011 Operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg84history.htm |work=USS Buckley DDG-84 | publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 7 February 2012 | access-date=2 June 2012}} Three of the pirates were subsequently indicted in Japan, and the fourth was turned over to juvenile authorities, as it was determined that he was a minor.{{cite news|title=3 pirates indicted over attack on Japan-run tanker in Indian Ocean |url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/3-pirates-to-be-indicted-over-attack-on-japan-run-tanker-in-indian-ocean |newspaper=Japan Today |date=1 April 2011 |access-date=3 April 2011}} {{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On 24 March 2011, units from Carrier Strike Group Twelve disrupted a pirate attack on the Philippine-flagged merchant vessel MV Falcon Trader II. While operating in the Arabian Sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, at 10:00 A.M. local time, the carrier Enterprise and cruiser Leyte Gulf responded to a distress call from Falcon Trader II reporting that suspected pirates in a small skiff were attempting to board the ship. A follow-up message reported that the pirates had boarded Falcon Trader II, but confirmed that her crew was safely in the ship's citadel. A SH-60F helicopter from squadron HS-11 embarked on Enterprise and a SH-60B helicopter from squadron HSL-48 on board Leyte Gulf were dispatched to investigate the situation. Once on the scene, the HS-11 helicopter fired warning shots at the suspected pirates in the skiff, prompting them to flee the scene. The helicopter pursued the skiff which was observed trying to rendezvous with a suspected pirate mother ship. The helicopter came under small arms fire, but the flight crew were not harmed while the helicopter maintained surveillance of the situation. On 25 March 2011, after determining there were no pirates aboard, Leyte Gulf sent a boarding party to Falcon Trader II to free its crew (pictured).{{cite web | title= 2011 operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cg55history.htm |work=USS Leyte Gulf CG-55 | publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 31 January 2011 | access-date=2 June 2012}}{{cite web | title= U.S. Navy Disrupts Pirate Attempt in Arabian Sea | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59331 | work= NNS110325-10 | publisher= Enterprise Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 25 March 2011 | access-date= 2 June 2012 }}, and {{cite web | title= US Navy Disrupts Pirate Attempt in Arabian Sea | url= http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2011/032.html | work= Release #032-11 | publisher= U.S. Naval Forces Central Command | date= 25 March 2011 | access-date= 2 June 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120205005307/http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2011/032.html | archive-date= 5 February 2012 | url-status= dead }}, and {{cite web | title= U.S. Navy foils pirate attack in Arabian Sea | url= https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-navy-foils-pirate-attack-in-arabian-sea/ | work= WorldWatch | publisher= CBS News | date= 25 March 2011 | access-date= 2 June 2012 }}

On 16 May 2011, Bulkeley responded to a mayday call from the Panamanian-flagged, German-owned, {{DWT|306,500}} very large crude carrier Artemis Glory. Bulkeley dispatched a SH-60B helicopter to the last reported position of the ship. Observing that a skiff carrying four men was firing upon Artemis Glory, the HSL-48 helicopter opened fire, killing four suspected pirates. Without any Navy or Artemis Glory casualties, the ship was able to continue to its next port-of-call.{{cite web | title= USS Bulkeley Protects MV Artemis Glory From Pirate Attack | url= http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2011/05/17/uss-bulkeley-protects-mv-artemis-glory-from-pirate-attack/ | publisher= Combined Maritime Forces | date= 17 May 2011 | access-date= 2 June 2012 | archive-date= 2 April 2015 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152754/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2011/05/17/uss-bulkeley-protects-mv-artemis-glory-from-pirate-attack/ | url-status= dead }}, and {{cite web | title= USS Bulkeley Protects M/V Artemis Glory From Pirates | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=60422 | work= NNS110517-10 | publisher= Combined Maritime Forces | date= 17 May 2011 | access-date= 5 June 2012 }}, and {{cite web | title= HSL-48 Rescues Artemis Glory | url= http://jacksonville.com/military/mayport-mirror/2011-06-08/story/hsl-48-rescues-artemis-glory | work= Military / Mayport Mirror | publisher= The Florida Times-Union | date= 8 June 2011 | access-date= 5 June 2012 }}, and {{cite web | title= All pirates attacked to Artemis Glory are believed to have been killed | url= http://www.safety4sea.com/page/4019/4/all-pirates-attacked-to-artemis-glory-are-believed-to-have-been-killed | publisher= Safety4Sea | date= 18 May 2011 | access-date= 5 June 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110526041538/http://www.safety4sea.com/page/4019/4/all-pirates-attacked-to-artemis-glory-are-believed-to-have-been-killed | archive-date= 26 May 2011 | url-status= dead }}

On 21 June 2011, the Navy's oldest aircraft carrier – Enterprise – passed the Navy's newest carrier, George H.W. Bush, in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (pictured) as Carrier Strike Group Two relieved Carrier Strike Group Twelve as the Fifth Fleet's in-theater carrier strike group.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Chase, USN | title= Enterprise, Bush Conduct Unique Pass in Red Sea | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=61237 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110628203314/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=61237 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 28 June 2011 | work= NNS110624-13 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 24 June 2011 | access-date=2 June 2012}} Carrier Strike Group Twelve transited the Suez Canal on 24 June 2011 and the Strait of Gibraltar on 3 July 2011. On 15 July 2011, the group returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, completing its 2011 deployment.

