What US Navy Ships are in the Mediterranean?
The Mediterranean Sea is a critical region for global commerce, security, and international relations. The United States Navy has a significant presence in the Mediterranean, with a variety of ships and units deployed to the area. In this article, we will explore the different types of US Navy ships that are currently deployed to the Mediterranean and their roles.
US Navy Surface Ships in the Mediterranean
The US Navy has a number of surface ships deployed to the Mediterranean, including:
- Aircraft Carriers: The US Navy has two aircraft carriers deployed to the Mediterranean: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77). These carriers are equipped with F/A-18 Hornets, F-35C Lightning II, and EA-18G Growlers, and are capable of conducting a range of missions, including air strikes, maritime patrols, and humanitarian assistance.
- Cruisers: The US Navy has several cruisers deployed to the Mediterranean, including USS Gettysburg (CG-64), USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55), and USS Vicksburg (CG-69). These cruisers are equipped with Tomahawk missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and Phalanx close-in weapons systems, and are capable of conducting a range of missions, including surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and ballistic missile defense.
- Destroyers: The US Navy has several destroyers deployed to the Mediterranean, including USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51), USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81). These destroyers are equipped with Tomahawk missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and Phalanx close-in weapons systems, and are capable of conducting a range of missions, including surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and ballistic missile defense.
- Frigates: The US Navy has several frigates deployed to the Mediterranean, including USS Monterey (FFG-61) and USS San Jacinto (FFG-56). These frigates are equipped with Harpoon anti-ship missiles and Phalanx close-in weapons systems, and are capable of conducting a range of missions, including surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.
US Navy Submarines in the Mediterranean
The US Navy also has several submarines deployed to the Mediterranean, including:
- Attack Submarines: The US Navy has several attack submarines deployed to the Mediterranean, including USS Newport (SSN-751) and USS Olympia (SSN-717). These submarines are equipped with Tomahawk missiles and are capable of conducting a range of missions, including surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.
- Ballistic Missile Submarines: The US Navy has one ballistic missile submarine deployed to the Mediterranean, USS West Virginia (SSBN-736). This submarine is equipped with Trident II D5 missiles and is capable of conducting strategic deterrence missions.
US Navy Amphibious Ships in the Mediterranean
The US Navy also has several amphibious ships deployed to the Mediterranean, including:
- Amphibious Assault Ships: The US Navy has two amphibious assault ships deployed to the Mediterranean: USS Bataan (LHD-5) and USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7). These ships are equipped with AV-8B Harriers, V-22 Ospreys, and CH-53E Super Stallions, and are capable of conducting a range of missions, including amphibious landings and humanitarian assistance.
- Dock Landing Ships: The US Navy has two dock landing ships deployed to the Mediterranean: USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) and USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44). These ships are equipped with LCACs and are capable of conducting a range of missions, including amphibious landings and humanitarian assistance.
US Navy Support Ships in the Mediterranean
The US Navy also has several support ships deployed to the Mediterranean, including:
- Replenishment Oilers: The US Navy has one replenishment oiler deployed to the Mediterranean: USS Rappahannock (AO-207). This ship is equipped with cargo and aviation fuel, and is capable of conducting underway replenishment operations.
- Tugboats: The US Navy has several tugboats deployed to the Mediterranean, including USS Arapaho (YTB-806) and USS Apache (YTB-815). These tugboats are equipped with towing and mooring gear, and are capable of conducting a range of tasks, including towing and escorting ships.
- Dry Cargo Ships: The US Navy has several dry cargo ships deployed to the Mediterranean, including USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE-6) and USNS John Glenn (T-AKE-10). These ships are equipped with cargo and are capable of conducting a range of missions, including supply and logistics support.
US Navy Aviation Units in the Mediterranean
The US Navy also has several aviation units deployed to the Mediterranean, including:
- Carrier Air Wings: The US Navy has two carrier air wings deployed to the Mediterranean: Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3. These air wings are equipped with F/A-18 Hornets, F-35C Lightning II, and EA-18G Growlers, and are capable of conducting a range of missions, including air strikes, maritime patrols, and humanitarian assistance.
- Composite Squadrons: The US Navy has several composite squadrons deployed to the Mediterranean, including VFA-25 and VFA-83. These squadrons are equipped with F/A-18 Hornets and are capable of conducting a range of missions, including air strikes and maritime patrols.
- Helicopter Squadrons: The US Navy has several helicopter squadrons deployed to the Mediterranean, including HSM-70 and HSC-2. These squadrons are equipped with SH-60 Seahawk and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and are capable of conducting a range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance.
Table: US Navy Ships Deployed to the Mediterranean
| Ship | Type | Mission |
|---|---|---|
| USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) | Aircraft Carrier | Air strikes, maritime patrols, humanitarian assistance |
| USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) | Aircraft Carrier | Air strikes, maritime patrols, humanitarian assistance |
| USS Gettysburg (CG-64) | Cruiser | Surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, ballistic missile defense |
| USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55) | Cruiser | Surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, ballistic missile defense |
| USS Vicksburg (CG-69) | Cruiser | Surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, ballistic missile defense |
| USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) | Destroyer | Surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, ballistic missile defense |
| USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) | Destroyer | Surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, ballistic missile defense |
| USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81) | Destroyer | Surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, ballistic missile defense |
| USS Monterey (FFG-61) | Frigate | Surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare |
| USS San Jacinto (FFG-56) | Frigate | Surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare |
| USS Newport (SSN-751) | Attack Submarine | Surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare |
| USS Olympia (SSN-717) | Attack Submarine | Surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare |
| USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) | Ballistic Missile Submarine | Strategic deterrence |
| USS Bataan (LHD-5) | Amphibious Assault Ship | Amphibious landings, humanitarian assistance |
| USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) | Amphibious Assault Ship | Amphibious landings, humanitarian assistance |
| USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) | Dock Landing Ship | Amphibious landings, humanitarian assistance |
| USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44) | Dock Landing Ship | Amphibious landings, humanitarian assistance |
| USS Rappahannock (AO-207) | Replenishment Oilier | Underway replenishment operations |
| USS Arapaho (YTB-806) | Tugboat | Towing and escorting ships |
| USS Apache (YTB-815) | Tugboat | Towing and escorting ships |
| USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE-6) | Dry Cargo Ship | Supply and logistics support |
| USNS John Glenn (T-AKE-10) | Dry Cargo Ship | Supply and logistics support |
In conclusion, the US Navy has a significant presence in the Mediterranean, with a variety of ships and units deployed to the area. These ships are capable of conducting a range of missions, including air strikes, maritime patrols, and humanitarian assistance. The Mediterranean is a critical region for global commerce, security, and international relations, and the US Navy’s presence in the area is an important part of its global operations.
