View source for Carrier Strike Group 11

{{Use American English|date=July 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Carrier Strike Group 11
| image                         = [[File:Carrier Strike Group 11 insignia (US Navy) 2016.png|center|175px]]
| caption                       = Carrier Strike Group 11 crest
| dates                         = 1 October 2004 to date.<ref name=NAB-YIR2004>{{cite web |author= Curtis A. Utz and Mark L. Evans |title= The Year in Review 2004 |url= http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+year+in+review+2004.-a0135373826 |work= Naval Aviation News |publisher= U.S. Navy |location= Washington, DC |date= July–August 2005 |accessdate= 2010-11-09 |quote= Aviation Command Changes, 2004}}</ref>
| country                       = {{flag|United States of America}}
| allegiance                    = 
| branch                        = {{flag|United States Navy}}
| type                          = [[Carrier Strike Group]]
| role                          = Naval air/surface warfare
| command_structure             = [[U.S. Third Fleet]]
| garrison                      = [[Naval Station Everett]], Washington<ref name=OPNAVNotice400SerDNS-33-11U107438>{{cite web | title= Deactivation of Carrier Strike Group Seven and Change in Permanent Duty Station for Carrier Strike Group Eleven | url= http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-400%20Organization%20and%20Functional%20Support%20Services/5400.8502.pdf | work= OPNAV Notice 5400 Ser DNS-33/11U107438 of 1 Mar 2011 | publisher= [[Chief of Naval Operations|Office of the Chief of Naval Operations]] – [[U.S. Department of the Navy]] | date= 10 May 2011 | accessdate= 2011-09-29 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
| garrison_label                = 
| nickname                      = ''Nimitz'' Carrier Strike Group
| patron                        = 
| motto                         = Combat Proven
| colors                        = 
| colors_label                  = 
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| equipment                     = 
| equipment_label               = 
| battles                       = [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]<br />[[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]<br />[[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)]]<br />[[Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa]] (OEF-HOA)
| anniversaries                 = 
| decorations                   = [[Navy Unit Commendation]] (2005)<ref>{{cite web | author= Brandy Lewis | title= Awards | url= http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2005/marapr/P28-32_PPP.pdf | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121105051631/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-815069231.html | work= Naval Aviation News | publisher= U.S. Navy | archive-date= 5 November 2012 | date= March 2005 | accessdate= 2010-12-06}}</ref>
[[Meritorious Unit Commendation]] (2009)<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Amara R. Timberlake, USN | title= ''Nimitz'' Receives Meritorious Unit Commendation | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50442 | work= NNS100108-01 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 8 January 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-26}}</ref>
| battle_honours                = 
| disbanded                     = 
| flying_hours                  = 
| website                       = [http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/default.aspx Official Website]
<!-- Commanders -->| commander1                    = RADM Chris Sweeney
| commander1_label              = Commander
| commander2                    = CAPT Jason Wells, USN
| commander2_label              = Chief of Staff
| notable_commanders            = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = 
| identification_symbol_label   = 
| identification_symbol_2       = 
| identification_symbol_2_label = <!-- Aircraft -->
| aircraft_attack               = 
| aircraft_electronic           = [[EA-18G Growler]]
| aircraft_fighter              = [[F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]]<ref name=Morison2012>{{cite journal |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= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 138 |issue= 5 |pages= 112–113 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2012-05 |accessdate= 2012-05-11 |quote=Registration required.}}</ref><br />[[F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18C Hornet]]<ref name=Morison2012/>
| aircraft_helicopter           = [[SH-60 Seahawk#MH-60R Seahawk|MH-60R Seahawk]]<ref name=Morison2012/><br />[[SH-60 Seahawk#MH-60S|MH-60S Knighthawk]]<ref name=Morison2012/>
| aircraft_helicopter_attack    = 
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole = 
| aircraft_helicopter_transport = 
| aircraft_helicopter_utility   = 
| aircraft_recon                = [[E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C Hawkeye]]<ref name=Morison2012/>
| aircraft_transport            = [[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2A Greyhound]]<ref name=Morison2012/>
| commander3                    = CMDCM John H Walker
| commander3_label              = Command Master Chief
}}
'''Carrier Strike Group 11''' ('''CSG-11''' or '''CARSTRKGRU 11''') is a [[U.S. Navy]] [[carrier strike group]].  Carrier strike groups gain and maintain sea control as well as project naval airpower ashore.<ref>{{cite web | title= The Carrier Strike Group | url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/ships/carriers/powerhouse/cvbg.asp | work= Navy Data | publisher= U.S. Navy | year= 2011 | accessdate=1 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last= Addison, Jr. |first= Victor G. |date=July 2010 |title= The answer was the Carrier Strike Group ... Now What was the Question? |journal= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 136 |issue= 7 |page= 47 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2010-07/answer-carrier-strike-group-now-what-was-question |accessdate= 2013-10-17 |quote=A CSG deploys with a carrier air wing plus rotary-wing assets and is equipped to conduct sustained maritime power-projection, combat, and other missions.}}</ref>

The aircraft carrier {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68}} is the strike group's current [[flagship]]. Other units currently assigned to the group include the cruisers {{USS|Lake Erie|CG-70}} and {{USS|Princeton|CG-59}}, and [[Destroyer Squadron 9]].<ref name=CSG-11home>{{cite web | title= Carrier Strike Group Eleven | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/default.aspx#.VW8ziNJVikp | publisher= U.S. Navy | year= 2010 | accessdate= 2016-03-11 | archive-date= 15 December 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121215013010/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/default.aspx#.VW8ziNJVikp | url-status= dead }}</ref>

Between 2006 and 2013, the group made four deployments to the U.S. Fifth Fleet operating in the Persian Gulf and North Arabian Sea, as well as a surge deployment with the U.S. Seventh Fleet in the western Pacific Ocean. The group participated in bilateral exercises Malabar 2005 and Malabar 2005, Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008, as well as joint exercise Valiant Shield 2007.

== Historical background==
On 1 September 1961, Rear Admiral Joseph C. Wylie became Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 9, aboard {{USS|Oklahoma City|CLG-5}}. Admiral Wylie had arrived on board the ''Oklahoma City'' as Commander Cruiser Division 3 on 22 August 1961, and merely changed titles in September without shifting flagship.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.okieboat.com/History/History%201957-63.html | title=History 1957-63}}</ref> As of 1 July 1969, the ''Oklahoma City'' was part of Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 9 at San Diego.<ref>{{cite web | title= USS Oklahoma City Command History for the period 1 July through 31 December 1969 | url= http://www.okieboat.com/History/CLG5%201969.pdf | work= USS Oklahoma City CLG-5 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 2 February 1970 | accessdate=2012-05-14}}</ref>  The primary mission of Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 9 during the [[Vietnam War]] era had been to ensure the effective employment of approximately 60 cruisers and destroyers in the [[United States Seventh Fleet]]. By January 1973, with the end of hostilities in Vietnam, the flotilla had expended nearly 80,000 rounds in naval gunfire support missions. This offshore firepower, and the equally important role of search and rescue coordination, were vital parts of the extensive naval presence in the [[South China Sea]].<ref name=CSG11History>{{cite web | title= History of Carrier Strike Group 11 | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/Ourship.aspx | work= Carrier Strike Group Eleven | publisher= U.S. Navy | year= 2010 | accessdate= 2010-08-25 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100704111816/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/Ourship.aspx | archive-date= 4 July 2010 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref> In 1973, a major reorganization of the U.S. Navy's cruiser-destroyer force resulted in Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 9's re-designation as Cruiser Destroyer Group 5 (CDG-5).

Rear Admiral [[Gerald E. Thomas]] served as Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 in 1974-76. Then Captain [[Leon A. Edney]] served as Chief of Staff to the Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 after 1976. In 1978 Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 consisted of [[Destroyer Squadron 9]], [[Destroyer Squadron 21]], [[Destroyer Squadron 31]], and [[Destroyer Squadron 37]] ([[Naval Reserve Force]]). The headquarters and the three active squadrons were at San Diego while Destroyer Squadron 37 was at Seattle, WA.<ref>Norman Polmar, Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, Eleventh Edition, 1978, 7.</ref>

In the middle of 1992, the U.S. Navy instituted a concept which aimed to group its escorts into a more permanent carrier battle group structure. Instead of routinely changing the cruisers, destroyers, and frigates assigned to each carrier battle group, there was an attempt made to affiliate certain escorts more permanently with the carriers they escorted. 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>  Cruiser-Destroyer Group Five's units following the reorganization were as listed below.<ref name=PolmarUSFleet1993>{{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 }}</ref>

;Cruiser-Destroyer Group Five, late 1992<ref name=PolmarUSFleet1993/>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! colspan="1" width="20%" align="center" | Guided-Missile Cruisers
! colspan="1" width="0%" align="center" | 
! colspan="1" width="20%" align="center" | Destroyer Squadron 17
! colspan="1" width="0%" align="center" | 
! colspan="2" align="center" | [[Carrier Air Wing Fifteen|Carrier Air Wing 15]] squadrons embarked aboard {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=CVW-15(NL)|url=http://www.gonavy.jp/CVW-NLf.html|access-date=2020-10-08|website=www.gonavy.jp}}</ref>
|-
| {{USS|Cowpens|CG-63}}
|
| {{USS|Merrill|DD-976}}
|
| [[VF-111|Fighter Squadron 111]]:  [[F-14A]]
| [[VAW-114|Airborne Early Warning Squadron 114]]:  [[E-2C]]
|-
| {{USS|Chancellorsville|CG-62}}
|
| {{USS|Elliot|DD-967}}
|
| [[VF-51|Fighter Squadron 51]]:  F-14A
| [[VS-37|Sea Control Squadron 37]]: [[Lockheed S-3 Viking|S-3B]]
|-
| {{USS|William H. Standley|CG-32}}
|
| {{USS|Crommelin|FFG-37}}
|
| [[VFA-97|Strike Fighter Squadron 97]]:  [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18A]]
| [[HS-4|Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4]]:  [[SH-60#SH-60F Seahawk|SH-60F]], [[SH-60#HH-60H Seahawk|HH-60H]]
|-
| {{USS|Leahy|CG-16}}
|
| {{USS|Jarrett|FFG-33}}
|
| [[VFA-27|Strike Fighter Squadron 27]]:  F/A-18A
| ——
|-
| ——
|
|
|
| [[VA-52 (U.S. Navy)|Attack Squadron 52]]: [[Grumman A-6 Intruder|A-6E SWIP]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) WestPac Cruise Book 1992-93 - VA-52|url=https://www.navysite.de/cruisebooks/cv63-92/243.htm|access-date=2020-10-08|website=www.navysite.de}}</ref> [[KA-6 Intruder#KA-6D|KA-6D]]
| ——
|-
| ——
|
|
|
| [[VAQ-134|Electronic Warfare Squadron 134]]:  [[EA-6B]]
| ——
|-
|}

On 1 August 1992, ''Kitty Hawk'' was appointed as Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific's "ready carrier." The ship embarked Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5; Commander, [[Destroyer Squadron 17]] and [[Carrier Air Wing 15]] for three months of work-ups before deploying to the Western Pacific on 3 November 1992. While on deployment, Kitty Hawk spent nine days off the coast of Somalia supporting U.S. Marines and coalition forces involved in [[Operation Restore Hope]]. In response to increasing Iraqi violations of United Nations sanctions, the ship rushed to the [[Persian Gulf]] on 27 December 1992. Seventeen days later, ''Kitty Hawk'' led a joint, coalition offensive strike against targets in southern Iraq.