;2011 deployment force composition{{cite web | title= Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) (AB) – USS Enterprise CVN-65 : Jan. 13, 2011 – Jul. 15, 2011 (Med, Persian Gulf, North Arabian Sea) | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CV-CVN65f.html | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 7 March 2012 | access-date=16 April 2012}}{{cite web | title= Bureau Numbers – Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) (AB) – USS Enterprise CVN-65: Jan. 13, 2011 – Jul. 15, 2011 (Med, Persian Gulf, North Arabian Sea) | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVW1-AB2011.html | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 2 May 2012 | access-date=16 April 2012}}

;2011 deployment exercises and port visits

{{see also|Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2012}}

File:Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - Ships are underway participating in exercise Bold Alligator 2012..jpg

On 11 January 2012, the strike group proceeded to sea for pre-deployment training and its Composite Training Unit Exercise.{{cite web | author= Chief Mass Communication Specialist Stephen M. White, USN | title= Enterprise Gets Underway for Final Qualifications | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=64709 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212225519/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=64709 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS120111-01 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 11 January 2012 | access-date=8 June 2012}}

From 30 January to 12 February 2012, the group took part in Bold Alligator 2012, the largest amphibious assault exercise held on the east coast of the United States since 2002. Bold Alligator 2012 also served as the group Joint Task Force Exercise, the final pre-deployment training exercise needed to receive its combat-readiness certification.{{cite web | title= Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/jtfex.htm | work= Military | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 7 May 2011 | access-date=5 June 2012}}{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter Melkus, USN | title= Enterprise Completes Successful Monthlong Underway | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65268 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120428134609/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65268 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 28 April 2012 | work= NNS120210-05 | publisher= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 10 February 2012 | access-date=3 June 2012}} During the exercise, the air wing completed 3,830 flight hours, made 2,052 arrested landings, and received a 96 percent sortie completion rate.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kristin L. Grover, USN | title= CVW-1 Wraps-up Underway, Departs Enterprise | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=65270 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212231119/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=65270 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS120210-02 | publisher= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 10 February 2012 | access-date=3 June 2012}} This included a single-day total of 107 sorties flown on 6 February 2012 during the exercise amphibious assault phase.{{cite web | title= Marines storm U.S. beaches in training exercise | url= https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marines-storm-us-beaches-in-training-exercise/ | work= CBS News | date= 7 February 2012 | access-date=4 June 2012}} U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta visited Enterprise on 21 January 2012, observing flight operations and meeting members of the crew.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman, USN | title= SECDEF Tours Enterprise, Addresses Crew | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=64923 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140201220619/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=64923 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 1 February 2014 | work= NNS120122-03 | publisher=Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 22 January 2012 | access-date=8 June 2012}} The strike group completed its pre-deployment training and returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on 10 February 2012.

File:Carrier Strike Group 12 - Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 PASSEX March 2012.jpg

File:120808-N-ZZ999-021.jpg

On 11 March 2012, the group departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, for its 2012 deployment under the command of Rear Admiral Walter E. Carter Jr.{{cite web | title= 2012 operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn65history.htm |work=USS Enterprise CVN-65 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 24 April 2012 | access-date=4 June 2012}} The strike group transited the Strait of Gibraltar on 23 March 2012, and it subsequently conducted a passing exercise with Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 between 24 and 25 March 2012 (pictured).{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Randy J. Savarese, USN | title= Enterprise Transits Strait of Gibraltar | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=66089 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160123003830/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=66089 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 23 January 2016 | work= NNS120326-01 | publisher=Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 26 March 2012 | access-date=4 June 2012}}{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Steve Smith, USN | title= Enterprise CSG Completes Passing Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=66085 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160122222328/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=66085 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 22 January 2016 | work= NNS120326-02 | publisher=Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 26 March 2012 | access-date=4 June 2012}}

The strike group transited the Suez Canal to join the U.S. Fifth Fleet on 3 April.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Harry Andrew D. Gordon, USN | title= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Arrives in U.S. 5th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=66274 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212220945/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=66274 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS120404-05 | publisher=Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 4 April 2012 | access-date=4 June 2012}} On 8 April 2012, the guided-missile destroyer Porter was detached in order to join Combined Task Force 151 for counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.{{cite web | title= 2012 operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg78history.htm |work=USS Porter DDG-78 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 11 April 2012 | access-date=4 June 2012}}

