Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Arrives in Singapore

by Petty Officer 1st Class Cole Pielop

17 December 2023
SINGAPORE – Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Sterett (DDG 104) arrived in Singapore for a scheduled port visit, Dec. 17.

This visit to Singapore demonstrates U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and further enhances relationships with the leaders and the local populations. Additionally, the port call provides an opportunity for CSG-1 sailors and civilians to rest and recharge while being able to experience Singapore.

“The Vinson Strike Group is glad to be back in Singapore following our last visit in 2017,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander, CSG-1. “The U.S. defense relationship with the Republic of Singapore enables much of what we are working to achieve across the Indo-Pacific; maintain freedom of navigation, international goodwill, and the rules-based order.”

During the port visit, Vinson is scheduled to host a reception for distinguished visitors to include several U.S. diplomats and Singaporean dignitaries, ship tours for staff level government officials, civic and non-governmental organizations while sailors across the strike group will participate in community outreach events.

"The crew is excited about this port call to Singapore," said Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson. "They have been working very hard; flawlessly executing our missions. I look forward to seeing them get some well-deserved rest, enjoy the sights and culture of Singapore, and participate in professional engagements and community service projects."

Prior to arriving in Singapore, CSG-1 conducted a trilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy. The exercise provided an opportunity for the three maritime forces to sail together, and conduct enhanced planning and advanced maritime communication operations.

Carrier Strike Group 1 departed San Diego for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, Oct. 12. Since arriving in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the group participated in Multi-Large Deck Event and Annual Exercise 2023 in the Philippine Sea. Both exercises provided opportunities to work and train alongside allies and partners to include the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

CSG-1 is a multiplatform team of ships and aircraft, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief response. CSG-1 is currently deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

For more news from CSG 1, visit http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1