On 15 July 1998, Rear Admiral Daniel R. Bowler (and his relief RADM Peter W. Marzluff), Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5, assumed operational control of ''Nimitz''.<ref name=NimitzDANFS>{{cite DANFS | title = Nimitz | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/n5/nimitz.htm | accessdate = 2014-04-13 }}</ref> ''Kitty Hawk'' had left the group by shifting her homeport to [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Yokosuka]], Japan, arriving there on 11 August 1998.<ref name=KittyHawkDANFS>{{cite DANFS | title = Kittky Hawk | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/k4/kitty_hawk-ii.html | accessdate = 2010-08-25 }}</ref>

In July 2000, {{USS|Mobile Bay|CG-53}} was transferred to Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 (up to June 2000 it had been part of [[Carrier Strike Group Five|Carrier Group 5]]). From 21 September 2001 to 13 December 2001, following an overhaul, ''Nimitz'' sailed round Cape Horn to her new home port of [[NAS North Island]]. Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 and [[CVWR-20]], the latter comprising VFA-204, VAW-78, VS-22, VRC-30, HC-11 and HS-75, were aboard.<ref name=NimitzDANFS/> [[Carrier Air Wing Eleven]] was reassigned to Cruiser-Destroyer Group Five and the ''Nimitz'' in January 2002. Then Rear Admiral [[Samuel J. Locklear]] took command of CCDG-5/Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in 2002, deploying to the Middle East in 2003.

On 1 October 2004, Cruiser Destroyer Group 5 was re-designated Carrier Strike Group 11.<ref name=USFleet18ed>{{cite journal |first= Polmar |last= Norman |title= Naval Institute Guide to the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, 18th edition |url= https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0018polm/page/36 |journal= 18th Edition |publisher= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Press]] |location= [[Annapolis, Maryland]] |pages= [https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0018polm/page/36 36–40] |isbn= 978-1-59114-685-8 |year= 2005 |accessdate= 2010-12-01 }}</ref>

==Command structure==
The [[Carrier Strike Group]] commander exercises oversight of unit-level training, integrated training, and readiness for assigned ships and units, as well as maintains administrative functions and material readiness tracking for ships and squadrons assigned to the strike group. The group's pre-deployment [[Composite Training Unit Exercise]] comes under the operational control of the U.S. Third Fleet.  When deployed, the group comes under command of the numbered fleet in whose area it is operating (Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh).  When deployed in this fashion, the group utilizes a [[Task Force|task group]] designator, for example, Task Group 50.1 in the Fifth Fleet area. Guided-missile cruisers such as ''Princeton'' provide air defence during deployments.<ref name=NNS071003-08/>

Group commanders since October 2002 have included:
* Rear Admiral [[Samuel J. Locklear|Samuel J. Locklear III]] (October 2002 - February 2004)
* Rear Admiral [[D.C. Curtis|Derwood C. Curtis]] (February 2004 - February 2005)<ref name=NNS040209-08>{{cite web | author= Journalists 2/c Ahron Arendes and Steve Owsley | title= CCDG 5 Changes Command Aboard ''Nimitz'' | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11756 | work= NNS040209-08 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 9 February 2004 | accessdate=2012-05-10}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral [[Peter H. Daly (U.S. Navy)|Peter H. Daly]] (February 2005 - August 2006)<ref name=NNS040209-08/><ref name=NavyTimes08212006>{{cite web | title= Nimitz CSG has new CO | url= http://www.navytimes.com/legacy/new/0-NAVYPAPER-1967882.php | work= Around the Navy | publisher= [[Navy Times]]  | date= 21 August 2006 }}</ref>
* Rear Admiral John T. Blake (August 2006 - March 2008)<ref name=NavyTimes08212006/><ref name=UT03212008>{{cite news | title= Navy picks new commander for Carrier Strike Group 11 | url= http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080321/news_1m21b10fill.html | newspaper= [[U-T San Diego]] | date= 21 March 2008 | accessdate=2012-05-10}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral [[John W. Miller]] (September 2008 - March 2010)<ref name=UT03212008/><ref name=NNS100309-24>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Amara R. Timberlake | title= ''Nimitz'' Carrier Strike Group Changes Command | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51791 | work= NNS100309-24 | publisher= USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs | date= 9 March 2010 | accessdate=2020-05-22}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral Robert P. Girrier (March 2010 - March 2011)<ref name=NNS100309-24/>
* Rear Admiral Thomas S. Rowden (March 2011 - November 2011)<ref name=ccsg11>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shawnt'e Bryan | title= CSG 11 Holds Change of Command | url= https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/CSG11HoldsChangeofCommand.aspx | publisher= Navy Public Affairs Support Element West | date= 10 November 2011 | accessdate=2020-05-22}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral [[Peter Gumataotao|Peter A. Gumataotao]] (November 2011 - February 2013)<ref name=ccsg11/><ref>{{cite news | url= https://www.pncguam.com/rear-admiral-gumataotao-assumes-command-of-carrier-strike-group-11/ | title= Rear Admiral Gumataotao Assumes Command of Carrier Strike Group 11 | date= 10 November 2011 | publisher= Pacific News Center | accessdate=2020-05-22}}</ref><ref name=NNS130211-21>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2/c Jacquelyn Childs | title= Carrier Strike Group 11 Changes Command | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72030 | work= NNS130211-21 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 11 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-02-19}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral Michael S. White (February 2013 - February 2014)<ref name=NNS130211-21/><ref name=NNS140324-15>{{cite web | title= CSG-11 Holds Change of Command Ceremony | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=79856 | work= NNS140324-15| publisher= Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 24 March 2014 | accessdate=2014-03-25}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral (lower half) [[Dee Mewbourne|Dee L. Mewbourne]] (February 2014 - July 2015)<ref name=NNS140324-15/><ref name=csg11admin>{{cite news | url= https://nimitznews.wordpress.com/2015/07/24/strike-group-eleven-change-of-command/ | title= Strike Group Eleven Change of Command | date= 24 July 2015 | publisher= Nimitz News | accessdate=2020-05-22}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral (lower half) Richard A. Brown (July 2015 - September 2016)<ref name=csg11admin/><ref>{{cite web | title= Rear Admiral Richard A. Brown | url= https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/Bio1_24July2015-13Sep2016.aspx | publisher= U.S. Navy | accessdate=2020-05-22}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral (lower half) [[William D. Byrne Jr.]] (September 2016 – October 2017)<ref>{{cite web | title= Rear Admiral Bill Byrne | url= https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/Bio1-14September2016-5October2017.aspx | publisher= U.S. Navy | accessdate=2020-05-22}}</ref><ref name=NNS171010-07>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elesia K. Patten | title= Carrier Strike Group 11 Holds Change of Command in Arabian Gulf | url= https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=102769 | work= NNS171010-07| publisher= Carrier Strike Group 11 Public Affairs | date= 10 October 2017 | accessdate=2020-05-22}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral (lower half) [[Gregory N. Harris]] (October 2017 - June 2018)<ref name=NNS171010-07/><ref name=NNS180723-05>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cody M. Deccio | title= CSG-11 Change of Command | url= https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=106293 | work= NNS180723-05| publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 23 July 2018 | accessdate=2020-05-22}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral (lower half) [[Donald D. Gabrielson]] (June 2018 - May 2019)<ref name=NNS180723-05/><ref>{{cite web | title= Rear Admiral Donald D. Gabrielson | url= https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/Bio1-28June2019-21May2019.aspx | publisher= U.S. Navy | accessdate=2020-05-22}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral (lower half) [[Yvette M. Davids]] (May 2019 - May 2020)<ref>{{cite web | title= Rear Admiral Yvette M. Davids | url= https://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=1020 | date= 9 September 2019 | publisher= U.S. Navy | accessdate=2020-05-22}}</ref><ref name=Nimitz>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Hall | title= Carrier Strike Group 11 changes command at sea aboard USS Nimitz | url= https://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/130620 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 17 May 2020 | accessdate=2020-05-22}}</ref>
* Rear Admiral (lower half) [[James Kirk (admiral)|James A. Kirk]] (May 2020 – April 2021)<ref name=Nimitz/>
* Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney (April 2021 - present)

==Operational history==

===2005 deployment===
[[File:US Navy 050511-N-8273J-037 The guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) comes along side the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in preparation for an underway replenishment (UNREP).jpg|thumb|right|USS ''Princeton'']]
From 11 to 24 March 2005, the group conducted a pre-deployment Joint Task Force exercise off California.<ref name=NNS050509-13>{{cite web | title= USS ''Nimitz'' Strike Group Deploys | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/05/mil-050509-nns05.htm | work= Navy NewsStand NNS050509-13 | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 9 May 2005 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> The group departed [[San Diego, California]], on 7 May 2005 under the command of Rear Admiral Peter Daly.

On 21 July 2005 in the [[Persian Gulf]], USS ''Princeton'' (''pictured'') responded to a radio call from the Iranian dhow ''Hamid'' which needed engineering assistance. A team was dispatched to the ''Hamid'' where it was determined that the engine problem was due to corroded batteries that were low on power. The batteries were removed and brought back to ''Princeton'' for maintenance, cleaning, and recharging.  ''Princeton'' was able to restore the power on board ''Hamid'', restart the engines, and then provided medical assistance and fresh water.<ref>{{cite web | author= Lt. Michael Panado, USN | title= ''Princeton'' Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Stranded Dhow | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=19518 | work= NNS050808-16 | publisher= USS Princeton Public Affairs | date= 8 August 2005 | accessdate=2011-11-27}}</ref>

