Exercise Summer Pulse#Operation Medshark/Majestic Eagle 2004

File:VernClark.jpg

Developing upon the lessons learned from the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the War on terrorism, the U.S. Navy introduced the Fleet Response Plan in 2003. The FRP was described as a new concept of planning and organizing fleet assets for deployment that replaced the 18-month Inter-Deployment Readiness Cycle used during the Cold War.{{cite web | title= Navy Organization and Missions | url= http://www.navyleague.org/sea_power/almanac_jan_05_01.php | work= 2005 Almanac | publisher= Navy League of the United States | year= 2005 | access-date= 2012-01-09 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120201025256/http://www.navyleague.org/sea_power/almanac_jan_05_01.php | archive-date= 1 February 2012 | url-status= dead }} The objective of the FRP was to provide six aircraft carrier strike groups that can be deployed or be ready to deploy within 30 days and another two aircraft carrier strike groups ready to deploy within 90 days. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Vern Clark (pictured) summarized the objective of the Fleet Response Plan by noting:

:I would rather muster two battle groups for three months and do something really significant internationally, and cooperate with partners in training and so forth, than just go over and hang out for six months without purpose. The position that I’m pushing is that we should be less interested in presence and more interested in presence with a purpose.{{cite web | author= Chief Journalist Walter T. Ham IV, USM | title= 'Presence with a Purpose' – CNO Explains Fleet Response Plan | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=9060 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805054146/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=9060 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS030818-08 | publisher= Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs | date= 18 August 2003 | access-date=2012-01-09}}{{cite web | author= Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Alyssa Batarla, USN | title= FRP, Keeping the Navy Flexible | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=9666 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212213055/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=9666 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS030923-04 | publisher= U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | date= 24 September 2003 | access-date=2012-01-09}}

The Fleet Response Plan allowed the U.S. Navy to be ready to surge as well as be able to vary the lengths of deployments, providing a more flexible, ready to deploy capability. By increasing the duration of time that a ship could be deployed, the operational availability of several ships will always overlap, providing the Navy with the capability of deploying multiple ships or battle groups simultaneously. The FRP also involved new ways of operating, training, manning, and maintaining the fleet, resulting in increased force readiness and the ability to provide significant combat power in a crisis situation as well as reinforce U.S. relationships and interoperability in five theaters of operations. The U.S. Fleet Forces Command was tasked to lead in the implementation of the FRP.

File:US Navy 040617-N-8213G-113 An Argentine Navy S-2 Tracker aircraft performs a "touch and go" landing during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).jpg]]

On 27 May 2004, the carrier Ronald Reagan departed from its former home base of Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, which was also the headquarters for the U.S. Second Fleet. During its two-month-long inter-fleet transfer, Reagan participated in Summer Pulse 2004, as well as operating with the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Northern Command, within the U.S. Second Fleet's area of responsibility."Second Fleet ... operates along both coasts of South America and part of the west coast of Central America. In all, it covers more than 38 million square miles." See [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/unit/fleet_n.htm Numbered Fleets] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904030501/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/unit/fleet_n.htm |date=4 September 2016 }}, Federation of American Scientists.{{cite web |first= David |last= Longshore |title= American Naval Power and the Prevention of Terror |url= http://www.hsaj.org/?fullarticle=1.1.6 |work= Homeland Security Affairs |publisher= Naval Postgraduate School |location= Monterey, California |date= Summer 2005 |access-date=2012-08-29 |quote=This surge capacity includes providing a sufficient degree of logistical support to forward-operating nodes, including up to ten aircraft carrier task forces simultaneously." See also footnote 21 therin: "Clark, 'Building a 21st-Century Navy.' In 2004, the Navy conducted Summer Pulse '04, an exercise which used seven carrier task forces to successfully test the Sea Basing concept.}}{{cite web | title= USS Ronald Reagan Bids Farewell to Norfolk | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13543 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041108225452/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13543 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 8 November 2004 | work= NNS040528-05 | publisher= Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs | date= 28 May 2004 | access-date=2011-01-09}}{{cite web | author= Journalist 2nd Class Paul Simonds, USN | title= Strike Group Sails with Reagan | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13591 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041106113526/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13591 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 6 November 2004 | work= NNS040609-22 | publisher= USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs | date= 10 June 2004 | access-date=2011-01-09}}{{cite web |title= Around the Fleet: Seven Carrier Strike Groups Underway for Exercise Summer Pulse '04 |url= http://www.specialops.org/resource/resmgr/docs/all_hands.pdf |work= All Hands |page= 9 |date= August 2004 |access-date= |quote= USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) will conduct operations in the U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Southern Command theaters during the ship’s inter-fleet transfer from Norfolk, to its Pacific Fleet homeport of San Diego. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120819164524/http://www.specialops.org/resource/resmgr/docs/all_hands.pdf |archive-date= 19 August 2012 |url-status= dead }} During this inter-fleet transfer, several squadrons of Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) were temporarily embarked on board the Ronald Reagan. The principal purpose for embarking these CVW-11 squadrons was to complete their training evolutions prior to the strike group's first Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment.