On 1 May 2012, Carrier Strike Group Twelve began combat air support to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, with Carrier Air Wing One flying 29 sorties that first day.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Smith, USN | title= Enterprise, CVW-1 Support Operation Enduring Freedom | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=67002 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103131410/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=67002 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 3 November 2013 | work= NNS120506-08 |publisher=Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 6 May 2012 | access-date=4 June 2012}} The strike group operated with Carrier Strike Group Nine until CSG-9 was relieved by Carrier Strike Group Eight on 16–17 July 2012.{{cite web | title= Enterprise joins Lincoln in waters near Iran | url= http://www.navytimes.com/news/2012/04/ap-navy-deploys-2nd-aircraft-carrier-to-gulf-040912/|work=Navy Times | date= 9 April 2012}}, and {{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda L. Kilpatrick, USN |title= Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Transits Suez, Enters 6th Fleet AOR | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68396 | work= NNS120716-10 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 16 July 2012 | access-date=18 July 2012}}, and {{cite web | title= Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Arrives in U.S. 5th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68417 | work= NNS120717-03 | publisher= Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 17 July 2012 | access-date=18 July 2012}} In total, aircraft from Carrier Air Wing One flew 9,875 sorties, of which 2,241 were combat missions, while the Enterprise made ten transits through the Strait of Hormuz. The average flight time per sortie was almost six hours per flight. During this deployment, the strike group's longest at-sea period was 52 days.{{cite web | author= Christina Silva |title= USS Enterprise makes final port stop in Naples, Italy | url= http://www.stripes.com/news/uss-enterprise-makes-final-port-stop-in-naples-italy-1.193812 | work= Stars and Stripes | date= 20 October 2012 | access-date=22 October 2012}}

On the evening of 8 August 2013, the guided-missile destroyer {{USS|James E. Williams||2}} rescued ten mariners from a burning Iranian-flagged dhow (pictured) while operating in the Gulf of Oman. Of the ten mariners, eight were identified as Iranians and two were Pakistanis. The rescued mariners received medical treatment and transport to the carrier Enterprise before being repatriated back to Iran on 10 August.{{cite web | author= Luis Martinez | title= U.S. Navy Rescues 10 From Iranian Ship on Fire | url= https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/08/u-s-navy-rescues-iranian-mariners-from-ship-on-fire/ | work= National Security | publisher= ABC News | date= 8 August 2012 | access-date= 9 August 2012 }}, and {{cite web | title= USS James E. Williams Rescues Iranian Mariners | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68901 | work= NNS120808-14 | publisher= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 8 August 2012 | access-date= 9 August 2012 | archive-date= 19 August 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120819020416/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68901 | url-status= dead }}, and {{cite web | title= Mariners Head Home Following Rescue at Sea | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68938 | work= NNS120810-15 | publisher= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 10 August 2012 | access-date= 14 August 2012 | archive-date= 3 November 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103131238/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68938 | url-status= dead }}, and {{cite web | title= USS James E. Williams Transfers Rescued Mariners to Iranian Vessel | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68961 | work= NNS120811-05 | publisher= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 11 August 2012 | access-date= 13 August 2012 | archive-date= 16 August 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120816211306/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68961 | url-status= dead }} James E. Williams reentered the Mediterranean Sea on 25 August.{{cite web | title= 2012 operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg95history.htm |work=USS James E. Williams DDG-95 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 27 April 2012 | access-date=3 September 2012}}

On 12 August 2012, at 1:00 a.m. local time, the guided-missile destroyer {{USS|Porter|DDG-78|2}} collided with the Panamanian-flagged, Japanese-owned oil tanker MV Otowasan near the Strait of Hormuz.{{cite web | title= Update: No Injuries in Strait of Hormuz Collision | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68963 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120815221953/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68963 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 15 August 2012 | work= NNS120811-11 | publisher= U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs | date= 12 August 2012 | access-date=15 August 2012}}{{cite news | title= Strait of Hormuz open after tanker, U.S. navy ship collides | url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gulf-oil-collision-idUSBRE87B05920120813 | work= Reuters | date= 13 August 2012 | access-date= 15 September 2012 | archive-date= 16 August 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120816014304/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/13/us-gulf-oil-collision-idUSBRE87B05920120813 | url-status= live }} The collision ripped a large hole in Porter's starboard side above the waterline, forcing her to put into Jebel Ali, Dubai, for inspection and repairs. No one on either ship was injured from the collision. Otowasan had been en route from Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, to Mesaieed, Qatar, at the time of the collision.

On 12 October 2012, the strike group transited the Suez Canal, with Porter rejoining following extensive repairs. From 24–26 October, Enterprise offloaded munitions to {{USNS|Sacagawea|T-AKE-2|6}} and {{USNS|Matthew Perry|T-AKE-9|6}}, at sea in the Atlantic.{{cite web | author=Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, USN | title= Enterprise Completes Final Ammunition Offload | url= http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/10/29/enterprise-completes-final-ammunition-offload.html?comp=7000023468025&rank=2 | publisher= Military.com | date= 29 October 2012 | access-date=31 October 2012}} On 4 November, Enterprise returned to Naval Base Norfolk, Virginia, after steaming {{convert|80968|nmi|km mi}} during its seven-and-a-half-month deployment.{{cite web | title= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group To Return To Norfolk | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70413 | work= NNS121030-15 | publisher= U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs | date= 30 October 2012 | access-date=1 November 2012}} and {{cite web | title= USS Enterprise Returns Home From Final Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70489 |work= NNS121105-04 | publisher=US Navy | agency=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 5 November 2012 | access-date=6 November 2012}}