On 22 September 2005, the group departed the Persian Gulf, after completing nine weeks of operations with the [[U.S. Fifth Fleet]].  During this period, 4,500 sorties totaling over 11,000 flight hours were flown by Carrier Air Wing Eleven, including over 1,100 sorties and 6,000 flight hours bombing [[Iraq War]] targets.<ref name=NimitzDANFS/>  The group returned home on 8 November 2005.<ref name=WESTPAC05>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Strike Group WESTPAC 05 Deployment | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/batgru-68-westpac05.htm | work= Military | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 17 July 2006 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>
;2005 deployment force composition<ref name=NNS050509-13/><ref name=CVW-112005>{{cite web | title= CVW-11 (NH) - CVN-68 ''Nimitz'' May 7, 2005 - Nov.8, 2005 (WestPac, Persian Gulf)| url= http://gonavy.jp/CVW-NHf.html | work= CVW-11 (NH) (December 20, 1963 - Present) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 16 November 2005 | accessdate=2010-08-29}}</ref><ref name=BuNoGoNavy2005>{{cite web | title= Bureau Numbers: CVW-11 (NH) – CVN-68 USS ''Nimitz'' - May 21, 2010 - date (Mediterranean, CENTCOM AOR) | url= http://gonavy.jp/CVW3-AC2004.html | work= CVW-11 (NH) (December 20, 1963 - Present) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 14 July 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-28}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! colspan="1" width="20%" align="center" | CARSTRKGRU 11 Warships
! colspan="1" width="0%" align="center" | 
! colspan="2" align="center" | [[Carrier Air Wing Eleven]] (CVW-11) squadrons embarked aboard flagship {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68}}
|-
| {{USS|Princeton|CG-59}}
|
| [[VMFA-232|Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (VMFA-232):]]  10 [[FA-18|F/A-18C(N)]]
| [[VAW-117|Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 (VAW-117):]]  4 [[E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C 2000 NP]]
|-
| {{USS|Chafee|DDG-90}}
|
| [[VFA-94|Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VFA-94):]]  10  F/A-18C(N)
| [[HS-6|Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6 (HS-6):]]  2 [[H-60|HH-60S]] and 4 SH-60S
|-
| {{USS|Higgins|DDG-76}}
|
| [[VFA-41|Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41):]]  12 [[F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18F]]
| [[VRC-40|Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40), Det. 3:]]  2 [[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2A]]
|-
| {{USS|Louisville|SSN-724}}
|
| [[VFA-14|Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (FA-14)]]:  12 FA-18E
| ——
|-
| {{USNS|Bridge|T-AOE 10}}
|
| [[VAQ-135|Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135):]]  4 [[EA-6B]]
| ——
|-
|}
;2005 deployment exercises and port visits<ref name=WESTPAC05/><ref name=CVN68history2005>{{cite web | title= 2005 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn68history.htm | work= USS Nimitz CVN 68| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 3 April 2013  | accessdate=2014-04-13}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Number
! colspan="4" align="center" | Exercises
! colspan="2" align="center" | Port Visits
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Notes
|-
! align="center" | ''Duration''
! align="center" | ''U.S. Force''
! align="center" | ''Type''
! align="center" | ''Operating Area''
! align="center" | ''Location''
! align="center" | ''Dates''
|-
! 1st:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| ——
| ——
| [[Hong Kong]]
| 3-7 Jun. 2005
| <ref name="Port Kelang, Malaysia">{{cite web | title= Port Kelang, Malaysia | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/07/mil-050711-nns03.htm | work= Navy NewsStand NNS050711-04 | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 11 July 2005 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>
|-
! 2nd:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| ——
| ——
| [[Guam]]
| 17 Jun. 2005
| <ref name=NimitzDANFS/> 
|-
! 3rd:
| 18-22 Jun. 2005
|  Carrier Strike Group 11
| [[PASSEX]]: [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force|JMSDF]]<ref group=Note>Destroyers [[Murasame-class destroyer (1994)|''Akebono'' (DD-108)]], [[JS Makinami (DD-112)|''Makinami'' (DD-112)]] and [[JDS Myōkō (DDG-175)|''Myōkō'' (DDG-175)]].</ref>
| Western Pacific
| [[Port Kelang]], Malaysia
| 30 Jun. - 4 Jul. 2005
| <ref name=NimitzDANFS/><ref name="Port Kelang, Malaysia"/>  
|-
! 4th:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| ——
| ——
| [[Bahrain]]
| 6-9 Aug. 2005
| <ref>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Crew Enjoys Port Visit to Bahrain | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/08/mil-050822-nns02.htm | work= Navy NewsStand NNS050822-04 | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 22 August 2005 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>
|-
! 5th:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| ——
| ——
| [[Dubai]]
| 1-6  Sep. 2005
| <ref>{{cite web | author= Journalist 3rd Class Felix E. Crosser, USN | title= ''Nimitz'' Sailors Spend, Sightsee, Slam Dunk in Dubai | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/09/mil-050915-nns02.htm | work= Navy NewsStand  | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 15 September 2005 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>   
|-
! 6th: 
| 27 Sep. – 5 Oct. 2005
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| [[Exercise Malabar|Malabar 05]]: [[Indian Navy]]
| [[Indian Ocean]]
| [[Fremantle, Australia]]
| 7-12 Oct. 2005 
| <ref name=NimitzDANFS/>
|}

===2007 deployment===
The group left San Diego on 2 April 2007 under the command of Rear Admiral John Blake.<ref name=NNS070403-03>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Carrier Strike Group Deploys to U.S. Central Command | url= http://www.navy.mil/Search/display.asp?story_id=28687 | work= NNS070403-03 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 3 April 2007 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> The group entered the [[U.S. Fifth Fleet]] area on 8 May 2007 and began conducting missions over Afghanistan three days later.<ref name=NNS070508-15>{{cite web | title= USS ''Nimitz'' Strike Group Arrives in 5th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/Search/display.asp?story_id=29262 | work= NNS070508-15 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 8 May 2007 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> The group joined [[Carrier Strike Group Three]], led by the {{USS|John C. Stennis|CVN-74|2}}, and relieved [[Carrier Strike Group Eight]], led by the {{USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower|CVN-69|2}}, that was currently operating in the [[Persian Gulf]].  The arrival of the strike group ensured the maintenance of the then two-U.S. carrier presence in the region.  
[[File:Malabar 07-2 exercise.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Malabar 07-2 (5 September 2007)]]
''Nimitz'''s escorts conducted [[maritime security operations]].<ref name=NNS070403-03/> ''Higgins'' boarded ships of interest in the Persian Gulf, as well as informing three Iraqi [[dhows]] on coalition aims and objectives.  The VBSS teams boarded three Iraqi tugs and four super-tankers, thereby safeguarding the merchants in the region by deterring piracy and smuggling.  ''Higgins'' was the only ship in the strike group to conduct a boarding of a tanker suspected of oil smuggling. After a thorough six-hour boarding, the VBSS team was able to clear the tanker.<ref name=NNS071003-08>{{cite web | title= San Diego-Based Ships Return Home From Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/Search/display.asp?story_id=32320 | work= NNS071003-08 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 3 November 2007 | accessdate=2009-04-20}}</ref>

The guided-missile destroyer ''Pinckney'' participated in a [[Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training]] exercise with the [[Republic of Singapore Navy]] and three other U.S. Navy ships.  The ships conducted air defense, anti-surface warfare, [[anti-submarine warfare]], and VBSS operations in the compressed waters of the South China Sea, validating current tactics, techniques and procedures and identifying areas for further development.<ref name=NNS071003-08/>

Carrier Strike Group 11 joined [[Carrier Strike Group 5]] and [[Carrier Strike Group 3]] to participate in Exercise ''[[Valiant Shield]] 2007'', a joint U.S. exercise held off [[Guam]].<ref name=NNS071003-08/> Carrier Strike Group 11 subsequently joined the Carrier Strike Group Five and India's aircraft carrier {{INS|Viraat|R22|2}} in the [[Bay of Bengal]] for the multilateral [[Malabar 2007|Exercise ''Malabar 07-2'']] (''pictured''), an annual naval exercise involving [[Indian Navy|India]], [[Royal Australian Navy|Australia]], [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force|Japan]], and [[Republic of Singapore Navy|Singapore]].<ref name=NNS071003-08/>  The group arrived back at San Diego on 30 September 2007.<ref name=NNS070403-03/> 
;2007 deployment force composition<ref name=NNS070403-03/><ref name=CVW112007>{{cite web | title= CVW-11 (NH) - CVN-68 ''Nimitz'' April 2, 2007 – September 30, 2007 (WestPac, Persian Gulf)| url= http://gonavy.jp/CVW-NHf.html | work= CVW-11 (NH) (December 20, 1963 - Present) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 3 October 2007 | accessdate=2010-08-29}}</ref><ref name=Morison2007>{{cite journal |last= Morison  |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=May 2008 |title= U.S. Naval Battle Force Changes 1 January 2007—31 December 2007 |journal= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 134 |issue= 5 |pages= 109 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2008-05 |accessdate= 2010-08-29 |quote=Registration required.}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! colspan="1" width="20%" align="center" | CARSTRKGRU 11 Warships/Units
! colspan="1" width="0%" align="center" | 
! colspan="2" align="center" | [[Carrier Air Wing Eleven]] (CVW-11) squadrons embarked aboard flagship {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68}}
|-
| {{USS|Princeton|CG-59}}
|
| [[VMFA-232|Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (VMFA-232):]]  12 [[FA-18|FA-18C(N)]]
| [[VAW-117|Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 (VAW-117):]]  4 [[E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C 2000 NP]]
|-
| {{USS|Chafee|DDG-90}}
|
| [[VFA-81|Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81):]]  12 FA-18C(N)
| [[HS-6|Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6 (HS-6):]]  2 [[H-60|HH-60S]] and 4 SH-60S 
|-
| {{USS|Higgins|DDG-76}}
|
| [[VFA-41|Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41):]]  12 [[F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|FA-18F]]
| [[VRC-40|Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40), Det. 3:]]  4 [[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2A]]
|-
| {{USS|John Paul Jones|DDG-53}}
|
| [[VFA-14|Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14):]]  12 FA-18E
| '''Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 49 (HLS-49) detachments (2)'''
|-
| [[United States Navy EOD|EOD Unit 11, Det. 15]]
|
| [[VAQ-135|Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135):]]  4 [[EA-6B]]
| ——
|-
|}
;2007 deployment exercises and port visits
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Number
! colspan="4" align="center" | Regional Exercises
! colspan="2" align="center" | Port Visits
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Notes
|-
! align="center" | ''Duration''
! align="center" | ''U.S. Force''
! align="center" | ''Bilateral/Multilateral Partner(s)''
! align="center" | ''Operating Area''
! align="center" | ''Location''
! align="center" | ''Dates''
|-
! 1st:
| ——
| ''Chafee''
| ——
| ——
| [[Apra Harbor, Guam]]
| 21 Apr. 2007
| <ref name=DDG90history2007>{{cite web | title= 2007 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg90history.htm | work= USS Chafee DGG 90 | publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 3 May 2012 | accessdate=2012-05-10}}</ref> 
|-
! 2nd:
| 10 Jun. – 3 Jul.
| ''John Paul Jones''
| [[Exercise Talisman Saber|Talisman Sabre 2007]]:  [[Australian Defence Force]]
| [[Coral Sea]]
| [[Brisbane, Australia]]
| 10 Jun. 2007
| <ref name=DDG53history2007>{{cite web | title= 2007 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg53history.htm | work= USS John Paul Jones DGG 53 | publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 6 May 2012 | accessdate=2012-05-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Adam R. Cole, USN | title= Australian-U.S. Expeditionary Forces Complete Talisman Saber 2007 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=30448 | work= NNS070709-14 | publisher= Task Force 76 Public Affairs | date= 9 July 2007 | accessdate=2012-05-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= U.S.-Australian Fire Support Ships Demonstrate Combined Capabilities | work= NNS070703-04 | publisher= Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs | date= 3 July 2007 }}</ref>
|-
! 3rd:
| 25 Jun. – 2 Jul. 2007
| ''Higgins''
| Nautical Union 2007: [[Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]]
| [[Persian Gulf]]
| ——
| ——
| <ref name=DDG76history2007>{{cite web | title= 2007 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg76history.htm | work= USS Higgins DGG 76 | publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 3 December 2011 | accessdate=2012-05-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= Exercise Nautical Union Concludes in the Persian Gulf | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=29855 | work= NNS070604-15 | publisher= U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs | date= 4 June 2007 | accessdate=2012-05-13}}</ref>
|-
! 4th:
| ——
| ''Nimitz'', ''Pinckney''
| ——
| ——
| [[Chennai, India]]
| 2 Jul. 2007
| <ref name=CVN68history2007>{{cite web | title= 2007 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn68history.htm | work= USS Nimitz CVN 68| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 9 May 2012  | accessdate=2012-05-10}}</ref>
|-
! 5th
| 17–31 Jul. 2007
| ''Pinckney''
| [[Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training|CARAT 2007]]:  [[Republic of Singapore Navy]]
| [[Singapore Strait]]
| [[Singapore]]
| 13 Jul. 2007
| <ref name=NNS071003-08/><ref name=DDG91history2007>{{cite web | title= 2007 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg91history.htm | work= USS Pinckney DDG 91 | publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 27 February 2012  | accessdate=2012-05-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= United States and Singapore in Naval Exercise CARAT 2007 | url= http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2007/jul/17jul07_nr2.html | work= News & Events - News Releases | publisher= [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|Ministry of Defence]] - [[Republic of Singapore]] | date= 17 July 2007 | accessdate=2012-05-10}}</ref>
|-
! 6th:
| 7–14 Aug. 2007
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| [[Valiant Shield|Valiant Shield 2007]]: [[U.S. Pacific Command]]
| [[Guam]] operating area
| ——
| ——
| <ref name=NNS071003-08/>
|-
! 7th:
| ——
| ''Nimitz''
| ——
| ——
| [[Hong Kong]]
| 20-24 Aug. 2007
| <ref name=CVN68history2007/>
|-
! 8th:
| 4-10 Sep. 2007
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| Exercise Malabar 2007:  [[Indian Navy|India]], [[Royal Australian Navy|Australia]], [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force|Japan]], and [[Republic of Singapore Navy|Singapore]]
| [[Bay of Bengal]]
| [[Singapore]]
| 5 Sep. 2007
| <ref name=CVN68history2007/>
|-
! 9th:
| ——
| ''Nimitz''
| ——
| ——
| [[Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam|Pearl Harbor]]
| 22-24 Sep. 2007
| <ref name=CVN68history2007/>
|-
|}