On 17 June 2004, two Super Étendard jet fighters and three S-2T Turbo Trackers antisubmarine aircraft from Argentine Naval Aviation carried out touch-and-go landings on the Reagan{{'}}s flight deck during Gringo-Gaucho exercises (pictured).{{cite web | author= Journalist 2nd Class Paul Simonds, USN | title= Reagan Enhances Relations, Welcomes Argentina | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13865 | work= NNS040625-06 | publisher= USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs | date= 26 June 2004 | access-date= 2011-01-09 | archive-date= 14 September 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070914023906/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13865 | url-status= dead }} The Reagan also participated in a SIFOREX (Silent Forces) exercise with the Peruvian Navy prior to its port visit to Callao, Peru, on 9 July 2004.{{cite web | title= Reagan Makes Foreign Port Visit to Callao, Peru | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14197 | work= NNS040709-16 | publisher= USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs | date= 10 July 2004 | access-date= 2011-01-09 | archive-date= 14 September 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070914024546/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14197 | url-status= dead }}{{cite web | author= Journalist 3rd Class Robbie L. Thomas, USN | title= Ronald Reagan Strike Group Fosters Relations with Peru Through SIFOREX | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=141700 | work= NNS040709-15 | publisher= USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs | date= 10 July 2004 | access-date= 2011-01-09 }}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The most significant naval exercise involving the Ronald Reagan Carrier Battle Group was UNITAS 45-04, the largest multinational naval exercise held in Latin America. Joining the carrier Reagan and Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) were the guided-missile cruiser {{USS|Thomas S. Gates|CG-51|2}}, the dock landing ship {{USS|Tortuga|LSD-46|2}}, and the guided-missile destroyers {{USS|Mustin|DDG-89|2}} and {{USS|Benfold|DDG-65|2}}.{{cite web| author= Journalist 2nd Class Matt Grills, USN | title= UNITAS Launches Largest Latin American Multinational Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13940 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041108103921/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13940 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 8 November 2004 | work= NNS040629-07 | publisher= U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs | date= 29 June 2004 | access-date=2011-01-09}}{{cite web | author= Lt. Ligia Cohen, USN | title= UNITAS Force Conducts Latin America's First Multinational Amphibious Assault | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14120 | work= NNS040707-02 | publisher= Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs | date= 7 July 2004 | access-date= 2011-01-09 | archive-date= 29 June 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629121210/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14120 | url-status= dead }}

Reagan subsequently paid port visits to Valparaíso, Chile, and Callao, Peru, before arriving at its new homeport of Naval Air Station North Island, California, on 23 July 2004, having changed its operational control ("chop") to the U.S. Third Fleet.This term is a compound of CHOP, which is short for Change of Operational Control. A CHOP line is a line at which operational control of forces transfers from one command to another. Sean Maloney thesis, To Secure the Command of the Sea, University of New Brunswick, 1991, p. iii.{{cite web | title= Reagan Makes Port Visit to Valparaiso, Chile | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13997 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805054825/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13997 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040630-08 | publisher= USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs | date= 30 June 2004 | access-date=2011-01-09}}{{cite web | title= USS Ronald Reagan to Arrive at New Homeport | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14380 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041106012849/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14380 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 6 November 2004 | work= NNS040722-07 | publisher= Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | date= 22 July 2004 | access-date=2011-01-09}}

File:US Navy 040611-N-4374S-007 Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Phillip Beatty observes the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67).jpg

On 7 June 2004, the John F. Kennedy carrier strike group (probably Carrier Group 6) departed Naval Station Mayport, Florida, to participate in Combined Joint Task Force Exercise 04-2 – "Operation Blinding Storm", to complete the strike group's certification to deploy.{{cite DANFS | title = USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/j3/john_f_kennedy.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040224213911/http://www.history.navy.mil:80/danfs/j3/john_f_kennedy.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2004-02-24 | short = yes }}{{cite web | author= Journalist 1st Class Dave Skocik, USN | title= JFK Strike Group Completes CJTFEX, Deploys | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13827 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212222227/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13827 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS040618-04 | publisher= USS John F. Kennedy Public Affairs | date= 18 June 2004 | access-date=2012-01-03}}{{cite web | title= Aircraft Carrier Locations | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVLocation67.html | work= USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 8 April 2009 | access-date=2012-01-07}}

Held between 14 and 18 June, Blinding Storm marked the first Joint National Training Capability (JNTC) integration event, with training focused on functional coalition component commands. All branches of the U.S. armed forces were involved, as well as the British light aircraft carrier {{HMS|Invincible|R05|2}}. A total of 28,000 allied military personnel participated in Operation Blinding Storm, including and more than 60 coalition ships and hundreds of aircraft. Coordinating the complex command and control links encompassing land, amphibious, air and maritime forces was one of the exercise's wins. It included an opposed night amphibious landing and live fire exercises, concluding on 21 June 2004. That day, the John F. Kennedy carrier strike group was certified as being combat ready for its upcoming deployment.{{cite web | title= Combined Joint Task Force Exercise 04-2 Concludes | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=13898 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140111213255/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=13898 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 11 January 2014 | work= NNS040623-17 | publisher= Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet/Striking Fleet Atlantic Public Affairs | date= 23 June 2004 | access-date=2014-01-11}}

Following Blinding Storm, John F. Kennedy carrier strike group began its overseas deployment. The carrier strike group paid a port visit to Malta between 26 and 30 June 2004, before transiting the Suez Canal from 2–3 July 2004, joining the U.S. Fifth Fleet.{{cite web | title= JFK Carrier Strike Group Visits Malta | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13966 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041104052818/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13966 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 4 November 2004 | work= NNS040628-10 | publisher= USS John F. Kennedy Public Affairs | date= 28 June 2004| access-date=2012-01-07}}{{cite web | author= Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Monica Nelson, USN | title= Kennedy Passes Through the 'Ditch' | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14087 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805054739/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14087 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040706-02 | publisher= USS John F. Kennedy Public Affairs | date= 6 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}} The nuclear-powered attack submarine {{USS|Toledo|SSN-769|2}} deployed with the John F. Kennedy carrier strike group during Summer Pulsie 2004.