;2012 deployment force composition{{cite web | title=Enterprise Departs on Final Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=65824 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140911120937/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=65824 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 11 September 2014 | work= NNS120311-02 |publisher= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 11 March 2012 | access-date=4 June 2012}}{{cite web |title= Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) (AB) – USS Enterprise CVN-65: Mar. 11, 2012 – (Med, Persian Gulf, North Arabian Sea) | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CV-CVN65f.html | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 9 May 2012 | access-date=16 April 2012}}{{cite web | title=Bureau Numbers – Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) (AB) – USS Enterprise CVN-65: Mar. 11, 2012 – (Med, Persian Gulf, North Arabian Sea) | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVW1-AB2011.html | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 9 May 2012 | access-date=16 April 2012}}

; 2012 deployment combat operations, exercises, and port visits

Enterprise was inactivated on 1 December 2012 at Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia.{{cite web | title= Enterprise, Navy's First Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier, Inactivates | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70899 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121226155057/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70899 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 26 December 2012 | work= NNS121201-03 |publisher=USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 11 March 2012 | access-date=4 December 2012}} {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71}} was reassigned as the group's new flagship. Carrier Air Wing One was reassigned from Enterprise to Roosevelt.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, USN | title= CVW-1 Conducts Aerial Change of Command | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=69014 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184000/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=69014 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 29 October 2013 | work= NNS120815-04 | publisher= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 15 August 2012| access-date=16 August 2012}}

Initially, the U.S. Navy had planned to retire Vicksburg along with three other {{sclass|Ticonderoga|cruiser|1}}s in fiscal year 2013.{{cite web |author1=Jacqueline Klimas | title= 11 ships to be decommissioned in fiscal 2013 | url= http://www.navytimes.com/news/2012/03/navy-11-ships-to-be-decommissioned-in-fiscal-2013-031412w/ | work= Navy Times | date= 14 March 2012| access-date=5 November 2012}} However, after much discussion, Vicksburg and two other Ticonderoga-class cruisers were retained under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, with Vicksburg joining {{USS|Normandy}} as units of Carrier Strike Group Twelve.[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-112hrpt479/pdf/CRPT-112hrpt479.pdf National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013], p. 5.

On 14 January 2014, the Navy announced that Theodore Roosevelt was to shift its homeport to Naval Base San Diego, California and the U.S. Pacific Fleet.{{cite web | title= Navy Aircraft Carrier Moves Underscore Pacific Rebalance Strategy | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78601 | work= NNS140114-15 | publisher= U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | date= 14 January 2014 | access-date= 14 January 2014 | archive-date= 20 February 2017 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170220002915/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78601 | url-status= dead }} With Theodore Roosevelt{{'}}s homeport change, {{USS|Ronald Reagan}} relocated to Japan in 2015 as part of the U.S. Navy's preparation for the planned refueling and overhaul of {{USS|George Washington|CVN-73|6}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.navytimes.com/article/20140115/NEWS/301150012/Reagan-replace-GW-Japan-Roosevelt-San-Diego |title=Reagan to replace GW in Japan; Roosevelt to San Diego |newspaper=Navy Times |date=15 January 2014 |access-date=29 September 2014}}

File:140918-N-PG340-937 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway Atlantic Ocean Sept 18 2014.jpg

File:FS Saphir 02.jpg

On 22 October 2012, the Department of Defense announced that Rear Admiral Kevin Kovacich was selected to take command of Carrier Strike Group Twelve.{{cite web | title= One-, two-star flag assignments announced | url= http://www.navytimes.com/news/2012/10/navy-flag-assignments-102212w/ | work= Navy Times | date= 22 October 2012| access-date=5 November 2012}} A naval aviator, Admiral Kovacich took command of the strike group on 15 April 2013.

Theodore Roosevelt returned to Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia, on 29 August 2013, completing its post-overhaul sea trials that concluded its four-year mid-life Refueling and Complex Overhaul.{{cite web | title=Theodore Roosevelt Returns to Norfolk as a Ready for Tasking Carrier | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76254 | work= NNS130829-16 | publisher= USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs | date= 29 August 2012| access-date=30 August 2012}} and {{cite web | title=Roosevelt Successfully Completes RCOH | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76261 | work= NNS130829-20 | publisher=PEO Carriers Public Affairs | date= 29 August 2012| access-date=30 August 2012}} On 14 September 2013, Theodore Roosevelt successfully completed flight deck certification which entailed completing a total of 160 carrier landings during daytime and night-time operations. Other certification drills included rigging the emergency barricade, flight deck firefighting evolutions, and crash and salvage operations.{{cite web | author=Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heath Zeigler, USN |title=Theodore Roosevelt Completes Flight Deck Certification | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76613 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184717/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76613 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 29 October 2013 | work= NNS130916-14 | publisher= USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs | date= 16 September 2013 | access-date=24 October 2013}} On 17 September 2013, Theodore Roosevelt completed its first underway replenishment in over four years.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kris R. Lindstrom, USN | title= USS Theodore Roosevelt Completes First Underway Replenishment in Four Years | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76697 | work= NNS130920-22 | publisher= USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs | date= 20 September 2013 | access-date= 24 October 2013 | archive-date= 29 October 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193324/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76697 | url-status= dead }}