===2008 deployment===
Carrier Strike Group 11 departed from San Diego on 24 January 2008. It was announced that the group would operate in the Western Pacific while the forward-based {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63|6}} of [[Carrier Strike Group Eight]] underwent scheduled maintenance in [[Yokosuka, Japan]].<ref name=NNS080124-17>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Alexia M. Riveracorrea, USN | title= ''Nimitz'' Carrier Strike Group Deploys | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34552 | work= NNS080124-17 | publisher= Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific | date= 24 January 2008 | accessdate=2011-07-21}}</ref>
The strike group entered the [[U.S. Seventh Fleet]] area of responsibility on 8 February 2008.<ref>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Carrier Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34937 | work= NNS080212-04 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 12 February 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>  On 9 February 2008, two Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95|Tu-95 'Bear']] bombers were detected by the strike group in the Western Pacific.  Four [[F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18C Hornet]]s intercepted the bombers {{convert|50|mi|km}} south of ''Nimitz''.  Two F/A-18s trailed one of the bombers, which buzzed the deck of the carrier twice, while the other two F/A-18s trailed another Tu-95 circling about {{convert|50|mi|km}} away from the carrier.  Reportedly, there was no radio communication between the American and Russian aircraft. According to the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]], one of the two aircraft was said to have flown above ''Nimitz'' at an altitude of {{convert|2000|ft|m}}.<ref>{{cite news | author= Kristin Roberts | title= Russian bombers intercepted near U.S. Navy vessel | url= https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1115998520080211 | work= [[Reuters]] | date= February 11, 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> The strike group returned to San Diego on 2 June 2008.<ref name=KGTV>{{cite web | title= USS ''Nimitz'' Carrier Strike Group Returns | url= http://www.10news.com/news/16472998/detail.html | work= San Diego News | publisher= [[KGTV]] | date= 3 June 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>
;2008 deployment force composition<ref name=NNS080124-17/><ref name=Morison2008>{{cite journal |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 |journal= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 135 |issue= 5 |pages= 119 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2009-05 |accessdate= 2010-08-29 |quote=Registration required.}}</ref><ref name="U.S. Navy">{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Gets Underway for Western Pacific Deployment  | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34557 | work= NNS080124-09 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 24 January 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref><ref name="GoNavy.jp">{{cite web | title= CVW-11 (NH) - CVN-68 ''Nimitz'' January 24, 2008 – June 3, 2008 (WestPac) | url= http://gonavy.jp/CVW-NHf.html | work= CVW-11 (NH) (December 20, 1963 - Present) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 29 October 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-29}}</ref><ref name=BuNoGoNavy2008>{{cite web | title= Bureau Numbers: CVW-11 (NH) – CVN-68 USS ''Nimitz'' - January 24, 2008 – June 3, 2008 (WestPac) | url= http://gonavy.jp/CVW3-AC2004.html | work= CVW-11 (NH) (December 20, 1963 - Present) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 11 June 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-28}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! colspan="1" width="20%" align="center" | CARSTRKGRU 11 Warships
! colspan="1" width="0%" align="center" | 
! colspan="2" align="center" | [[Carrier Air Wing Eleven]] (CVW-11) squadrons embarked aboard flagship {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68}}
|-
| {{USS|Princeton|CG-59}}
|
| [[VMFA-232|Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (VMFA-232):]]  10 [[FA-18|F/A-18C(N)]]
| [[HS-6|Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6 (HS-6):]]  3 [[H-60|HH-60S]] and 4 SH-60S
|-
| {{USS|Pinckney|DDG-91}}
|
| [[VFA-81|Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81):]]  10 F/A-18C(N)
| [[VRC-40|Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40), Det. 3:]]  2 [[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2A]]
|-
| {{USS|Chafee|DDG-90}}
|
| [[VFA-41|Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41):]]  12 [[F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18F]]
| '''Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 49 (HLS-49) detachments (2)'''
|-
| {{USS|Higgins|DDG-76}}
|
| [[VFA-14|Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14):]]  12 F/A-18E
| ——
|-
| {{USS|John Paul Jones|DDG-53}}
|
| [[VAQ-135|Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135):]]  4 [[EA-6B]]
| ——
|-
| [[United States Navy EOD|EOD Unit 11, Det. 15]]
|
| [[VAW-117|Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 (VAW-117):]]  4 [[E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C 2000 NP]]
| ——
|-
|}
;2008 deployment exercises and port visits
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Number
! colspan="4" align="center" | Regional Exercises
! colspan="2" align="center" | Port Visits
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Notes
|-
! align="center" | ''Duration''
! align="center" | ''U.S. Force''
! align="center" | ''American/Bilateral/Multilateral Partner(s)''
! align="center" | ''Operating Area''
! align="center" | ''Location''
! align="center" | ''Dates''
|-
! 1st:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| ——
| ——
| [[Sasebo, Japan]]
| 11 Feb. 2008
| <ref name=NNS080211-07>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Arrives in Sasebo for Port Visit | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34911 | work= NNS080211-07 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 11 February 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>   
|-
! 2nd:
| ——
| ''Nimitz'', ''Princeton'', ''John Paul Jones ''   
| ——
| ——
| [[Busan]], [[South Korea]]
| 28 Feb. 2008
| <ref name=NNS080212-04>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' CSG Ships Arrive in South Korea for Port Visits | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35305 | work= NNS080212-04 | publisher= U.S. Navy  | date= 12 February 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>
|-
! 3rd:
| ——
| ''Chaffee '' 
| ——
| ——
| [[Donghae City|Donghae]], South Korea
| 28 Feb. 2008
| <ref name=NNS080212-04/>  
|-
! 4th:
| ——
| ''Higgins ''
| ——
| ——
| [[Pohang]], South Korea
| 28 Feb. 2008
| <ref name=NNS080212-04/>
|-
! 5th:
| 2–13 March 2008
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| [[Key Resolve]]/[[Foal Eagle]] 2008: [[Republic of Korea Armed Forces]]
| Western Pacific
| ——
| ——
| <ref name=KGTV/><ref>{{cite web |title= U.S. Naval Update Map: March 12, 2008 |url= http://www.stratfor.com/node/112769/analysis/u_s_naval_update_map_march_12_2008 |work= Map |publisher= [[STRATFOR]] |accessdate= 2011-06-28 |quote= Registration required. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140325071527/http://www.stratfor.com/node/112769/analysis/u_s_naval_update_map_march_12_2008 |archive-date= 25 March 2014 |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremiah Sholtis, USN | title= ''Nimitz'' Soars into Foal Eagle | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=35568 | work= NNS080310-04 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 10 March 2008 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>     
|-
! 6th: 
| 14–16 Mar. 2008
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) exercise:  [[Task Force 76]] ({{USS|Essex|LHD-2|2}}) 
| Western Pacific
| ——
| ——
| <ref name=USCarrier>{{cite web | title= USS ''Nimitz'' CVN-68 | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn68history.htm | publisher= U.S. Carriers: United States Ships (USS) history and deployments | date= 21 August 2010  | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>  
|-
! 7th:
| 29 Mar. 2008
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| Joint air operations:  {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63|2}} and Carrier Strike Group Five 
| Western Pacific 
| [[Hong Kong]]
| 4-6 Apr. 2008
| <ref name=USCarrier/>   
|-
! 8th:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| ——
| ——
| [[Apra Harbor]], [[Guam]]
| 17-20 Apr. 2008
| <ref name=USCarrier/>
|-
|}

===2009-2010 deployment===
[[File:US Navy 100215-N-8421M-173 Ships and aircraft assigned to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 operate in formation in the South China Sea.jpg|thumb|right|250px|CSG 11 in South China Sea (15 Feb. 2010)]] 
Carrier Strike Group 11 departed San Diego on 31 July 2009 on a regularly scheduled deployment commanded by Rear Admiral John W. Miller.<ref name=NNS090731-19>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Strike Group Underway in Support of Maritime Strategy | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=47343 | work= NNS090731-19 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 31 July 2009 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref><ref name=Morison>{{cite journal |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: U.S Naval Ship Deployments/Returns |journal= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 136 |issue= 5 |pages= 110 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2010-05 |accessdate= 2010-08-26 |quote=Registration required.}}</ref>  In September 2009, it was announced that the carrier strike group deployment schedule would be changed to accommodate the delay in the return of {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|2}} from overhaul. This resulted in extending the deployment to eight months.<ref>{{cite web | title= Navy Carrier Strike Group Deployment Schedules to Shift | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=48233 | work= NNS090911-22 | publisher= U.S. Fleet Forces Command | date= 11 September 2009 | accessdate=2012-12-27}}</ref>

On 4 December 2009, the group began five months in the northern Arabian Sea, providing air support to coalition forces in [[Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Resumes Combat Operations Over Afghanistan | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50006 | work= NNS091204-01 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 4 December 2009 | accessdate=2009-11-26}}</ref>  Carrier-based aircraft provided 30 percent of the combat air support for the [[International Security Assistance Force]] (ISAF) during the time that the group was in the northern Arabian Sea.<ref name=NNS100326-15>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Carrier Strike Group Home After Eight-Month Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52195 | work= NNS100326-15 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 26 March 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-26}}</ref>  [[VAW-117]]'s E-2C Hawkeye aircraft used their radar and communication systems to synchronize and direct air crews over Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web | title= Command, Control Above Afghanistan | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50521 | work= NNS100114-25 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 14 January 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>  Also, EA-6B Prowlers assigned to squadron [[VAQ-135]] jammed electronic signals in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.<ref name=NNS100106-02>{{cite web | title= Navy Non-Kinetic Air Power for OEF | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50390 | work= NNS100106-02 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 6 January 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref> Effective 2 July 2009, ISAF air-ground combat support operations were ordered to take steps to minimize Afghan civilian casualties.<ref name=NNS100106-02/><ref>{{cite web | author= Jim Garamone | title= Directive Re-emphasizes Protecting Afghan Civilians | url= http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55023 | work= [[American Forces Press Service]] | publisher= [[U.S. Department of Defense]] | date= 6 July 2009 | accessdate=2012-10-01}} and {{cite web | title= Tactical Directive | url=http://www.nato.int/isaf/docu/official_texts/Tactical_Directive_090706.pdf | publisher=NATO/International Security Assistance Force | date= 6 July 2009 | accessdate=2012-10-02}}</ref>  In total, Carrier Air Wing 11 air crews flew more than 2,600 combat sorties supporting ISAF.<ref name=NNS100217-02>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Strike Group Arrives in Hong Kong | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51316 | work= NNS100217-02 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 17 February 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>  The other strike group ships contributed to counter-piracy operations off the [[Horn of Africa]], the protection of critical Iraqi infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, and other maritime security operations.<ref name=NNS100326-15/><ref name=NNS100217-02/>  On 26 March 2010, the strike group returned to their homeport after an eight-month deployment.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Amara R. Timberlake, USN | title= ''Nimitz'' Sailors Prepare to Return Home | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51601 | work= NNS100303-08 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 3 March 2010 | accessdate= 2009-04-20 }} and {{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Carrier Strike Group Home After Eight-Month Deployment | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cds23/Pages/CDS23_rtns_8mo_deployment.aspx | work= NNS100326-15 | publisher= COMDESRON 23 | date= 26 March 2010 | accessdate= 2009-04-20 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110216052059/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cds23/Pages/CDS23_rtns_8mo_deployment.aspx | archive-date= 16 February 2011 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref>