On 24 May 2004, Carrier Group 7, led by John C. Stennis, departed Naval Station San Diego, California, for its 2004 Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment as part of Summer Pulse 2004.{{Cite web| author= Journalist 2nd Class Gabriel Owens, USN | title= Stennis Leaves for Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13464 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212025259/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13464 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS040524-16 | publisher= USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs | date= 24 May 2004 | access-date=20 April 2009}}{{Cite web| author= Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Gabriel Owens, USN | title= USS John C. Stennis Visits Western Australia | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=15332 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212034334/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=15332 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS040929-09 | publisher= USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs | date= 30 September 2004 | access-date=2010-08-31}} The nuclear-powered submarine {{USS|Salt Lake City|SSN-716|2}} deployed with the John C. Stennis strike group during Summer Pulse 2004.

File:US Navy 040625-N-9769P-245 Ships from the United States and Canada navigate around the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) while underway in the Pacific Ocean during a multi-national photo exercise.jpg

The strike group's first major undertaking was Exercise Northern Edge 2004. Held from 7 June through 14 June 2004, Northern Edge 2004, focused on air-centric tactics and procedures with an emphasis on air-to-air, air-to-ground, and on personnel recovery operations in remote areas of the Pacific Alaska Range Complex (PARC) near Fairbanks, Alaska, and over water in the Gulf of Alaska. The carrier Stennis paid a port visit to Esquimalt, British Columbia between 18 and 21 June 2004, and the carrier strike group also participated bi-lateral exercises with the Canadian Navy between 22 and 29 June 2004.{{cite web |author= Captain David H. Buss, USN |title= 2004 Command History, Enclosure (2): Command History for USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) for period 1 January to 31 December 2004 |url= http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/j/cvn-74/2004.pdf |work= USS John C. Stennis |publisher= Naval History & Heritage Command |location= Washington, DC |page= 6 |date= 14 February 2005 |access-date= 2010-09-07 |quote= Hereafter referred to as USS John C. Stennis'' (CVN-74) 2004 Command History. |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110628200653/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/j/cvn-74/2004.pdf |archive-date= 28 June 2011 }}

The Stennis CSG paid a port visit to Pearl Harbor between 22 and 26 June 2004, prior to RIMPAC 2004.{{cite web | author= Journalist 2nd Class Barrie Barber, USN | title= Stennis Strike Group Rolls into RIMPAC Full Speed Ahead | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/print.asp?story_id=14177&VIRIN=15887&imagetype=1&page=1 | work= NNS040709-06 | publisher= RIMPAC Combined Information Bureau | date= 9 July 2004 | access-date= 2012-01-07 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070618142919/https://www.navy.mil/search/print.asp?story_id=14177&VIRIN=15887&imagetype=1&page=1 | archive-date= 18 June 2007 | url-status= dead }} The biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise (Exercise RIMPAC) was two-weeks long, multinational, and involved 40 ships, seven submarines, 100 aircraft, and nearly 18,000 military personnel from seven nations. RIMPAC 2004 focused on multinational training while building trust and cooperation among the participating naval partners (pictured). The carrier John C Stennis was the flagship for the Multinational Task Force Commander, Rear Admiral Patrick Walsh, Commander Carrier Group 7.{{Cite web| author= Lt. Corey Barker, USN | title= Stennis Wraps Up RIMPAC, Pulses Forward to Western Pacific | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14420 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212222353/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14420 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS040726-01 | publisher= USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs | date= 26 July 2004 | access-date=31 August 2010}}

On 30 January 2004, the George Washington carrier strike group departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, for its 2004, deployment to the U.S. Fifth Fleet.{{cite web | author= Journalist 3rd Class Elizabeth Enockson, USN | title= USS George Washington Rejoins War on Terrorism | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11495 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212232753/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11495 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS040123-02 | publisher= USS George Washington Public Affairs | date= 23 January 2004 | access-date=2012-01-04}} On 16 February 2004, the George Washington carrier strike group completed a 16-hour transit of the Suez Canal and entered the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility.{{cite web | title= USS George Washington Joins U.S. 5th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11882 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805151236/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11882 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040217-01 | publisher= USS George Washington Public Affairs | date= 17 February 2004 | access-date=2012-01-06}}

File:Coalition forces in Iraq (2004-04-30).jpg

File:USS Washington with escorts.jpg

On 20 February 2004, the George Washington carrier group transited the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, leaving the Red Sea, and the strike group set course for the Arabian Sea.{{cite web|first=Garry R. |last=White |title=USS George Washington (CVN-73) Command History for the Callendar Year 2004 |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/g/cvn-73/2004.pdf |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |location=Washington Navy Yard |pages=8–9, 14–15 |year=2005 |access-date=2012-01-03 |quote=Hereafter referred to USS George Washington (CVN-73) Command History 2004. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104190816/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/g/cvn-73/2004.pdf |archive-date=4 November 2012 }} On 28 February 2004, the George Washington carrier strike group transited through the Strait of Hormuz and entered into the Persian Gulf. The carrier George Washington paid a port visit to Jebel Ali, UAE, between 14 and 19 March 2004.{{cite web | author= Journalist Seaman Kary Favell, USN | title= GW Enjoys Visit to Dubai | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=12432 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805055618/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=12432 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040319-12 | publisher= USS George Washington Public Affairs | date= 20 March 2004 | access-date=2012-01-06}}

On 9 April 2004, a second port visit to Jebel Ali was cancelled, and the George Washington carrier strike group was ordered to remain on station in the Persian Gulf after fighting intensified between Coalition Forces and insurgents around the city of Fallujah in the Iraqi province of Al Anbar.USS George Washington (CVN-73) Command History 2004. pp. 9-10, 17. As part of Operation Vigilant Resolve, on 28 April 2004, Carrier Air Wing Seven squadrons VFA-136, VFA-131, VF-11, and VF-143 flew combat air sorties against insurgents in Fallujah. During this combat sortie, CVW-7 aircraft dropped 13 GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs on insurgent positions while continuing to provide combat air support to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.{{cite web | title= Carrier Air Wing 7 Continues Air Support of Combat in Iraq | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13023 | work= NNS040429-02 | publisher= Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs | date= 29 April 2004 | access-date= 2012-01-06 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913213524/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13023 | url-status= dead }}

On 25 April 2004, the George Washington carrier strike group steamed back to the Persian Gulf after terrorists attacked the Khor Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) off the coast of Basra, Iraq. The strike group also provided search, rescue, and recovery support in the aftermath of the boarding incident involving the U.S. patrol ship {{USS|Firebolt|PC-10|2}}. The carrier George Washington subsequently paid a port visit to Jebel Ali between 7–11 May 2004.