At the start of 2014, Theodore Roosevelt and the rest of Carrier Strike Group Twelve were in port and not underway.{{cite web | title= U.S. Naval Update Map: Dec. 31, 2013 | url= http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/us-naval-update-map-dec-31-2013 | publisher= STRATFOR | date= 2 January 2014 | access-date=6 January 2014| quote=Registration required.}} and {{cite web | title= U.S. Naval Update Map: Dec. 31, 2013 | url= http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/us-naval-update-map-dec-31-2013 | publisher= STRATFOR | date= 2 January 2014 | access-date=6 January 2014| quote=Registration required.}} and {{cite web | title= U.S. Naval Update Map: Jan. 9, 2014 | url= http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/us-naval-update-map-jan-9-2014 | publisher= STRATFOR | date= 9 January 2014 | access-date=9 January 2014| quote=Registration required.}} On 15 January 2014, Theodore Roosevelt departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, for carrier qualifications prior to undertaking the group pre-deployment exercise.{{cite web | title= 2015 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn71history.htm |work=USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 | publisher= USCarrier.net | date=2 June 2015 | access-date=5 June 2015}} On 20 March 2014, the U.S. Defense Department announced Admiral Kovacich's next assignment was as the director for plans and programs of the U.S. African Command, and his relief was Rear Admiral Andrew L. Lewis, a naval aviator.{{cite web | title=Rear Admiral Andrew L. "Woody" Lewis | url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/bio.asp?bioID=667 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120920212845/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/bio.asp?bioID=667 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 20 September 2012 | work= Official Biography | publisher= U.S. Navy |date=15 July 2014 |access-date=16 September 2014}}

On 17 July 2014, Carrier Strike Group 12 carried out-at-sea maneuvers, and the carrier {{USS|Harry S. Truman||2}} off-loaded its munitions to Theodore Roosevelt on 17 July 2014 in preparation for future deployments by Carrier Strike Group 12.{{cite web |author=Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heath Zeigler, USN | title=Carrier Strike Group 12 Assets Join Forces During at Sea Maneuvers |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=82231 | work= NNS140716-01 | publisher=USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Public Affairs |date=16 July 2014| access-date=16 September 2014}} and {{cite web | title=Truman Passes Torch to Theodore Roosevelt with Ammo Off-load |url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/bio.asp?bioID=667 | work= NNS140718-11 | publisher=USS Harry S. Truman and USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs | date= 18 July 2014| access-date=16 September 2014}} Between 4 and 8 August 2014, Theodore Roosevelt completed the in-port phase of its Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) exercises.{{cite web |author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Wyatt L. Anthony, USN | title=Preparing TR for the Futures | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=82868 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140824120500/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=82868 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 24 August 2014 | work= NNS140820-14 |publisher=USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Public Affairs | date= 20 August 2014| access-date=16 September 2014}} On 16 September 2014, Carrier Strike Group 12 began the at-sea phase of its TSTA exercises, as well as its Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) exercises, completing these exercises on 8 October 2014.{{cite web |author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Alex Millar, USN | title=USS Roosevelt Undergoes TSTA and FEP | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=83468 | work= NNS140716-01 |publisher=USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Public Affairs | date= 23 September 2014| access-date=24 September 2014}} and {{cite web |author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Alex Millar, USN | title=TR Completes Successful TSTA and FEP| url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=83781 | work= NNS141009-08 |publisher=USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Public Affairs | date= 9 October 2014| access-date=16 October 2014}} On 8 January 2015, Carrier Strike Group 12 began its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). This three-week-long series of exercises test the strike group's ability to perform as an integrated formation within real-world scenarios prior to departing for its upcoming 2015 overseas deployment.{{cite web |author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Alex Millar, USN | title=USS Theodore Roosevelt Begins COMPTUEX| url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=85126 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150116013654/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=85126 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 16 January 2015 | work= NNS150109-05 |publisher=USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Public Affairs | date= 9 January 2015| access-date=5 February 2015}} Also, between 9 and 10 January 2015, Theodore Roosevelt on-loaded munitions during underway replenishment with from the dry cargo ship {{USNS|Robert E. Peary|T-AKE-5|2}}.

On 4 March 2015, it was reported in a blogspot of the French Navy and French Ministry of Defense that during a recent training exercise off Florida the French nuclear submarine {{ship|French submarine|Saphir|S602|2}} (pictured) as part of the "enemy" attack group had successfully "sunk" the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt and its escorts.{{cite web

|url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/actu-marine/le-sna-saphir-en-entrainement-avec-l-us-navy-au-large-de-la-floride

|author1=LV Quentin Savary

|title=Le SNA Saphir en entrainement avec l'US navy au large de la Floride

|publisher=Ministere de la defense

|language=fr

|date=4 March 2015

|access-date=6 March 2015

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402224312/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/actu-marine/le-sna-saphir-en-entrainement-avec-l-us-navy-au-large-de-la-floride

|archive-date=2 April 2015

}}

{{see also|Operation Inherent Resolve|Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)|MV Maersk Tigris}}