;2009-2010 deployment force composition<ref name="U.S. Navy"/><ref name="GoNavy.jp"/><ref name=NNS090731-19/><ref name=Morison/><ref name=Morison2009>{{cite journal |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= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 136 |issue= 5 |pages= 115 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2010-05 |accessdate= 2010-08-29 |quote=Registration required.}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! colspan="1" width="20%" align="center" | CARSTRKGRU 11 Warships
! colspan="1" width="0%" align="center" | 
! colspan="2" align="center" | [[Carrier Air Wing Eleven]] (CVW-11) squadrons embarked aboard flagship {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68}}
|-
| {{USS|Chosin|CG-65}}
|
| [[VFA-97|Fighter Strike Squadron 97 (VFA-97):]]  12 [[FA-18|F/A-18C(N)]]
| [[VAW-117|Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 (VAW-117):]]  4 [[E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C 2000 NP]]
|-
| {{USS|Sampson|DDG-102}}
|
| [[VFA-86|Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86):]]  10 F/A-18C(N)
| [[HS-6|Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6 (HS-6):]]  7 [[H-60|HH-60S/SH-60S]]
|-
| {{USS|Pinckney|DDG-91}}
|
| [[VFA-41|Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41):]]  12 [[F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18F]]
| [[VRC-40|Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40), Det. 3:]]  2 [[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2A]]
|-
| {{USS|Rentz|FFG-46}}
|
| [[VFA-14|Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14):]]  12 F/A-18E
| ——
|-
| {{USNS|Bridge|T-AOE-10}}
|
| [[VAQ-135|Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 135 (VAQ-135):]]  4 [[EA-6B]]
| ——
|-
|}
;2009-2010 deployment exercises and port visits
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Number
! colspan="4" align="center" | Regional Exercises
! colspan="2" align="center" | Port Visits
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Notes
|-
! align="center" | ''Duration''
! align="center" | ''U.S. Force''
! align="center" | ''Bilateral/Multilateral Partner(s)''
! align="center" | ''Operating Area''
! align="center" | ''Location''
! align="center" | ''Dates''
|-
! 1st:
| 11 Aug. 2009
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| Undersea Warfare Exercise 09 (USWEX 09)
| [[Hawaiian Islands|Hawaiian operating area]]
| ——
| ——
| <ref>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Strike Group Prepares to Execute Maritime Strategy | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=47574 | work= NNS090812-06 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 12 August 2009 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>  
|-
! 2nd:
| ——
| ''Nimitz'', ''Sampson''  
| ——
| ——
| [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Yokosuka Naval Base]]
| 28 Aug. 2009
| <ref name=USCarrier/><ref>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Visits Japan, Reinforces Friendship, Cooperation in Region | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=47829 | work= NNS090827-28 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 27 August 2009 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>  
|-
! 3rd:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| ——
| ——
| [[Singapore]]
| 8 Sep. 2009
| <ref name=USCarrier/><ref name=NNS100326-15/>
|-
! 4th:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| ——
| ——
| [[Bahrain]]
| 24 Oct. 2009
| <ref name=USCarrier/><ref name=NNS100326-15/>  
|-
! 5th: 
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| ——
| ——
| [[Phuket (city)|Phuket]], [[Thailand]]
| 31 Jan. – 3 Feb. 2010
| <ref name=USCarrier/><ref name=NNS100326-15/>
|-
! 6th
| 1-7 Feb. 2010
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| [[Royal Malaysian Navy]] & [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] 
| [[South China Sea]] 
| [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Malaysia]]
| 7-10 Feb. 2010
| <ref name=USCarrier/><ref name=NNS100326-15/><ref name=NNS100207-02>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Visits Kuala Lumpur | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51154 | work= NNS100207-02 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 7 February 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>
|-
! 7th:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group 11
| ——
| ——
| [[Hong Kong]]
| 17 Feb. 2010
| <ref name=USCarrier/><ref name=NNS100326-15/><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Scott A. McCall, USN | title= ''Nimitz'' Sailors Visit Lantau Island | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=51458 | work= NNS100224-23 | publisher= U.S. Navy | date=  24 February 2010 | accessdate=2010-08-25}}</ref>
|-
|}

===2011-2013 operations===
[[File:120727-N-VD564-015 - Maritime Forces RIMPAC 2012.jpg|thumb|right|RIMPAC 2012 (27 July 2012)]]
[[File:A U.S. Navy F-A-18C Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Pacific Ocean April 8, 2013 130408-N-LP801-313.jpg|thumb|right|Sustainment Exercise (8 April 2013)]]
On 11 May 2011, the U.S. Navy announced a duty station change for Carrier Strike Group 11 from [[Naval Air Station North Island]] in San Diego, California, to [[Naval Station Everett]], Washington, in December 2011.<ref name="OPNAVNotice400SerDNS-33-11U107438"/>

On 11 June 2012, ''Nimitz'' departed Everett and once [[Carrier Air Wing Eleven]] was embarked, departed [[Naval Air Station North Island]], California, on 15 June 2012 for carrier qualifications.<ref name=CVN68history2012>{{cite web | title= 2012 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn68history.htm | work= USS Nimitz CVN 68| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 30 September 2012 | accessdate=2012-07-14}}</ref> The Air Wing consisted of U.S. Navy strike fighter squadrons [[VFA-154]], [[VFA-147]], and [[VFA-146]]; U.S. Marine Corps fighter squadron [[VMFA-323]]; airborne early warning squadron [[VAW-117]]; electronic warfare squadron [[VAQ-142]]; helicopter squadrons [[HSC-6]] and [[HSM-75]]; and Detachment 3 from squadron [[VRC-30]].<ref name=NWnavigator>{{cite web | author= MCSA Ryan Mayes, USN | title= ''Nimitz'' staying busy during RIMPAC | url= http://www.thenorthwestnavigator.com/news/2012/jun/21/nimitz-staying-busy-during-rimpac/ | work= Northwest Navigator | publisher= [[Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group]] | date= 21 June 2012 | accessdate=2012-07-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= CVW-11 (NH) - CVN-68 ''Nimitz'' | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVW-NHf.html | work= CVW Deployment | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 4 July 2012 | accessdate=2012-07-10}}</ref>

On 2 July 2012, ''Nimitz'' pulled into [[Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam]], Hawaii, for a four-day port call prior to participating in Exercise [[RIMPAC]] 2012 that was scheduled from 29 June to 3 August 2012.<ref name=CVN68history2012/><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran, USN | title= USS ''Nimitz'' Arrives in Hawaii for Port Visit | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68189 | work= NNS120703-01 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 3 July 2012 | accessdate=2011-07-14}}</ref> ''Nimitz'' and Carrier Air Wing Eleven were the only aircraft carrier and carrier air wing to participate in RIMPAC 2012 (''pictured'').<ref>{{cite web | title= RIMPAC to begin June 29 | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/Pages/RIMPACtobeginJune29.aspx | publisher= Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs | date= 8 May 2012 | accessdate=2012-07-14}} and {{cite web | author= Richard Dudley | title= RIMPAC 2012 – Naval Forces Roaming in the Pacific | url= http://defense-update.com/20120706_rimpac-2012-naval-forces-roaming-in-the-pacific.html | publisher= Defense Update | date= 6 July 2012 | accessdate=2011-07-16}}</ref>  Following RIMPAC 2012, ''Nimitz'' departed Pearl Harbor on 3 August 2012, arriving at North Island on 9 August 2012.<ref name=CVN68history2012/>  The aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Eleven flew off ''Nimitz'' on 8 August 2012 to return to their home air stations.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Winn | title= Carrier Air Wing 11 Departs USS ''Nimitz'' | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=689158 | work= NNS120809-12 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 9 August 2012 | accessdate= 2011-08-24 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>  ''Nimitz'' returned to Naval Station Everett, Washington, on 20 August 2012, completing a 70-day underway period.<ref name=CVN68history2012/>

On 29 September 2012 ''Nimitz'' departed Naval Station Everett to begin its pre-deployment training cycle and [[Composite Training Unit Exercise|certification exercises]] under the supervision of the [[Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific]].<ref name=CVN68history2012/><ref name= NNS120930-08>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Phillip Ladouceur, USN | title= ''Nimitz'' Sets Sail For COMPTUEX | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=69872l |work= NNS120930-08 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 30 September 2012 | accessdate=2012-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=USS ''Nimitz'' at sea for certifying exercises |url=http://freebeacon.com/putins-july-4th-message/ |quote=After six weeks in port, the USS Nimitz departed Everett over the weekend to participate in exercises that will lead to certification for deployment overseas, the Navy says. |work=[[The Herald (Everett)|The Herald]] |date=1 October 2012 |accessdate=2012-10-12}}</ref>  Joining ''Nimitz'' were Carrier Air Wing Eleven, the guided-missile cruiser {{USS|Princeton|CG-59|2}}, and the guided-missile destroyers {{USS|Higgins|DDG-76|2}}, {{USS|Shoup|DDG-86|2}}, {{USS|Stockdale|DDG-106|2}}, and {{USS|William P. Lawrence|DDG-110|2}}.<ref name= NNS120930-08/>

On 17 October 2012, the group began its 18-day pre-deployment [[Composite Training Unit Exercise]].<ref name=CVN68history2012/><ref>{{cite web | author= MCS 3rd Class (SW) Carla Ocampo, USN | title= #Warfighting: USS ''Nimitz'', CSG 11 Begins Composite Training Unit Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70218 | work= NNS121018-12 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 18 October 2012 | accessdate=2011-11-14}}</ref>  On 13 November 2012, Nimitz pulled into [[Naval Air Station North Island]], California, to disembark part of the air wing.<ref name=CVN68history2012/>   On 21 November 2012, it was announced that the strike group's deployment would be delayed because a cooling pump aboard the ''Nimitz'' needed to be repaired. It was also announced that ''Nimitz'' would now deploy in summer 2013.<ref name=CVN68history2012/><ref name=Silva>{{cite web | author=Christina Silva | title= Faulty part on carrier has domino effect on deployments | url= http://www.stripes.com/news/navy/faulty-part-on-carrier-has-domino-effect-on-deployments-1.198541 |work= [[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] | date= 27 November 2012 | accessdate=2012-11-30}}</ref>

Following repairs, on 5 April 2013, the ''Nimitz'' and Carrier Air Wing Eleven departed Naval Air Station North Island, California, to begin their scheduled Sustainment Exercise (''pictured'') to re-certify the group's readiness to deploy.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacquelyn Childs, USN | title= ''Nimitz'' Sets Sail for Sustainment Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73052 | work= NNS130331-01 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 31 March 2013 | accessdate=2013-04-11}} and {{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'', CSG 11 Participate in SUSTEX | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73252 | work= NNS130409-04 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 9 April 2013 | accessdate=2013-04-11}}</ref>  They joined the guided-missile cruiser ''Princeton'' which had departed on 3 April 2013.<ref name=CG59history2013>{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cg59history.htm | work= USS Princeton CG 59| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 30 September 2012 | accessdate=2013-04-12}}</ref>