Beginning 2 June 2004, the George Washington carrier strike group (pictured) began its participation in Summer Pulse 2004, which continued until the group's return to Norfolk on 26 July; the carrier George Washington was called the tip of the spear for the entire surge exercise.USS George Washington (CVN-73) Command History 2004. p. 9, 11, 18, 19.

File:US Navy 041120-N-4308O-141 The conventional aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) is relieved by the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).jpg

On 5 July 2004, the George Washington strike group departed the Persian Gulf.USS George Washington (CVN-73) Command History 2004. p. 11, 18, 19.{{cite web | author= Chief Journalist (SW/AW/IUSS) Henry Rice, USN | title= USS George Washington Departs Persian Gulf | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14118 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212041611/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14118 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS040706-26 | date= 6 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-06}}{{cite web | author= Journalist 2nd Class (SW) John Osborne, USN | title= GW at Tip of Spear in Summer Pulse '04 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13962 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805145512/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13962 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040628-07 | publisher= USS George Washington Public Affairs | date= 28 June 2004 | access-date=2012-01-06}} During its nearly five-month deployment to the Fifth Fleet, the George Washington carrier strike group spent 231 days away from home port and steamed 70,750 nautical miles. Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) amassed nearly 8,800 sorties, including 1,500 in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, expended approximately 164,000 pounds (74,389 kg) of ordnance, and flew more than 21,000 flight hours. Destroyer Squadron 28 executed 200 Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) boardings and logged more than 12,000 surface contacts in the Persian Gulf.USS George Washington (CVN-73) Command History 2004. pp. 3-6, 19.{{cite web | author= Chief Journalist (SW/AW/IUSS) Henry Rice, USN | title= USS George Washington, CVW-7 Return to Norfolk | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14392 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805054145/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14392 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040723-07 | publisher= USS George Washington Public Affairs | date= 26 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-06}}

On 10 July 2004, Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17), flying from John F. Kennedy, launched air strikes supporting Multi-national Corps-Iraq and Iraqi forces.{{cite web | author= Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Monica Nelson, USN | title= Kennedy, CVW-17 Launch into Action in Support of OIF | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14353 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805065220/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14353 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040721-12 | publisher= USS John F. Kennedy Public Affairs | date= 21 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}} On 20 July, CVW-17 aircraft destroyed two anti-Iraqi positions in the strike group's first active engagement of anti-Iraqi targets, using GBU-12 and GBU-32 guided bombs on the enemy positions.{{cite web | title= USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Destroy Two Anti-Iraqi Positions | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14349 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805102051/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14349 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040721-06 | publisher= Commander, Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs | date= 21 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}} On 20 November 2004, the Harry S. Truman carrier strike group relieved the John F. Kennedy carrier strike group (pictured).{{cite web | author= Journalist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Johnny Michael, USN | title= Truman Relieves Kennedy in Persian Gulf | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16031 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805090352/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16031 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS041122-02 | publisher= USS John F. Kennedy Public Affairs | date= 22 November 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}{{cite web|author= Captain J. P. Gigliotti, USN |title= USS Harry S. Truman CVN-75 2004 Command History |url= https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/h/harry-s-truman-cvn-75-i/pdf/2004.pdf |work= USS Harry S. Truman |publisher= Naval History & Heritage Command |location= Washington, DC |pages= 2, 3 |year= 2005 | access-date= 2012-01-07 | quote= Hereafter referred to as USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) Command History.}}

During its 2004 deployment with the Fifth Fleet, the John F. Kennedy carrier strike group launched 8,296 sorties for a total of 21,824 flight hours, with 4,396 sorties and 11,607 of the flight hours in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the course of operations in Iraq, 54,000 pounds (24,494 kg) of ordnance were dropped by the jets of CVW-17 squadrons. Carrier Air Wing 17 aircraft flew a combined total of 6,054 sorties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (OEF-A). During the height of operations, CVW-17 aircraft flew an average of 38 missions per day.{{cite web | title= JFK Carrier Strike Group To Return From Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16180 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041208205630/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16180 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 8 December 2004 | work= NNS041206-11 | publisher= Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs | date= 6 December 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}

The John F. Kennedy carrier strike group returned from its deployment on 7 December 2004.

File:US Navy 040712-N-0119G-002 The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) surfaces in the Atlantic Ocean while participating in Majestic Eagle 2004.jpg

On 2 June 2004, the Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, including the nuclear-powered submarine {{USS|Albuquerque|SSN-706|2}}, departed Naval Station Norfolk, deploying to the Mediterranean Sea as part of Summer Pulse 2004.{{Cite web| author= Journalist 1st Class (SW/AW) April Phillips, USN | title= HST Strike Group Certifies, Pulses East | url= https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/h/harry-s-truman-cvn-75-i/pdf/2004.pdf | work= NNS040624-08 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 24 June 2004 | access-date=2010-08-22}} While still in the mid-Atlantic, the strike group came under command of the U.S. Sixth Fleet on 24 June 2004, and then paid a port visit to Naples between 2 and 6 July 2004.{{cite web | title= Truman Says "Ciao" to Naples | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14205 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805065447/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14205 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040713-16 | publisher= USS Harry S Truman Public Affairs | date= 13 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}

