Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Checks in to US 5th Fleet

[Aepsilons]

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group wrapped up operations in the Western Pacific and reported for duty in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility Oct. 15.

The strike group consists of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) with embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 and Destroyer Squadron 1, along with guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), guided-missile destroyers USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Sterett (DDG 104), USS Dewey (DDG 105), and elements of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 3.

"All of our hard work and effort through the workup cycle was done with operations in this part of the world in mind," said Rear Adm. Christopher Grady, commander of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group. "We are ready on arrival to execute the tasking of our leadership."

On the way to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility the strike group took part in Valiant Shield 2014, which was a rare opportunity to conduct integrated joint training exercises with two carrier strike groups. Valiant Shield involved 19 ships and more than 200 aircraft from Carl Vinson and George Washington Carrier Strike Groups, the U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force.

The exercise took place less than a month after the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group participated in an Undersea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) off of the coast of Hawaii. The USWEX tested the strike group's ability to detect, evade, and fight undersea threats.

The strike group deployed from San Diego Aug. 22 and recently completed a port visit to Singapore, Oct. 7. During the port visit, the Carl Vinson hosted a reception in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy Singapore for local and regional dignitaries, and Bunker Hill held a change of command ceremony during which Capt. Sterling Dawley relieved Capt. Yvette Davids.


Navy.mil - View Image

 

[SvenSvensonov]

I've been on subs... hate them (too compact, but they were my specially so I spent a lot of time on them or near them). On amphibs... hate them (also compact). Cruisers and destroyers... like them better but still not the best. I never served on a ship as a regular sailor or as a posting, but the Vinson was one of my old haunts for electronic equipment certification and testing and it was by far my best experience with navy ships. Spacious, good food, warm beds (warm beds on subs to, but hot-racking creeps me out) and a damn good electronic warfare capability.

 

[Aepsilons]

I've been on subs... hate them (too compact, but they were my specially so I spent a lot of time on them or near them). On amphibs... hate them (also compact). Cruisers and destroyers... like them better but still not the best. I never served on a ship as a regular sailor or as a posting, but the Vinson was one of my old haunts for electronic equipment certification and testing and it was by far my best experience with navy ships. Spacious, good food, war beds (warm beds on subs to, but hot racking creeps me out) and a damn good electronic warfare capability.

Have you served on a destroyer, @SvenSvensonov ?

 

[SvenSvensonov]

Have you served on a destroyer, @SvenSvensonov ?

Never as a regular posting as I wasn't a sailor or a ship stationed sensor tech, my experience in the Navy was with EMSEC and electronic systems; I was shore borne. I have worked on the Aegis baselines, conducted certification on the seekers for the SM-3, SM-6 and ESSM and helped reduce or shield communications gear from too much electronic leakage, but I was never a permanent feature on board a ship. I've been on destroyers, Japanese one's too, but it was always for a few days a most.

Anything Navy related and electronic involved was something I was going to have a hand in. My only two trips to Japan, both for just a week and neither allowing me to see the sights , where all for certification and integration of new systems, i.e., coastal radar, missile assets, joint Japanese-US communications gear.

 

[Aepsilons]

Never as a regular posting as I wasn't a sailor or a ship stationed sensor tech, my experience in the Navy was with EMSEC and electronic systems; I was shore borne. I have worked on the Aegis baselines, conducted certification on the seekers for the SM-3, SM-6 and ESSM and helped reduce or shield communications gear from too much electronic leakage, but I was never a permanent feature on board a ship. I've been on destroyers, Japanese one's too, but it was always for a few days a most.

Anything Navy related and electronic involved was something I was going to have a hand in. My only two trips to Japan, both for just a week and neither allowing me to see the sights , where all for certification and integration of new systems, i.e., coastal radar, missile assets, joint Japanese-US communications gear.

Awesome to meet someone with direct technical understanding of the AEGIS system. I served on the JDS Chokai.

 

[SvenSvensonov]

Awesome to meet someone with direct technical understanding of the AEGIS system. I served on the JDS Chokai.

One of the hallmarks of the JMSDF was they they would readily retire older ships before they actually needed to be retired to make way for newer ships and classes. The Kongo's including the Chokai (circa 1998) are getting a bit old, though any system can be upgraded or updated (look at the B-52, U-2, KC-135 or the US Navy's Iowa's (40's era)). Any plans that you know of to replace these systems, not that they are too old, but with China's military getting more modern and inducting newer ships the Kongo's seem a bit outdated?