===2013 deployment===
With the ''Nimitz'' undergoing repairs, Carrier Strike Group 11 deployed in two waves. The first wave consisted of four destroyers operating initially as a surface action group until the ''Nimitz'' and the rest of the strike group deployed three months later.<ref name=NNS130211-21/><ref name=CVN68history2012/><ref name=Silva/>  
;2013 deployment force composition<ref name=NNS130211-21/><ref name=NNS130419-18/><ref name=NNS130503-07/><ref name=Morison2013>{{cite journal |last= Morison  |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=September 2014 |title= U.S. Battle Force Aviation Changes 2013-14, Part A: CARRIER AIR WINGS & ASSIGNMENTS CVW/DOI: 2 April 2013  |journal= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 140 |issue= 9 |pages= 48–49 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2014-09/us-battle-force-aviation-changes|accessdate= 13 September 2012 |quote=Registration required; downloadable PDF file.}}</ref><ref name=GoNavy2012>{{Cite web| title= CVW-11 (NH) – CVN-68 USS ''Nimitz'' – 30 March 2010 – (SUSTEX, WestPac) | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVW-NHf.html | work=NNS130528-06 | publisher=GoNavy.jp | date= 24 April 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| author=MC3 Devin Wray | title= EODMU 11 Shares Knowledge with Royal Thai Navy | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74425 | work=NNS130528-06 | publisher=Carrier Strike Group Eleven | date= 28 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref>  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! colspan="2" width="35%" align="center" | Group Warships/Units
! colspan="1" width="0%" align="center" | 
! colspan="2" align="center" | [[Carrier Air Wing 11]] squadrons aboard {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68}}
|-{{USS|Stockdale|DDG-106|2}}
| '''Surface Action Group'''
| '''Carrier Escorts/Units'''
|
| [[VMFA-323|Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323]]: 10 [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18C(N)]]
| [[VAW-117|Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117]]:  4 [[Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C]]
|-
| {{USS|William P. Lawrence|DDG-110}}
| {{USS|Princeton|CG-59}}
|
| [[VFA-154|Strike Fighter Squadron 154]]: 12 [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18F]]
| [[HSC-6|Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 6]]:  6 [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|MH-60S]]
|-
| {{USS|Stockdale|DDG-106}}
| {{USS|Preble|DDG-88}}
|
| [[VFA-147|Strike Fighter Squadron 147]]: 12 F/A-18E
| [[HSM-75|Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 75]]:  11 [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|MH-60R]]
|-
| {{USS|Shoup|DDG-86}}
| {{USS|Momsen|DDG-92}}
|
| [[VFA-146|Strike Fighter Squadron 146]]: 10 F/A-18C
| [[VRC-30|Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30]], Detach. 3: 2 [[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2A]]
|-
| {{USS|Higgins|DDG-76}}
| [[United States Navy EOD|EODMU-11]]
|
| [[VAQ-142|Electronic Attack Squadron 142]]: 4 [[EA-6B]]
| ——
|-
|}

====Surface action group====
On 14 January 2013, the destroyers {{USS|Higgins|DDG-76|2}}, {{USS|Shoup|DDG-86|2}}, {{USS|Stockdale|DDG-106|2}}, and {{USS|William P. Lawrence|DDG-110|2}} departed [[Naval Base San Diego]], California, for a deployment to the Middle East.<ref name=CSG11>{{cite web | title= ''Nimitz'' Strike Group Surface Action Group ships depart for deployment | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg11/Pages/NimitzStrikeGroupSurfaceActionGroupshipsdepartfordeployment.aspx#.UQAWVSc8CSo | work= COMCARSTRKGRU ELEVEN | publisher= Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | date= 11 January 2012 | accessdate=2013-01-23}}</ref>  These ships operated with the U.S. Fifth Fleet as a surface action group until the ''Nimitz'', Carrier Air Wing Eleven, and the guided-missile cruiser ''Princeton'' deployed.<ref name=NNS130211-21/><ref name=Silva/>   
[[File:Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) prepare to offer rescue assistance to a burning vessel during a transit of the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, 2013 130311-N-ZQ631-124.jpg|thumb|right|Strait of Hormuz (14 March 2013)]]
On 1 March 2013, the ''William P. Lawrence'' entered the [[Persian Gulf]] for operations with [[Carrier Strike Group Three]].  On 11 March 2013, the ''Lawrence'' rendered assistance to a burning vessel while operating in the [[Strait of Hormuz]] (''pictured'').<ref>{{cite web | author=MCS 3rd Class (SW) Carla Ocampo, USN |title= ''Lawrence'' Conducts First Strait of Hormuz Transit | url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=72475 | work= NNS130304-05 | publisher= USS William P. Lawrence Public Affairs | date= 3 March 2013 | accessdate=2013-03-14}} and {{cite web | author=MCS 3rd Class (SW) Carla Ocampo, USN |title= USS ''William P. Lawrence'' encounters burning vessel | url=http://www.dvidshub.net/image/886966/uss-william-p-lawrence-encounters-burning-vessel#.UZFBKKKG2iM | work= Navy Media Content Center #886966 | publisher= [[DVIDS]] | date= 14 March 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-14 |quote=Photo taken on March 11, 2013.}}</ref>  In April 2012, on two separate occasions, the ''Lawrence'' joined the French frigate [[French frigate Montcalm (D642)|''Montcalm'']] in rendering assistance to civilian mariners in distress while operating in the [[Gulf of Oman]] as part of [[Combined Task Force 150]].<ref>{{cite web | title= Warships from CTF-150 Come to Mariners Rescue in Sea of Oman | url= http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Warships-from-CTF-150-come-to-mariners-rescue-in-Sea-of-Oman-273e | work= BBC News | publisher= [[Muscat Daily]] | date= 20 April 2013 | accessdate= 2013-05-06 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131020072606/http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Warships-from-CTF-150-come-to-mariners-rescue-in-Sea-of-Oman-273e | archive-date= 20 October 2013 | url-status= dead }}</ref>  Starting 2 September 2013, ''William P. Lawrence'' began operating in the [[Red Sea]] as part of Carrier Strike Group 11.<ref name=DDG110history2013>{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg110history.htm | work= USS [[William P. Lawrence]] DDG 110| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 25 January 2013 | accessdate=2013-01-25}}</ref><ref name=Reuters09022013>{{cite news |work=[[Reuters]] |title=USS ''Nimitz'' carrier moves into Red Sea |date=2013-09-02 |accessdate=2 September 2013 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-ships-idUSBRE9810DA20130902 |archive-date=29 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929125929/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/02/us-syria-crisis-ships-idUSBRE9810DA20130902 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following bilateral [[Mine countermeasure#Countermeasures|mine countermeasure]] exercises in the [[Persian Gulf]], the USS ''Higgins'' left the Fifth Fleet area.  After paying port visits to [[Phuket (city)|Thailand]], Japan, and [[Guam]], the ''Higgins'' arrived at Naval Base San Diego, California, on 7 October 2013, completing a nine-month-long deployment.<ref name=DDG76history2013>{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg76history.htm | work= USS Higgins DDG 76| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 4 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-03-06}}</ref><ref name=NNS130716-09>{{cite web |author=Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Wray, USN | title= US, UK Complete Mine Countermeasure Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75384 | work= NNS130716-09 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 16 July 2013 | accessdate=2013-07-22}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |title= USS ''Higgins'' Returns to San Diego Following Deployment | url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76993 | publisher= Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | work=NNS131007-02 | date= 7 October 2013 | accessdate=2013-10-14 }}</ref>  On 8 November 2013, the ''Stockdale'' and ''William P. Lawrence'' returned to Naval Base San Diego, California, completing a ten-month-long deployment.<ref name=DDG110history2013/><ref name=DDG106history2013>{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg106history.htm | work= USS Stockdale DDG 106| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 5 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-03-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= USS ''Stockdale'' and USS ''William P. Lawrence'' Return to San Diego Following Extended Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77569 | work= NNS131108-34 | publisher= Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | date= 8 November 2013 | accessdate=2013-11-09}}</ref>  On 18 November 2013, the USS ''Shoup'' arrived back at [[Naval Station Everett]], Washington.  At 313 days, the ''Shoup'' completed the longest deployment by a U.S. Navy destroyer since [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[The Herald (Everett)|The Herald]] |title=USS ''Shoup'' returns after long deployment |date=18 November 2013 |accessdate=20 November 2013|url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20131118/NEWS01/711189911}}</ref><ref name=DDG86history2013>{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg86history.htm | work= USS Shoup DDG 86| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 4 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-03-06}}</ref> 
;2013 deployment exercises and port visits
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Number
! colspan="4" align="center" | Regional Exercises
! colspan="2" align="center" | Port Visits
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Notes
|-
! align="center" | ''Duration''
! align="center" | ''U.S. Force''
! align="center" | ''Bilateral/Multilateral Partner(s)''
! align="center" | ''Operating Area''
! align="center" | ''Location''
! align="center" | ''Dates''
|-
! 1st:
| 20–23 Jan. 2013
| ''William P. Lawrence'', ''Stockdale'', ''Shoup'', ''Higgins''
| Undersea Warfare Exercise
| [[Hawaiian Islands]]
| ——
| ——
| <ref name=DDG110history2013/><ref name=DDG76history2013/><ref name=DDG106history2013/><ref name=DDG86history2013/>
|-
! 2nd:
| ——
| ''Shoup''   
| ——
| ——
| [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Yokosuka Naval Base]]
| 4–8 Feb. 2013
| <ref name=DDG86history2013/>  
|-
! 3rd:
| ——
| ''Higgins''
| ——
| ——
| [[Koror, Republic of Palau|Koror, Palau]]
| 4–9 Feb. 2013
| <ref name=DDG76history2013/><ref>{{cite web |author=Ensign Kara Lynn Yingling, USN | title= USS ''Higgins'' Conducts Port Visit to Palau | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg76/Pages/USSHigginsConductsPortVisittoPalau.aspx#.URLxDR1EGiM | publisher= USS Higgins Public Affairs Office  | date= 4 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-02-06}} and {{cite web  | title= USS ''Higgins'' Conducts Port Visit to Palau | url= http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31215:uss-higgins-conducts-port-visit-to-palau&catid=45:guam-news&Itemid=156 | work= Pacific News Center  | date= 4 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-02-07}}</ref> 
|-
! 4th:
| ——
| ''Stockdale''
| ——
| ——
| [[Subic Bay]], [[Republic of the Philippines|Philippines]]
| 5 Feb. 2013
| <ref name=DDG106history2013/><ref>{{cite web |title= ''Stockdale'' visits Subic Bay | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg106/Pages/StockdalevisitsSubicBay.aspx#.URLxrB1EGiM | publisher= USS Stockdale Public Affairs Officer  | date= 5 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-02-06}} and {{cite web | author=Franco G. Regala | title= Another US Warship Docks at Subic Pier | url= http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/392641/another-us-warship-docks-subic-pier#.UROi9qU8CSo | work= [[Manila Bulletin]]  | date= 5 February 2013 | accessdate=2013-02-07}}</ref>
|-
! 5th:
| ——
| ''William P. Lawrence'', ''Stockdale'', ''Higgins'' 
| ——
| ——
| [[Singapore]]
| 15–19 Feb. 2013
| <ref name=DDG110history2013/><ref name=DDG76history2013/><ref name=DDG106history2013/>
|-
! 6th:
| 4–8 Mar. 2013
| ''William P. Lawrence'' 
| AMAN 2013<ref group=Note>For AMAN 2013, participating navies included Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UAE, the UK, and the US, as well as 20 observer nations.</ref>
| [[North Arabian Sea]]
| [[Karachi, Pakistan]]
| 3 Mar. 2013
| <ref name=DDG110history2013/><ref>{{cite web |title= Pakistan Navy concludes Aman 2013 multinational exercise | url= http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newspakistan-navy-concludes-aman-2013-multinational-exercise | publisher= NavalTechnology | date= 12 March 2013 | accessdate=2013-03-13}}</ref>
|-
! 7th:
| ——
| ''Stockdale''
| ——
| ——
| [[Hidd|Hidd, Bahrain]]
| 12–17 Mar. 2013
| <ref name=DDG106history2013/>
|-
! 8th:
| ——
| ''William P. Lawrence''
| ——
| ——
| [[Hidd|Hidd, Bahrain]]
| 15–18 Mar. 2013
| <ref name=DDG110history2013/>
|-
! 9th:
| 23–24 Mar. 2013
| ''Higgins''
| Joint air-sea exercises<ref group=Note>Destroyer Squadron 50, {{USS|Green Bay|LPD-20}}, {{USS|Sirocco|PC-6}}, {{USS|Chinook|PC-9}}, {{USS|Whirlwind|PC-11}}, and several United States air assets.</ref>
| [[Persian Gulf]]
| [[Jebel Ali]], [[UAE]]
| 15 Apr. 2012
| <ref name=DDG76history2013/><ref name=NNS130401-02>{{cite web | author=Ensign Kara Lynn Yingling, USN |title= USS ''Higgins'' Participates in Multi-Force Exercise | url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73062 | work= NNS130401-02 | publisher= USS Higgins Public Affairs | date= 1 April 2013 | accessdate=2013-04-12}}</ref>  
|-
! 10th:
| ——
| ''Stockdale''
| ——
| ——
| Jebel Ali, UAE
| 9–13 Apr. 2013
| <ref name=DDG106history2013/>
|-
! 11th:
| ——
| ''William P. Lawrence''
| ——
| ——
| Jebel Ali, UAE
| 26–30 Apr. 2013
| <ref name=DDG110history2013/><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carla Ocampo, USN | title= USS ''William P. Lawrence'' Departs Jebel Ali | url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73808 | work= NNS130502-10 | publisher= USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110) Public Affairs | date= 2 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-07-26}}</ref>
|-
! 12th:
| 28 Apr. to 6 May 2013
| ''Stockdale''
| Eagle Resolve 2013: [[Peninsula Shield Force|PSF]]
| [[Persian Gulf]]
| [[Eilat, Israel]]
| 28–31 May 2013
| <ref name=DDG86history2013/><ref>{{cite web | author= Donna Miles | title= Eagle Resolve Promotes Gulf Region Cooperation, Interoperability | url=http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=119887 | work= [[American Forces Press Service]] | publisher= [[U.S. Department of Defense]] | date= 26 April 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-05}}</ref>
|-
! 13th:
| 16–30 May 2013
| ''William P. Lawrence''
| IMCMEX 13: CTF 521
| Persian Gulf
| Hidd, Bahrain
| 12–13 May 2013
| <ref name=DDG110history2013/><ref>{{cite web | title= Navy and Merchant Mariners Team Up For IMCMEX 13 | url= http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2013/130520%20098.html | publisher= U.S. Naval Forces Central Command | date= 16 May 2013 | accessdate= 2013-05-22 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150713084151/http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2013/130520%20098.html | archive-date= 13 July 2015 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
! 14th:
| 30 Jun. 2013
| ''Higgins''
| {{ship|RFA|Cardigan Bay|L3009|6}} 
| Persian Gulf
| Hidd, Bahrain
| 26–30 May 2013
| <ref name=DDG76history2013/><ref name=NNS130716-09/>
|-
! 15th:
| ——
| ''William P. Lawrence''
| ——
| ——
| [[Jubail, Saudi Arabia]]
| 11 Jun 2013
| <ref name=DDG110history2013/>
|-
! 16th:
| 17 Jun 2013
| ''Stockdale''
| Eager Lion 2013 
| [[Red Sea]]
| [[Aqaba, Jordan]]
| 17 Jun 2013
| <ref name=DDG86history2013/>
|-
! 17th:
| ——
| ''Higgins'', ''Shoup'' 
| ——
| ——
| Hidd, Bahrain
| 19-23 Jun 2013
| <ref name=DDG76history2013/><ref name=DDG86history2013/>
|-
! 18th:
| ——
| ''William P. Lawrence'' 
| ——
| ——
| [[Muscat, Oman]]
| 26-30 Jun. 2013
| <ref name=DDG110history2013/>
|-
! 19th:
| 10-14 Aug. 2013
| ''Shoup''
| Exercise Spartan Kopis
| Persian Gulf
| Jebel Ali, U.A.E.
| 15 Aug. 2013
| <ref name=DDG86history2013/>
|-
! 20th:
| ——
| ''William P. Lawrence'', ''Stockdale'', ''Shoup''
| ——
| ——
| [[Singapore]]
| 14–17 Oct. 2013
| <ref name=DDG110history2013/><ref name=DDG76history2013/><ref name=DDG86history2013/>
|-
|}