On 3 June 2004, the Enterprise carrier strike group departed Norfolk for its trans-Atlantic phase of Summer Pulse 2004.{{cite DANFS | title = USS Enterprise (CVN-65) | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/e4/enterprise-viiii.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070210131422/http://www.history.navy.mil:80/danfs/e4/enterprise-viiii.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2007-02-10 | short = yes }}{{cite web | author= Journalist 2nd Class Fletcher Gibson, USN | title= Enterprise Deploys for Summer Pulse 04 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13619 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805194222/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13619 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040603-01 | publisher= USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 3 June 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}} The nuclear-powered submarine {{USS|Miami|SSN-755|2}} deployed with the Enterprise carrier strike group for Summer Pulse 2004.{{cite web | author= Journalist 3rd Class Steven Feller, USN | title= Miami, Albuquerque Return from Summer Pulse '04 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14474 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212213204/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14474 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS040728-01 | publisher= Commander, Navy Region Northeast Public Affairs | date= 28 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}} During Summer Pulse 2004, the Enterprise carrier strike group participated in NATO exercises Neo Tapon and Joint Maritime Course 04-2 before joining the Harry S. Truman carrier strike group for Operation Medshark/Majestic Eagle 2004. Following Summer Pulse 2004, the Enterprise carrier strike group returned to Norfolk on 23 July 2004.{{cite web | author= Journalist 2nd Class Rebekah Caruso, USN | title= Enterprise CSG Wraps Up Summer Pulse '04 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14383 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805051631/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14383 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040722-08 | publisher= USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 23 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}} The Harry S. Truman carrier strike group re-entered the U.S. Second Fleet's area of responsibility on 21 July 2004, and it returned to Norfolk on 25 July 2004.{{Cite web | author= Journalist 1st Class (SW/AW) April Phillips, USN | title= Truman Returns from Summer Pulse '04 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14427 | work= NNS040726-02 | publisher= USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs | date= 26 July 2004 | access-date= 2010-09-14 | archive-date= 4 June 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110604163541/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14427 | url-status= dead }}

Between 11 and 14 June 2004, the Enterprise carrier strike group participated in Neo Tapon, a Spanish-hosted NATO exercise, with the carrier Enterprise serving as the exercise's flagship. The Enterprise carrier strike group operated with British, Dutch, French, Italian, Moroccan, and Portuguese forces, as well as ships from Standing Naval Forces Atlantic and Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean, testing air and surface warfare and strike mission capabilities. The Neo Tapon exercise tested NATO surface warfare, air warfare, and strike mission capabilities, as well as the strike group's ability to implement plans quickly.{{cite web | author= Journalist 2nd Class Rebekah Caruso, USN | title= Enterprise Completes First NATO Exercise of Summer Pulse '04 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13818 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041105214414/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13818 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 November 2004 | work= NNS040617-14 | publisher= USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 17 June 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}

File:US Navy 040110-N-5405H-001 The fast combat support ship, USS Detroit (AOE-4) steams alongside USS Enterprise (CVN 65) while conducting an early morning Replenishment at Sea (RAS).jpg

Steaming northward, the Enterprise carrier strike group participated in Joint Maritime Course 04-2 (JMC 04-2) exercises, a NATO operation hosted by the Joint Maritime Operations Training Staff, between 19 and 30 June 2004. More than 50 ships from Norway, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, and the United States participated in the exercises while operating off the coast of Scotland.{{cite web | author= Journalist 3rd Class Jason Thompson, USN | title= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group To Join NATO Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13817 | work= NNS040618-18 | publisher= USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 19 June 2004 | access-date= 2012-01-07 | archive-date= 14 September 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070914052124/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13817 | url-status= dead }}

The JMC involved two distinct phases, the first of which was the training exercise. During this phase, the guided-missile cruiser {{USS|Gettysburg|CG-64|2}} conducting gun-support operations and air defense coordination and Carrier Air Wing One conducting air operations with live ordnance on firing ranges. The second phase was the operational phase, with the 50 participating ships will split into two task groups. Enterprise served as one task group flagship, and the commander of the Belgian and the Netherlands task group command the other force. The fast logistics support ship {{USS|Detroit|AOE-4|2}} provided logistic support, and it also acted as a high-value asset during the exercise. The carrier Enterprise made its first port visit at Portsmouth between 2 and 6 July 2004.{{cite web | author= Journalist 2nd Class Rebekah Caruso, USN | title= Enterprise Makes First Summer Pulse Port Call | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14017 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805110211/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14017 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040701-07 | publisher= USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 1 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}{{cite web | author= Journalist 3rd Class Jason Thompson, USN | title= Enterprise Completes Successful Port Visit | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14116 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805184806/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14116 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040707-20 | publisher= USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 7 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}

File:US Navy 040712-N-5405H-101 USS Enterprise (CVN 65), left, and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), right, steam through the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in formation with other US Navy ships and multi-national warships as part of Maje.jpg

On 11 July 2004, the Enterprise and Harry S. Truman carrier strike groups participated in NATO Operation Medshark/Majestic Eagle 2004 (MS/ME04), held between 11 and 16 July 2004, in the eastern Atlantic Ocean off Morocco. The exercise included ships and aircraft from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, The Netherlands, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and Morocco under the overall command of Vice Admiral Henry G. Ulrich III, USN, Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO.{{cite web | title= Allied Countries Join Forces in Maritime Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14048 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041107153803/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14048 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 7 November 2004 | work= NNS040702-06 | publisher= U.S. Department of Defense | date= 2 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}{{Cite web| author= Journalist 1st Class (SW/AW) April Phillips, USN | title= HST Strike Group Begins Medshark/Majestic Eagle | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14218 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212213353/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14218 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS040713-17 | publisher= USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs | date= 13 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}{{cite web | author= Journalist 3rd Class Sara Omo, USN | title= USS Enterprise Kicks Off Majestic Eagle | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14213 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041106052156/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14213 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 6 November 2004 | work= NNS040712-05 | publisher= USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 12 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}{{Cite web| title= Admiral Henry G. "Harry" Ulrich, III | url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=25 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060402223210/https://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=25 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 2 April 2006 | work= Official Biography | publisher= United States Navy | date= 6 March 2008 | access-date=2010-09-14}}