 

[Aepsilons]

One of the hallmarks of the JMSDF was they they would readily retire older ships before they actually needed to retire to make way for newer ships and classes. The Atago's including the Chokai (1998) are getting a bit old, though any system can be upgraded or updated (look at the B-52, U-2, KC-135 or the US Navy's Iowa's). Any plans that you know of to replace these systems, not that they are too old, but with China's military getting more modern and inducting newer ships the Atago's seem a bit outdated?

The Chokai is of the Kongo class, there are 4 ships in this class: the Chokai, Myoko, Kirishima, and the Kongo. There are 2 ships of the Atago Class; the Atago and the Ashigara, with 2 more being constructed. This will make Japan's AEGIS destroyer fleet to about 8. Given the cost of these ships, we decided to continue with a lighter version of the Atago-Kongo classes , this is the Akizuki Class; and there are 4 ships of this class (tho there are plans to construct 2 more).

To boost our ballistic missile deterent system, ships of the Kongo Class are all being modified with AN-SPY1(D), as wella s with more SP-3 Block IAs. The plan is to have 8 ships having ABM capabilities.

Between you and I, as negotiations are being conducted with US on the sales of offensive capabilities, there are plans of modifying the Kongo and Atago as well as Akizuki with Tomahawks. But this is just mere speculation , as its just being discussed now. If it passes, then, the JMSDF will have free range to install these systems on all our other ships, such as the Hatakaze and Shirane Classes, for example.

Exclusive: Japan, U.S. discussing offensive military capability for Tokyo - Japan officials| Reuters

Japan Looks to Add Offensive Firepower | TIME.com

 

[SvenSvensonov]

The Chokai is of the Kongo class, there are 4 ships in this class: the Chokai, Myoko, Kirishima, and the Kongo. There are 2 ships of the Atago Class; the Atago and the Ashigara, with 2 more being constructed. This will make Japan's AEGIS destroyer fleet to about 8. Given the cost of these ships, we decided to continue with a lighter version of the Atago-Kongo classes , this is the Akizuki Class; and there are 4 ships of this class (tho there are plans to construct 2 more).

To boost our ballistic missile deterent system, ships of the Kongo Class are all being modified with AN-SPY1(D), as wella s with more SP-3 Block IAs. The plan is to have 8 ships having ABM capabilities.

Between you and I, as negotiations are being conducted with US on the sales of offensive capabilities, there are plans of modifying the Kongo and Atago as well as Akizuki with Tomahawks. But this is just mere speculation , as its just being discussed now. If it passes, then, the JMSDF will have free range to install these systems on all our other ships, such as the Hatakaze and Shirane Classes, for example.

Exclusive: Japan, U.S. discussing offensive military capability for Tokyo - Japan officials| Reuters

Japan Looks to Add Offensive Firepower | TIME.com

Opps, my bad! That's twice today I've made such a juvenile error . Kongo... knew that (I'm actively smacking myself in the forehead). Also I have noticed that Japan is not only a partner but a buyer of the SM-6, are they deployed yet.

 

[F-22Raptor]

The Chokai is of the Kongo class, there are 4 ships in this class: the Chokai, Myoko, Kirishima, and the Kongo. There are 2 ships of the Atago Class; the Atago and the Ashigara, with 2 more being constructed. This will make Japan's AEGIS destroyer fleet to about 8. Given the cost of these ships, we decided to continue with a lighter version of the Atago-Kongo classes , this is the Akizuki Class; and there are 4 ships of this class (tho there are plans to construct 2 more).

To boost our ballistic missile deterent system, ships of the Kongo Class are all being modified with AN-SPY1(D), as wella s with more SP-3 Block IAs. The plan is to have 8 ships having ABM capabilities.

Between you and I, as negotiations are being conducted with US on the sales of offensive capabilities, there are plans of modifying the Kongo and Atago as well as Akizuki with Tomahawks. But this is just mere speculation , as its just being discussed now. If it passes, then, the JMSDF will have free range to install these systems on all our other ships, such as the Hatakaze and Shirane Classes, for example.

Exclusive: Japan, U.S. discussing offensive military capability for Tokyo - Japan officials| Reuters

Japan Looks to Add Offensive Firepower | TIME.com

I believe it is long past time for Japan to have an offensive deterrent capability, whether it be Tomahawks or Japans own land based ballistic/cruise missiles. I hope a solution will be achieved.

 

[Aepsilons]

Opps, my bad! That's twice today I've made such a juvenile error . Kongo... knew that (I'm actively smacking myself in the forehead). Also I have noticed that Japan is not only a partner but a buyer of the SM-6, are they deployed yet.

I don't know too well of the specifics, but i have friends that tell me that Kongos are being modified.

Btw, I am a FIRM believer in the SMs, pin point accuracy. Thank God for Japan's unmovable alliance with the US.

The Ruskies and Chinese are leagues behind.