====''Nimitz'' strike group====
[[File:A U.S. Navy F-A-18E Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 prepares to take off from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Gulf of Oman June 13, 2013, in support 130613-N-TI017-057.jpg|thumb|right|Flight deck ops in the [[Gulf of Oman]] (June 13, 2013)]]
[[File:131022-N-ZG290-021 USS Nimitz transits Suez Canal Oct 22 2013.JPG|thumb|right|Suez Canal (20 October 2013)]]
[[File:USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and Francesco Mimbelli (D561) underway in the Med 2013.JPG|thumb|right|''Nimitz'' alongside the [[Italian Navy|Italian]] destroyer [[Durand de la Penne-class destroyer|''Francesco Mimbelli'']] in the Mediterranean (October 26, 2013)]] 
On 19 April 2013, the ''Nimitz'' and Carrier Air Wing Eleven departed Naval Air Station North Island, California, joining the cruiser ''Princeton'' to begin their deployment.<ref name=NNS130419-18>{{cite web |author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacquelyn D. Childs, USN | title= ''Nimitz'' Strike Group Departs for Western Pacific Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73511 | work= NNS130419-18 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 19 April 2012 | accessdate=2013-04-19}}</ref> On 3 May 2013, the two ships joined the [[U.S. Seventh Fleet]].<ref name=NNS130503-07>{{cite web | title= Nimitz Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet AOR | url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73880 | work= NNS130503-07 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 3 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-05}}</ref>  ''Nimitz'' and ''Princeton'' exercised with the [[Republic of Korea Navy]] amid the ongoing [[2013 Korean crisis]] over [[North Korea]]n actions.<ref name=Rabiroff>{{cite web | author= Jon Rabiroff and Yoo Kyong Chang | title= Camera club tips off North Korea to US carrier's Pacific presence | url=http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/camera-club-tips-off-north-korea-to-us-carrier-s-pacific-presence-1.220018 | work= [[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] | date= 8 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref><ref name=Chang>{{cite web | author= Jon Rabiroff and Yoo Kyong Chang | title= US, S. Korea start naval drill in site of past North-South clashes | url=http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/us-s-korea-start-naval-drill-in-site-of-past-north-south-clashes-1.219753 | work= [[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] | date= 6 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-08}}</ref><ref name=CVN68history2013>{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn68history.htm | work= USS Nimitz CVN 68| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 11 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-11}}</ref>  The strike group's deployment to the Seventh Fleet coincided with the joint exercises of the [[People's Liberation Army Navy|China's]] [[People's Liberation Army Navy#Fleets|three operational fleets]] in the [[South China Sea]] amid the ongoing [[Spratly Islands dispute]] between [[China]] and the [[Philippines]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[South China Morning Post]]|title=PLA Navy's three fleets meet in South China Sea for rare show of force|date=2013-06-24 |accessdate=16 July 2011|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1246897/pla-navys-three-fleets-meet-south-china-sea-rare-show-force}}</ref>

Carrier Strike Group 11 entered the [[U.S. Fifth Fleet]]'s area on 9 June 2013, relieving [[Carrier Strike Group Eight]].<ref>{{cite web | author=MCSA Victoria I. Ochoa, USN |title= Nimitz Strike Group enters 5th Fleet | url= http://www.dvidshub.net/news/108374/nimitz-strike-group-enters-5th-fleet#.UbdAdOfVDSc |publisher= [[Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System]] | date= 10 June 2013 | accessdate=2013-06-11}} and {{cite web |title= Eisenhower Strike Group Departs U.S. 5th Fleet AOR | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74800 | work=NNS130613-02 |publisher= Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 13 June 2013 | accessdate=2013-06-14}}</ref>  On 13 June 2013, Carrier Air Wing Eleven aircraft launched their first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (''pictured'').<ref name=CVN68history2013/> The [[Type 45 destroyer|British Type 45 destroyer]] {{HMS|Dragon|D35|2}} also joined the group in the [[Gulf of Oman]].  The Royal Navy warship maintained anti-aircraft defenses, directed aircraft sorties, and provided assistance to returning planes landing on the ''Nimitz''.<ref>{{Cite web| title= ''Dragon'' take it to the Nimitz working with US carrier battle group | url= https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/8475 | work=[[Navy News]] | publisher=[[Royal Navy]] | date= 1 August 2013 | accessdate=2013-08-25}}</ref>

On 22 August 2013, USS ''Momsen'' returned to Naval Station Everett, Washington, after a four-month underway period of [[USS Momsen (DDG-92)#2013 deployment|independent operations]] with the [[U.S. Seventh Fleet]].  During part of this period, ''Momsen'' operated with [[Carrier Strike Group Five]] led by the carrier {{USS|George Washington|CVN-73|2}}.<ref name=DDG92history2013>{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg92history.htm | work= USS Momsen DDG 82| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 21 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-05-21}}</ref>

Carrier Strike Group 11 was relieved by [[Carrier Strike Group Ten]] on 26 August 2013.<ref>{{Cite web| author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chase C. Lacombe, USN | title= ''Harry S. Truman'' Carrier Strike Group Assumes the Watch in the Navy's 5th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=76231 | work= NNS130828-15 | publisher= USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs | date= 28 August 2013 | accessdate=2013-08-29}}</ref>  At the time of this relief, Carrier Air Wing 11 had completed over 1,200 sorties in support of [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|combat operations in Afghanistan]] for a total of 6,500 flight hours.<ref name=NNS131023-03>{{Cite web|author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan R. McDonald, USN |title= ''Nimitz'' Strike Group Begins Operations in Central Mediterranean |url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77207 |work= NNS131023-03 |publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs |date=23 October 2013 |accessdate= 23 October 2013}}</ref>  Both U.S. Navy carrier strike groups initially remained in the north Arabian Sea pending potential military action against Syria amid allegations that the regime of [[President of Syria|Syrian president]] [[Bashar al-Assad]] used chemical weapons during the ongoing [[Syrian civil war]], including the [[2013 Ghouta attacks|gas attacks]] that occurred on 21 August 2013.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[CBS News]]-[[Associated Press]]|title=U.S., Russia said to up Naval presence in Gulf region|date=29 August 2013 |accessdate=30 August 2013|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57600555/u.s-russia-said-to-up-naval-presence-in-gulf-region/}}</ref>