Hosted by Morocco, recently designated as a Major non-NATO ally by U.S. President George W. Bush, the objective of Operation Medshark/Majestic Eagle was to develop interoperability and build military relationships between the participating ten allied nations. The exercise was the first to use the Cap Draa training area off southwest Morocco to conduct live fire training exercises. The first phase involved sea-control war games between the two carrier strike groups, and the second phase simulated choke-point transit through a strait. Operation Medshark/Majestic Eagle involved more than 20,000 personnel, almost 150 aircraft, and 30 ships from 10 nations led by the carriers Enterprise, Principe De Asturias, Truman, and Giuseppe Garibaldi.{{cite web | title= U.S., NATO and Moroccan Forces Begin Maritime Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14209 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041106055626/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14209 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 6 November 2004 | work= NNS040712-02 | publisher= U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs | date= 12 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}{{cite web | author= Journalist 3rd Class Sara Omo, USN | title= Enterprise, Majestic Eagle Move Into 'Free Play' Phase | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14263 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805070244/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14263 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040714-08 | publisher= USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 14 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}{{Cite web| author= Journalist 1st Class (SW/AW) April Phillips, USN | title= HST Strike Group Completes Majestic Eagle | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14300 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805083744/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14300 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040719-18 | publisher= USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs | date= 19 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}} The nuclear-powered submarines Albuquerque (pictured), Miami, and {{USS|Albany|SSN-753|2}} also participated in Operation MEDSHARK/Majestic Eagle.{{cite web | author= JOC(SW/AW) David Rush, USN | title= Surge Protectors: Submarines Prove Vital to the Navy's Fleet Response Plan | url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/usw/issue_24/surge.htm | work= Undersea Warfare: The Official Magazine of the U.S. Submarine Force | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= Fall 2004 | access-date= 2012-01-07 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141223173556/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/usw/issue_24/surge.htm | archive-date= 23 December 2014 | url-status= dead }} To provide support for those submarines, the submarine tender {{USS|Emory S. Land|AS-39|2}} sailed west from Italy. She berthed at Rota, Spain, spent eight exercise days underway, and then briefly revisited Rota before heading back for Italy.{{cite web |first= Michael D. |last= Budney |title= USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) Command History for Calendar Year 2004 |url= http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/as-39/2004.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060920193418/http://history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/as-39/2004.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 20 September 2006 |publisher= Naval History & Heritage Command |location= Washington Navy Yard |pages= 2, 4, 8, 9|year= 2004 |access-date= 2012-01-08 }}{{cite web | author= Jason Chudy| title= Navy deploys 3 aircraft carriers to Europe for Summer Pulse '04 | url= http://www.stripes.com/news/navy-deploys-3-aircraft-carriers-to-europe-for-summer-pulse-04-1.21572 | work= News | publisher= Stars and Stripes | date= 4 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}

File:US Navy 040807-N-0120R-115 Aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) steam into position for a photo exercise.jpg

On 19 July 2004, Carrier Group Five, with its staff aboard Kitty Hawk, departed from Yokosuka, Japan, to participate in Summer Pulse 2004.{{cite web |first= Thomas A. |last= Parker |title= USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) Command History for the Callendar Year 2004 |url= http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/k/cv-63/2004.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110921231822/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/k/cv-63/2004.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 21 September 2011 |work= USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) |publisher= Naval History & Heritage Command |location= Washington Navy Yard |page= 6 |year= 2005 |access-date= 2012-01-03 |quote= Hereafter referred to as USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) 2004 Command History.}}{{cite DANFS | title = USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) | url =http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/k4/kitty_hawk-ii.html | short = yes }}{{cite web | author= Journalist 2nd Class Mark Elrod, USN | title= Kitty Hawk Departs During Summer Pulse '04 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14302 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041105075833/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14302 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 November 2004 | work= NNS040719-16 | publisher= USS Kitty Hawk Public Affairs | access-date=2012-01-07}} While underway, Carrier Air Wing Five executed carrier landing qualifications (CQ) for its naval aviators.{{cite web | author= Journalist Seaman Maxwell Olson, USN | title= Air Wing Continues CQ Aboard Kitty Hawk | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14434 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121213020119/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14434 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 13 December 2012 | work= NNS040726-11 | publisher= Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs | date= 26 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-07}}

The Stennis and Kitty Hawk groups subsequently operated together in Joint Air and Sea Exercise 2004 (JASEX 04) (pictured).USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) 2004 Command History, p. 6.{{cite web | author= Journalist 3rd Class Andrew Carlson, USN | title= JASEX Brings Together Kitty Hawk, Stennis CSGs | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14697 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805192913/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14697 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS040812-04 | publisher= USS Kitty Hawk Public Affairs | date= 12 August 2004 | access-date=2012-01-05}} The combat stores ships {{USNS|Concord|T-AFS-5|2}} supported both carrier strike groups, delivering 2,576 cargo pallets during the months of July and August.{{cite web |author= Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) John M. Juras II, USN |title= USNS Concord supports summer pulse '04 |url= https://www.navsup.navy.mil/site/scnewsletter/2005/janfeb05.pdf |work= USNS Concord Public Affairs |publisher= Navy Supply Corps Newsletter |page= 20 |date= January–February 2005 |access-date= 2012-01-20 }}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} This second annual joint exercise involved air and sea training events focused on integrating joint training. JASEX 04 also included training to improve interoperability and teamwork between the two carrier strike groups, as well as with land-based Air Force and Marine Corps units forward deployed to in the Western Pacific. Typhoon Rananim complicated the exercise, causing the two carrier strike groups to re-deploy {{convert|600|nmi|km}} east to the Iwo Jima operating area. JASEX 04 ended on 15 August 2004.{{Cite web| author= Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Gabriel Owens, USN | title= Stennis Strike Group Wraps Up JASEX with Kitty Hawk | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14742 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041103210828/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14742 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 3 November 2004 | work= NNS040816-14 | publisher= USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs | date= 18 August 2004 | access-date=2010-08-31}}

The Stennis carrier strike group returned to San Diego on 1 November 2004. The Kitty Hawk carrier strike group completed its Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) Phase III training exercises and returned to Yokosuka on 7 September 2004, concluding its participation in Summer Pulse 2004.