On 9 March 2015, Carrier Strike Group Twelve departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, to begin its 2015 around-the-world deployment. The group's flagship, Theodore Roosevelt, was delayed by a faulty seawater intake valve and did not get underway until 11 March 2015. The 2015 deployment was scheduled to conclude with Theodore Roosevelt{{'}}s arrival at its new homeport of San Diego Naval Base, California.{{cite web | author=Sam LaGrone | title= Carrier Theodore Roosevelt Departs Norfolk for Middle East Deployment, New Homeport After Delay | url= http://news.usni.org/2015/03/11/carrier-theodore-roosevelt-departs-norfolk-for-middle-east-deployment-new-homeport-after-delay | work= USNI News | publisher= United States Naval Institute |date= 11 March 2015 | access-date=5 June 2015}} The group was the first U.S. Navy carrier strike group to deploy with the new Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) capability. NIFC-CA integrates all units via data links to gain a more comprehensive overview of its operational battlespace.

File:USS Normandy (CG 60) deployment 150310-N-ZY039-042.jpg

File:USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) seen from USS Theodore Rooselvelt (CVN-71) hangar in April 2015.JPG

The group came under the operational control of the U.S. Sixth Fleet on 16 March 2015.{{cite web | title= Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group Enters U.S. 6th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=86071| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150413013343/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=86071| url-status= dead| archive-date= 13 April 2015| work= NNS150316-13 | publisher= USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Public Affairs | date= 16 March 2015 | access-date=6 June 2015}} While en route, on 21 March 2015, the cruiser Normandy recovered more than 1,000 pounds of illegal narcotics after an MH-60 Seahawk from its squadron HSM-46 detachment spotted a small craft dumping large packages into the water (pictured).{{cite web | title= 2015 history | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cg60history.htm |work=USS Normandy CG-60 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 15 May 2015 | access-date=7 June 2012}}{{cite web | author= Ensign Ricky Rodriguez, USN | title= Normandy Retrieves Abandoned Narcotics | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=86185 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150326100217/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=86185 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 26 March 2015 | work= NNS150323-06 |publisher=USS Normandy (CG-60) Public Affairs | date= 23 May 2015 | access-date=10 June 2015}} The strike group transited the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean Sea on 31 March 2015.

Carrier Strike Group Twelve shifted its operational control to the U.S. Fifth Fleet after transiting the Suez Canal on 6 April 2015.{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Brown, USN | title= Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group Enters U.S. 5th Fleet| url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=86450 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150411030112/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=86450 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 11 April 2015 | work= NNS150407-02 |publisher=USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Public Affairs | date= 7 April 2015 | access-date=6 June 2015}} Carrier Strike Group Twelve entered the Persian Gulf on 14 April 2015 and, on 16 April 2015, began combat operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led air campaign against ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

Both the destroyers Forrest Sherman and Winston Churchill conducted Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in the Gulf of Aden and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, with the Forrest Sherman rejoining the U.S. mine-hunting ships {{USS|Sentry|MCM-3|2}} and {{USS|Dextrous|MCM-13|2}} on 20 April 2015 after escorting the U.S. nuclear submarine {{USS|Helena|SSN-725|2}} northbound through the Suez Canal.{{cite web | title= 2015 history | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg98history.htm |work=USS Forrest Sherman DDG-98 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 1 June 2015 | access-date=11 June 2015}}{{cite web | title= 2015 history | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg81history.htm |work=USS Winston Churchill DDG-81 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 1 June 2015 | access-date=11 June 2012}} These warships were monitoring the deteriorating situation in war-torn Yemen.{{cite web | author= Dion Nissenbaum | title=World – Middle East: U.S. Sending Aircraft Carrier to Help Monitor Iranian Ships| url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-sending-aircraft-carrier-to-help-monitor-iranian-ships-1429561112?KEYWORDS=USS+Theodore+Roosevelt | work=The Wall Street Journal | date= 20 April 2015 | access-date=10 June 2015}} On 8 September 2015, Farragut rescued three mariners from their disabled fishing vessel in the Red Sea.{{cite web |author=Jackie Hart | title= Farragut Lends a Helping Hand to Stranded Fishermen (NNS150910-07)| url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=91000 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150926101526/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=91000 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 26 September 2015 |website=Navy.mil | date= 10 September 2015 | access-date=14 September 2015}}