I believe it is long past time for Japan to have an offensive deterrent capability, whether it be Tomahawks or Japans own land based ballistic/cruise missiles. I hope a solution will be achieved.

The construction of the new military base in Okinawa should and (possibly) will take care of these logistical and security issues.
I'm sure these concerns will be ironed out.

 

[SvenSvensonov]

I don't know too well of the specifics, but i have friends that tell me that Kongos are being modified.

Btw, I am a FIRM believer in the SMs, pin point accuracy. Thank God for Japan's unmovable alliance with the US.

The Ruskies and Chinese are leagues behind.

Unmovable alliance and getting stronger and may it continue that way. Having seen over the past few days, articles on PDF about China and Japan re-approaching each other (only to have those hopes dashed again by Abe's shrine offering and China's incursion response), I've been quietly questioning the sanity of people that think the US and Japan can have a wedge driven between each other. Sure Chinese and Japanese economics are important for both nations, cultural exchanges to. But both sides are weary of each other's military and no amount of rapprochement is going to change this anytime soon.

 

[F-22Raptor]

I don't know too well of the specifics, but i have friends that tell me that Kongos are being modified.

Btw, I am a FIRM believer in the SMs, pin point accuracy. Thank God for Japan's unmovable alliance with the US.

The Ruskies and Chinese are leagues behind.




The construction of the new military base in Okinawa should and (possibly) will take care of these logistical and security issues.
I'm sure these concerns will be ironed out.

The SM-6s are deadly anti-air missiles, especially if Japan can network with the US Navys new E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes. The E-2Ds act as a sensor that can guide SM-6s to their target. E-2Ds act as a "over the horizon" capability for surface ships whose radars only reach a specific distance. This significantly increases our ships surface to air capability.

 

[Aepsilons]

The SM-6s are deadly anti-air missiles, especially if Japan can network with the US Navys new E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes. The E-2Ds act as a sensor that can guide SM-6s to their target. E-2Ds act as a "over the horizon" capability for surface ships whose radars only reach a specific distance. This significantly increases our ships surface to air capability.

I wonder if this can be effective against the DF-21's ?

 

[SvenSvensonov]

I wonder if this can be effective against the DF-21's ?

Several US systems such as THAAD, Aegis Ashore and SM-3 have been successfully tested against medium and intermediate range ballistic missiles. The DF-21D falls under these catagories. The US uses the "Hera" rocket as its medium/intermediate range ballistic missile stand in. The Hera is a combination of the Minuteman II and the Pershing II (the inspiration for the DF-21D and a missile that was planned to become an anti-ship ballistic missile prior to several arms limitation treaties with the Soviets/Russians). The Hera can mimic the flight profile of the DF-21D.

The SM-6 is an evolution of the SM-2 (same body, but the seeker of the AIM-120C, just enlarged by 6 inches (cubed)). It has a longer range, higher speed and more advanced seeker than the SM-3, testing is ongoing for its anti-missile properties. While I don't have too much information, I would suspect that the SM-6 also has interception capabilities.

Hera

This link provides info on the Hera, though it's limited.

THAAD Missile Test Successful | Video Library | Defense News

The video at the preceding link was a test of the THAAD and one that tested it's effectiveness against "a short range missile", several test have also been done against larger and more maneuverable ballistic missiles (i'll try to dig up some videos).

 

[Aepsilons]

Several US systems such as THAAD, Aegis Ashore and SM-3 have been successfully tested against medium and intermediate range ballistic missiles. The DF-21D falls under these catagories. The US uses the "Hera" rocket as its medium/intermediate range ballistic missile stand in. The Hera is a combination of the Minuteman II and the Pershing II (the inspiration for the DF-21D and a missile that was planned to become an anti-ship ballistic missile prior to several arms limitation treaties with the Soviets/Russians. The Hera can mimic the flight profile of the DF-21D.

Hera

This link provides info on the Hera, though it's limited.

THAAD Missile Test Successful | Video Library | Defense News

The video at the preceding link was a test of the THAAD and one that tested it's effectiveness against "a short range missile", several test have also been done against larger and more maneuverable ballistic missiles (i'll try to dig up some videos).

Excellent to hear. I've been reading about the contingency responses to DF-21 threats; most importantly to carriers. This is a concern for us because we are currently expect to utilize the Izumo Light Carriers for operations abroad as well as in the Pacific. The DF-21 is a concern, but I hope SM-3s and SM-6s can take care of such a threat.

In regards to THAAD, this becomes useful. I hope that with the American placement of THAAD systems in South Korea, this can take care of any ballistic missile threats coming from Shenyang, Beijing, Jinan and Nanjing Military Regions. Practically neutralizing any threats from the Eastern Seaboard.