Regarding the success of Summer Sure 2004, Rear Admiral James D. Kelly, Commander Carrier Group Five (COMCARGRU-5), noted:

File:US Navy 040622-N-0000X-001 Original graphic art produced by Navy photographers, and illustrator draftsman during exercises supporting Summer Pulse 2004.jpg

:Summer Pulse '04 and the [FRP] are not about how often and how long we can deploy. They are about being able to answer the nation’s call in force – six CSGs in 30 days and two more within three months – by providing credible combat power where and when it is needed. Summer Pulse '04 is the proof of our readiness.

Summer Pulse 2004 drew criticism from Chalmers Johnson who stated that the U.S. Navy's multi-carrier surge deployment looked "like the peacetime equivalent of the Normandy landings and may well end in a disaster" in his editorial essay published in the Los Angeles Times on 15 July 2004. He also characterized Summer Pulse 2004 as a "modern rerun of 19th century gunboat diplomacy" directed at the People's Republic of China and timed for the upcoming 2004 U.S. presidential election that "sounds like a last hurrah of the neocons."{{cite web | author= Chalmers Johnson | title= Sailing Toward a Storm in China: U.S. maneuvers could spark a war. | url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jul-15-oe-johnson15-story.html | department= Editorial Page: Commentary | work= Los Angeles Times | date= 15 July 2004 | access-date=2012-01-11}} Johnson also asserted that all seven U.S. Navy carrier strike groups were being deployed to the Chinese coast near Taiwan, prompting the Los Angeles Times to issue the following correction on 4 August 2004:

:A commentary by Chalmers Johnson on 15 July on a U.S. naval exercise and China's potential reaction incorrectly stated that seven carrier groups in "Summer Pulse 2004" would be off the Chinese coast near Taiwan. The Navy says the carrier groups will be deployed globally, with only one in the western Pacific.{{cite web | title= Correction: Los Angeles Times, Home Edition California, Part B, Page 15 | url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jul-15-oe-johnson15-story.html | department = Editorial Pages: For The Record | work= Los Angeles Times | date= 4 August 2004 | access-date=2012-01-11}}

Although there was some congressional criticism, the Fleet Response Plan remains the operational cornerstone for United States Navy in the early 21st century, with Summer Pulse 2004 being its first operational test.{{cite web |title= Naval Aviation Vision 2020 |url= http://depts.washington.edu/uwnrotc/docs/Naval_Aviation_Vision_2020.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140114084142/http://depts.washington.edu/uwnrotc/docs/Naval_Aviation_Vision_2020.pdf |publisher= Commander, Naval Air Forces |location= Naval Air Station North Island |pages= 16–17 |year= 2005 |archive-date= 14 January 2014 |access-date= 2014-01-14 |url-status= dead }}{{cite web |title= OPNAV Instruction 3000.154 |url= http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/03000%20Naval%20Operations%20and%20Readiness/03-00%20General%20Operations%20and%20Readiness%20Support/3000.15.PDF |publisher= OPNAV |location= The Pentagon |date= 31 August 2006 |access-date= 2014-01-15 |quote= To set policy and establish responsibility for the execution of the Fleet Response Plan (FRP). |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130225101619/https://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/03000%20Naval%20Operations%20and%20Readiness/03-00%20General%20Operations%20and%20Readiness%20Support/3000.15.PDF |archive-date= 25 February 2013 |url-status= dead }}

In Fiscal Year 2015, The United States Navy introduced a new Optimized Fleet Response Plan (O-FRP) with the {{USS|Harry S. Truman|CVN-75}} being the first aircraft to use this new plan. The Optimized Fleet Response Plan is designed to align carrier strike groups to a new 36-month training and deployment cycle. All required maintenance, training, evaluations, plus a single eight-month overseas deployment will be scheduled throughout this 36-month cycle in order to reduce costs while increasing overall fleet readiness. Also, this new plan will streamline the inspection and evaluation process while maintaining a surge capacity for emergency deployments. The ultimate objective is to reduce time at sea while increasing in-port time from 49% to 68%. While initially to be used by U.S. Navy carrier strike groups, the Optimized Fleet Response Plan will be adopted for all fleet operations.{{cite web | title= Document: The Navy's New Deployment Plan | url= http://news.usni.org/2014/01/24/document-navys-new-deployment-plan | work= News Blog | publisher= United States Naval Institute | date= 24 January 2014 | access-date=2014-01-24}}