On 19 April 2015 Theodore Roosevelt and Normandy transited the Strait of Hormuz to join the ten other U.S. naval units operating in the Gulf of Aden.{{cite web |author1=ESam LaGrone |title=Roosevelt Strike Group Departs Gulf, 9 U.S. Warships Now Near Yemen | url= http://news.usni.org/2015/04/20/roosevelt-strike-group-departs-gulf-9-u-s-warships-now-near-yemen | work= USNI News | publisher= United States Naval Institute |date=20 April 2015 |access-date=10 June 2015}} Theodore Roosevelt and Normandy were moved to monitor an Iranian naval convoy escorted by two Iranian warships suspected of carrying arms to the Houthi rebel forces in Yemen.{{cite web | author= Sam LaGrone | title= Pentagon: Iranian Convoy 'One of the Factors' in Moving U.S. Carrier Roosevelt Closer to Yemen | url= http://news.usni.org/2015/04/21/pentagon-iranian-convoy-one-of-the-factors-in-moving-u-s-carrier-roosevelt-closer-to-yemen | work= USNI News | publisher= United States Naval Institute |date=21 April 2015 |access-date=10 June 2015}} The Roosevelt was operating within {{convert|200|nmi|km mi}} of the Iranian convoy. The convoy later reversed course and returned home without incident.{{cite web | author= Dion Nissenbaum | title=World – Middle East: Iran Ships Off Yemen Head Home | url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/fresh-airstrikes-hit-yemen-cities-1429787821?KEYWORDS=USS+Theodore+Roosevelt | work= The Wall Street Journal | date= 22 April 2015 | access-date=10 June 2015}} Theodore Roosevelt and Normandy returned to the Persian Gulf on 24 April 2015.

On 28 April 2015, Iranian Revolutionary Guard patrol craft intercepted and seized the Marshall Islands container cargo ship {{MV|Maersk Tigris}} while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. It made a distress call. Since Maersk Tigris was a Marshalls' vessel, and the United States is responsible for the defense of the Marshalls, {{USS|Farragut|DDG-99|2}} was dispatched.{{cite web | title= 2015 operations | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg99history.htm |work=USS Farragut DDG-99 | publisher= UScarriers.net | date= 1 June 2015 | access-date=7 June 2012}}{{cite web | author= Dion Nissenbaum & Julian E. Barnes | title=World – Middle East: U.S. Sends Ship, Planes as Iranians Seize Commercial Ship | url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-fires-warning-shots-across-bow-of-cargo-ship-1430235393?KEYWORDS=Maersk+Tigris |work=The Wall Street Journal | date= 29 April 2015 | access-date=10 June 2015}}{{cite web | author= Megan Eckstein | title= Iran Seizes Marshall Islands Ship Maersk Tigris; U.S. Destroyer on Station | url= http://news.usni.org/2015/04/28/breaking-iran-seizes-marshall-island-ship-with-34-sailors-aboard | work= USNI News | publisher= United States Naval Institute |date= 28 April 2015 | access-date=10 June 2015}} On 30 April 2015, U.S. warship began escorting U.S.-flagged merchant marine vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.{{cite web | author= Dion Nissenbaum & Asa Fitch | title=World – Middle East: U.S. Navy Starts to Accompany Ships in Strait Where Iran Seized Cargo Carrier | url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/ship-seizure-by-iran-linked-to-court-case-1430394886?KEYWORDS=Maersk+Tigris | work= The Wall Street Journal | date= 30 April 2015 | access-date=10 June 2015}}{{cite web | author=Sam LaGrone | title= U.S. Navy Ships Will Accompany American Merchant Ships Through Strait of Hormuz to Prevent IRGCN Harassment | url= http://news.usni.org/2015/04/30/u-s-navy-ships-will-accompany-american-merchant-ships-through-strait-of-hormuz-to-prevent-irgcn-harassment | work= USNI News | publisher= United States Naval Institute | date= 30 April 2015 | access-date=10 June 2015}} On 7 May 2015, Maersk Tigris was released and the U.S. Navy ended its escort operations.{{cite web | author= Asa Fitch | title=World – Middle East: Iranian Authorities Release Maersk Tigris | url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/iranian-authorities-release-maersk-tigris-1430991500?KEYWORDS=Maersk+Tigris | work=The Wall Street Journal | date= 7 May 2015 | access-date=10 June 2015}}{{cite news | author=Sam LaGrone | title= Iran Releases Maersk Tigris | url= http://news.usni.org/2015/05/07/iran-releases-maersk-tigris | work= USNI News | publisher= United States Naval Institute | date= 7 May 2015 | access-date=10 June 2015}}{{cite web | author= Julian E. Barnes & Asa Fitch | title=World – Middle East: U.S. Navy Ends Strait of Hormuz Escort Mission | url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-navy-ends-strait-of-hormuz-escort-mission-1430937782?KEYWORDS=Maersk+Tigris |work=The Wall Street Journal | date= 6 May 2015 | access-date=10 June 2015}}

On 12 May 2015, an F/A-18F Super Hornet from squadron VFA-211 crashed in the Persian Gulf shortly after being launched from the carrier Theodore Roosevelt. Both crew members were returned to Theodore Roosevelt after ejecting safely from the aircraft.

On 9 October 2015, Carrier Strike Group 12 transited the Strait of Hormuz, completing its deployment with Operation Inherent Resolve. During this deployment, the strike group launched 1,812 combat air sorties and expended 1,085 precision-guided munitions. On 23 November 2015, the strike group's flagship, USS Theodore Roosevelt, arrived at its new homeport, NAS North Island in San Diego, California, completing its eight-and-a-half-month long world cruise.