• Great White Fleet
• Operation Sea Orbit

;Footnotes

{{Reflist|group=Note}}

;Citations

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite web |first= Michael D. |last= Budney |title= USS Emory S. Land AS-39 Command History 2004 |url= http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/as-39/2004.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060920193418/http://history.navy.mil/shiphist/e/as-39/2004.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= 20 September 2006 |publisher= Naval History & Heritage Command |location= Washington Navy Yard |year= 2004 |access-date= 2012-01-08 |quote= Captain Michael D. Budney, USN, was the commanding officer of the Emory S. Land (AS-39).}}
• {{cite web |first= David H. |last= Buss |title= Command History for USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) for period 1 January to 31 December 2004 |url= http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/j/cvn-74/2004.pdf |publisher= Naval History & Heritage Command |location= Washington Navy Yard |year= 2005 |access-date= 2010-09-10 |quote= Captain David H. Buss, USN, was the commanding officer of the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110628200653/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/j/cvn-74/2004.pdf |archive-date= 28 June 2011 }}
• {{cite web |first= Dennis E. |last= Carpenter |title= USS Charlotte (SSN 766) Command History for the Period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2004 |url= http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/c/ssn-766/2004.pdf |publisher= Naval History & Heritage Command |location= Washington Navy Yard |year= 2005 |access-date= 2012-01-24 |quote= Commander Dennis E. Carpenter, USN, was the commanding officer of the USS Charlotte (SSN-766).}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• {{cite web |first= James P. |last= Gigliotti |title= 2004 Command History: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) |url= https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/h/harry-s-truman-cvn-75-i/pdf/2004.pdf |publisher= Naval History & Heritage Command |location= Washington Navy Yard |year= 2005 |access-date= 2010-09-10 |quote= Captain James P. Gigliotti, USN, was the commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).}}
• {{cite web |first= Thomas A. |last= Parker |title= USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) Command History for the Callendar Year 2004 |url= http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/k/cv-63/2004.pdf |archive-date=2011-09-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921231822/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/k/cv-63/2004.pdf|publisher= Naval History & Heritage Command |location= Washington Navy Yard |year= 2005 |access-date= 2012-01-03 |url-status= dead |quote= Captain Thomas A. Parker, USN, was the commanding officer of the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63).}}
• {{cite web|first=Garry R. |last=White |title=USS George Washington (CVN-73) Command History for the Callendar Year 2004 |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/g/cvn-73/2004.pdf |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |location=Washington Navy Yard |year=2005 |access-date=2012-01-03 |quote=Captain Garry R. White, USN, was the commanding officer of the USS George Washington (CVN-73). |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104190816/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/g/cvn-73/2004.pdf |archive-date=4 November 2012 }}

{{DANFS}}

• {{cite web|title=USS Enterprise (CVN-65) History: 2001-2004 |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/e/enterprise-cvan-65-viii-2001-2004.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721071140/http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/e/enterprise-cvan-65-viii-2001-2004.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 July 2015 |work=Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |date=12 September 2005 |access-date=2017-01-26 }}
• {{cite web|title=USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/h/HarryTruman.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323144352/http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/h/HarryTruman.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 March 2016 |work=Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |date=14 January 2015 |access-date=2017-01-26 }}
• {{cite web|title=USS John C. Stennis (CV-67) |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/j/JohnCStennis.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160505160819/http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/j/JohnCStennis.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 May 2016 |work=Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |date=30 August 2016 |access-date=2017-01-26 }}
• {{cite web|title=USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/j/john-f-kennedy-cva-67.html |work=Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |date=8 February 2007 |access-date=2017-01-26 }}
• {{cite web|title=USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/kitty-hawk-cva-63-ii.html |work=Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |date=11 July 2006 |access-date=2017-01-26 }}

• {{cite book |last1= Jewell |first1= Angelyn |title= USS Nimitz and Carrier Airwing Nine Surge Demonstration |url= http://cna.org/sites/default/files/research/2797011110.pdf |year= 1998 |publisher= Center for Naval Analyses |location= Alexandria, Virginia |id= CRM 97-111.10/April 1998 |access-date= 17 July 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019094319/http://cna.org/sites/default/files/research/2797011110.pdf |archive-date= 19 October 2013 |url-status= dead }}
• {{cite book |last1= Lambeth |first1= Benjamin S. |title= American Carrier Air Power at the Dawn of a New Century |url= http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2005/RAND_MG404.pdf |year=2005 |publisher= RAND Corporation |location= Santa Monica, California |isbn= 0-8330-3842-7 |id= MG-404-NAVY}}
• {{cite web |first= David |last= Longshore |title= American Naval Power and the Prevention of Terror |url= http://www.hsaj.org/?fullarticle=1.1.6 |work= Homeland Security Affairs |publisher= Naval Postgraduate School |location= Monterey, California |date= Summer 2005 |access-date=2012-08-29 }}
• {{cite journal |last= Rubel |first= Robert C. |date= Autumn 2011 |title= The Future of Aircraft Carriers |journal= Naval War College Review |volume= 64 |issue= 4 |pages= 13–27 |url= http://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/87bcd2ff-c7b6-4715-b2ed-05df6e416b3b/The-Future-of-Aircraft-Carriers |access-date= 2012-03-20 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120127035947/http://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/87bcd2ff-c7b6-4715-b2ed-05df6e416b3b/The-Future-of-Aircraft-Carriers |archive-date= 27 January 2012 }}
• {{cite web |first= Michael A. |last= York |title= Optimal Scheduling and Operating Target (OPTAR) Cost Model for Aircraft Carriers in the Fleet Response Plan |url= http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a488749.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001129/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a488749.pdf |url-status= live |archive-date= 4 March 2016 |publisher= Naval Postgraduate School |location= Monterey, California |date= September 2008 |access-date=2012-08-28 }}

• {{cite web | title= Questions & Answers | url= http://www.cffc.navy.mil/summerpulse04/questions-answers.htm | work= Summer Pulse 04 | publisher= U.S. Navy | year= 2004 | access-date=2010-10-30 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061007190914/http://www.cffc.navy.mil/summerpulse04/questions-answers.htm |archive-date = 7 October 2006}}

{{Commons category|Summer Pulse 2004}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Summer Pulse}}

Category:United States Navy in the 21st century

Category:Military exercises involving the United States

Category:2004 in military history