;2015 deployment force composition{{cite web | title= CVW-1 (AB) CVN-71 THEODORE ROOSEVELT Mar.11, 2015 – (Homeport Change, Norfolk to San Diego : 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet AOR) | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVW-ABf.html | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 11 March 2015 | access-date=5 June 2015}}

; 2015 deployment combat operations, exercises, and port visits

On 1 April 2019, {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72|6}} and Carrier Strike Group 12 departed Norfolk for a six-month deployment.[https://wtkr.com/2019/03/27/uss-abraham-lincoln-carrier-strike-group-departing-for-deployment-monday/ Move to San Diego] On 9 April Abraham Lincoln arrived in the United States Sixth Fleet area of operations, for operations in the Mediterranean Sea before proceeding to the Persian Gulf, then the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, before heading across the Pacific Ocean to her new homeport at San Diego.{{cite news |url=https://navaltoday.com/2019/04/09/us-aircraft-carrier-uss-abraham-lincoln-arrives-in-europe/ |title=US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Europe |website=navaltoday.com |date=9 April 2019 |access-date=13 May 2019}} On 5 May 2019 this deployment was diverted to the Middle East due to tensions with Iran.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/in-message-to-iran-white-house-announces-new-military-assets-in-middle-east/2019/05/05/7d7381d8-6f9b-11e9-8be0-ca575670e91c_story.html|last1=DeYoung |first1=Karen|last2=Ryan |first2=Missy|date=5 May 2019|title=In message to Iran, White House announces new military assets in Middle East|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=6 April 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2019/05/14/spanish-frigate-drops-out-of-lincoln-strike-group-over-u-s-iran-stance|last=LaGrone |first=Sam |date=14 May 2019|title=Spanish Frigate Drops Out of Lincoln Strike Group Over U.S. Iran Stance|work=USNI News|access-date=18 May 2019}}

{{update|section|date=April 2024|reason=Much updating is needed}}

On 2 May 2023, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and Carrier Strike Group 12 departed Norfolk for a routine deployment.{{cite press release|url=https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/Press-Room/Press-Releases/Article/3382227/gerald-r-ford-carrier-strike-group-deploys/|title=Gera;d R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Deploys|publisher=Commander {{!}} U.S. 2nd Fleet|date=May 2, 2023}}

On 8 October 2023, the day after the Hamas attack on Israel, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, directed the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean "to bolster regional deterrence efforts."{{Cite web |title=Statement From Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on U.S. Force Posture Changes in the Middle East |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3551716/statement-from-secretary-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-us-force-posture-changes-in-the/|access-date=2023-10-08 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}

Commander Carrier Strike Group Twelve (COMCARSTRKGRU 12 or CCSG 12) is responsible for unit-level training, integrated training, and material readiness for the ships and aviation squadrons assigned to the group.{{cite web | title= Mission | url= http://www.ccsg12.navy.mil/ | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120314060605/http://www.ccsg12.navy.mil/ | url-status= dead | archive-date= 14 March 2012 | work= Carrier Strike Group Twelve | publisher= U.S. Navy | year= 2012 | access-date=4 February 2013}} When deployed overseas, the group comes under command of the numbered fleet (i.e., Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh) in whose area it is operating, and will have a task force or task group designator, for example, Task Group 50.1 in the Fifth Fleet area.{{cite book |title= The Naval Institute Guide to The Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, 18th ed. |last= Polmar |first= Norman |year= 2005 |publisher= Naval Institute Press |location= Annapolis, Maryland |isbn= 1-59114-685-2 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0018polm/page/38 38] |url= https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0018polm/page/38 }}

Group commanders since 2004 have included:

{{Reflist|group=Note}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite web |first= William C. |last= Hamilton |title= Chronology of Events – USS Enterprise CVN-65 – 1 January 1 – 31 December 2011 |url= http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/cvn-65/2011.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121224145614/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/cvn-65/2011.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 24 December 2012 |work= Command Operations Reports |publisher= Naval History & Heritage Command |location= Washington Navy Yard |year= 2011 |access-date= 6 November 2012}}
• {{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 February 2009 |journal= Naval Institute Proceedings |volume= 135 |issue= 5 |pages= 118–120 |issn=0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2009-05 |access-date=26 August 2010 |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 |access-date=29 August 2010 |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 |access-date=29 August 2010 |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 |access-date= 11 May 2012 |quote=Registration required.}}
• {{cite journal|author-mask=2 |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= 9 |pages= 48–50 |issn=0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2014-09/us-battle-force-aviation-changes |access-date= 13 September 2014 |quote=Registration required; downloadable PDF file covering 2013 and 2014.}}
• {{cite web|first=Lawrence S. |last=Rice |title=Chronology of Events – USS Enterprise CVN-65 – 1 January 1 – 31 December 2005 |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/cvn-65/2005.pdf |work=Command Operations Reports |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |location=Washington Navy Yard |year=2005 |access-date=6 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122025052/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/cvn-65/2005.pdf|archive-date=22 January 2012 }}

{{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/e/enterprise-cvan-65-viii-2001-2004.html|http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/t/theodore-roosevelt-iii-cvn-71.html}}

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{{United States Navy Carrier strike groups}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carrier Strike Group 12}}

Category:Carrier Strike Groups

Category:Military in San Diego

Category:Military units and formations established in 2004