On 2 September 2013, Carrier Strike Group 11 transited the [[Bab-el-Mandeb]] and moved northward into the [[Red Sea]] for potential combat operations against Syria.  At this point, the strike group consisted of the carrier ''Nimitz'' with Carrier Air Wing 11 embarked, the cruiser ''Princeton'', and the destroyers ''William P. Lawrence'', ''Stockdale'', and ''Shoup''.<ref name=Reuters09022013/><ref name=CVN68history2013/>  On 12 September 2013, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that U.S. naval forces would remain in the region  as Russian and American diplomats negotiated the [[Destruction of Syria's chemical weapons|turn-over of Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons]] to the [[United Nations]], with spokesman [[George E. Little]] noting: "We’re prepared for any potential military contingencies that might involve Syria."<ref>{{Cite web|title= Pentagon: Destroyers to Stay Near Syria During Chemical Weapon Negotiations |url= http://news.usni.org/2013/09/13/pentagon-destroyers-stay-near-syria-chemical-weapon-negotiations |work= USNI News |publisher= [[United States Naval Institute]] |date=13 September 2013  |accessdate= 13 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Washington Times]]|title=Pentagon: 4 destroyers, aircraft carrier to remain near Syria |date=12 September 2013 |accessdate=2013-09-13|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/12/pentagon-4-destroyers-aircraft-carrier-remain-near/}}</ref>

On 20 October 2013, Carrier Strike Group 11 transited the [[Suez Canal]] to join the [[U.S. Sixth Fleet]].<ref name=NNS131023-03/><ref>{{Cite web|title= ''Nimitz'' Leaves Red Sea |url= http://news.usni.org/2013/10/21/nimitz-leaves-red-sea |work= USNI News |publisher= [[United States Naval Institute]] |date=21 October 2013 |accessdate= 21 October 2013}} and {{Cite web|title= ''Nimitz'' to Operate in Mediterranean |url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77161 |work= NNS131021-01 |publisher= Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs |date=21 October 2013 |accessdate= 21 October 2013}}</ref>  This was the first time that the carrier ''Nimitz'' had operated in the Mediterranean Sea since 1998 (''pictured'').<ref name=NNS131023-03/>  On 8 November 2013, Carrier Strike Group 11 transited the Suez Canal, leaving the U.S. Sixth Fleet's area of operations again.<ref name=CVN68history2013/><ref>{{Cite web| author=Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jess Lewis, USN |title= ''Nimitz'' Carrier Strike Group Departs 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility |url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77566 |work= NNS131108-32 |publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs |date=8 November 2013 |accessdate= 9 November 2013}}</ref>  ''Nimitz'' was initially intended to join [[Humanitarian response to Typhoon Haiyan#United States|Operation Damayan]], the U.S. military's humanitarian mission to the [[Philippines]] following [[Typhoon Haiyan]], but plans were changed and the carrier was released to return home.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]]|title=USS ''Nimitz'', not needed for storm relief, will head home to Washington |date=19 November 2013|accessdate=20 November 2013|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/uss-nimitz-not-needed-for-storm-relief-will-head-home-to-washington-1.253672}}</ref>

On 29 October 2013, USS ''Princeton'' returned to [[Naval Station San Diego]], California, following an extended seven-month deployment. Following operations with the U.S. Fifth and Seventh fleets, ''Princeton'' paid port-calls to the [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Guam]], and [[Naval Station Pearl Harbor|Pearl Harbor]], Hawaii.<ref name=CG59history2013/>  On 28 November 2013, USS ''Preble'' returned to Naval Station San Diego.<ref name=DDG88history2013>{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg88history.htm | work= USS Preble DDG 88| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 29 May 2013 | accessdate=2013-06-05}}</ref>  On 11 December 2013, squadrons of [[Carrier Air Wing Eleven]] (CVW-11) began departing the carrier ''Nimitz'' to return to their home naval air stations.  During this 252-day deployment, CVW-11 aircraft made 9,344 launches and flew 1,374 sorties in support of combat operations in Afghanistan for a total of over 29,440 flight hours.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[Media in Visalia, California|Visalia Times-Delta]]|title=Dozens of U.S. Navy pilots head home to Lemoore |date=11 December 2013 |accessdate=11 December 2013 |url=http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20131211/NEWS01/312110010/-Best-Christmas-present-ever-}}</ref><ref name=NNS131212-18>{{cite web |author=Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Kole E. Carpenter, USN | title= Carrier Air Wing 11, DESRON 23 Return from ''Nimitz'' Deployment | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78238 | work= NNS131212-18 | publisher= Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 12 December 2013 | accessdate=2013-12-14}}</ref>  On 12 December 2013, the carrier ''Nimitz'' arrived at [[Naval Station San Diego]], California, completing the {{frac|8|1|2}}-month-long 2013 overseas deployment for Carrier Strike Group Eleven.<ref name=NNS131212-18/>  ''Nimitz'' returned to [[Naval Station Everett]], Washington, on 16 December 2013.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[Navy Times]]|title=USS ''Nimitz'' returns to home port in Everett |date=2013-12-17 |accessdate=17 December 2013 |url=http://www.navytimes.com/article/20131217/NEWS/312170017/USS-Nimitz-returns-home-port-Everett}}</ref>
;2013 deployment exercises and port visits
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Number
! colspan="4" align="center" | Regional Exercises
! colspan="2" align="center" | Port Visits
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Notes
|-
! align="center" | ''Duration''
! align="center" | ''U.S. Force''
! align="center" | ''Bilateral/Multilateral Partner(s)''
! align="center" | ''Operating Area''
! align="center" | ''Location''
! align="center" | ''Dates''
|-
! 1st:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group Eleven
| ——
| ——
| [[Phuket, Thailand]]
| 28–30 May 2013
| <ref name=CG59history2013/><ref name=CVN68history2013/><ref>{{cite web | author= MCSN Nathan R. McDonald, USN |title= ''Nimitz'' Strike Group Visits Thailand | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74424 | work= NNS130528-05 | publisher= USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Public Affairs | date= 6 June 2013 | accessdate=2013-06-05}}</ref>
|-
! 2nd:
| 22-26 Jun. 2013
| ''Preble''
| Pacific Bond 2013<ref group=Note>[[Destroyer Squadron 15]], {{USS|Chung-Hoon|DDG 93}}, {{ship|HMAS|Sydney|FFG-03}}, [[Murasame-class destroyer (1994)|JDS ''Murasame'']].</ref>
| [[Philippine Sea]]
| Fleet Activities Yokosuka
| 29 May 2013
| <ref name=DDG88history2013/><ref>{{cite web | author=Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon Heavin| title= Allied Navies Perform ASW Exercise During Pacific Bond 13 | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74999 | work= NNS130623-04 | publisher= Commander, Task Force 70 Public Affairs | date= 23 June 2013 | accessdate=2013-06-23}}</ref>
|-
! 3rd:
| ——
| ''Preble''
| ——
| ——
| [[Guam]]
| 27 Jun to 2 Jul 2013
| <ref name=DDG88history2013/>
|-
! 4th:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group Eleven
| ——
| ——
| [[Dubai]], UAE
| 5-9 Jul 2013
| <ref name=CVN68history2013/><ref>{{cite web | author=MC2 Jason Behnke | title= USS ''Nimitz'' Visits the United Arab Emirates | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75255 | work= NNS130705-07 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 5 July 2013 | accessdate=2013-07-07}}</ref>
|-
! 5th:
| ——
| ''Preble''
| ——
| ——
| [[Sydney, Australia]]
| 29 Jul. 2013
| <ref name=DDG88history2013/>
|-
! 6th:
| ——
| ''Princeton''
| ——
| ——
| [[Singapore]]
| 14–17 Oct. 2013
| <ref name=CG59history2013/>
|-
! 7th:
| ——
| ''Preble''
| ——
| ——
| [[Busan]], [[Republic of Korea|ROK]]
| 14–17 Oct. 2013
| <ref name=DDG88history2013/>
|-
! 8th:
| 22 Oct. 2013
| Carrier Strike Group Eleven
| Air defense exercise: ''[[French frigate Chevalier Paul (D621)|Chevalier Paul]]''
| [[Mediterranean Sea]]
| [[Naples, Italy]]
| 30 Oct. 2013
| <ref name=CVN68history2013/><ref>{{cite web | author=MC3 Phil Ladouceur | title= ''Nimitz'' Participates in Air Defense Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77233 | work= NNS131024-08 | publisher= USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 24 October 2013 | accessdate=2013-10-25}}</ref>
|-
|}

===2014–2016 operations & maintenance cycle===
On 23 June 2014, the [[Commander, Naval Air Forces|Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet]] announced that the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Eleven, the ''Nimitz'', is scheduled to change its home-port to [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard]] for its 2015 planned incremental maintenance period.<ref>{{Cite web| title= ''Nimitz'' to Move to Bremerton in 2015| url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=81834 | work=NNS140623-25 | publisher=Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | date= 23 June 2011 | accessdate=2015-02-09}}</ref> Between 20 and 31 October 2014, Carrier Strike Group Eleven participated in multi-lateral task group exercises with Canadian, Japanese and U.S. naval units.<ref>{{Cite web| author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelly Agee, USN |title= ''Nimitz'' to Participate Alongside Canadian, Japanese, other US Ships in Task Group Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=83960 | work=NNS141020-10 | publisher=USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 10 October 2014 | accessdate=2015-02-09}} and {{Cite web| author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kole E. Carpenter, USN |title= Task Group Exercise Comes to a Close, Ends with Success | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=84194 | work=NNS141101-04 | publisher=USS Nimitz Public Affairs | date= 1 November 2014 | accessdate=2015-02-09}}</ref> On 13 January 2015, the ''Nimitz'' arrived at [[Naval Base Kitsap]], Washington, completing its home-port change-over.<ref>{{Cite web| title= USS ''Nimitz'' Completes Homeport Change | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=85180 | work=NNS150114-01 | publisher=USS Nimitz Public Affairs  | date= 14 January 2015 | accessdate=2015-02-09}}</ref>  On 13 January 2015, ''Nimitz'' began its 16-month Extended Planned Incremental Availability (EPIA) major maintenance cycle at the [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility]] (PSNS & IMF) at [[Bremerton, Washington]].<ref name=CVN68history2015>{{cite web | title= 2015 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn68history.htm | work= USS Nimitz CVN 68| publisher= USCarrier.net | date= 19 May 2012 | accessdate=2015-06-18}}</ref>

===2017===
In late May 2017, the US Navy announced that CSG-11 would be deployed to the western [[Pacific Ocean]], joining [[Carrier Strike Group 1]] ([[USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)|USS ''Carl Vinson'' (CVN-70)]]) and [[Carrier Strike Group 5]] ([[USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)|USS ''Ronald Reagan'' (CVN-76)]]), amidst [[North Korea–United States relations#Trump administration (2017–2021)|Trump administration]] concerns over [[North Korea]].<ref name="2017-05-30_Stratfor">[https://worldview.stratfor.com/situation-report/us-third-carrier-group-dispatched-pacific-amid-heightened-tensions U.S.: Third Carrier Group Dispatched To The Pacific Amid Heightened Tensions], [[Stratfor]], 2017-05-30</ref> Following the collision that damaged the destroyer [[USS Fitzgerald|USS ''Fitzgerald'']], its place within the strike group was taken up by the [[Royal New Zealand Navy]] frigate [[HMNZS Te Kaha]] which was on deployment in the western Pacific after a request by US authorities.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}

==See also==
* [[History of the United States Navy]]
* [[List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons]]
* [[U.S. Carrier Group tactics]]

==Notes==
;Footnotes
{{Reflist|group=Note}}

;Citations
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Sources==
* {{cite journal |last= Morison  |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date=September 2014 |title= U.S. Battle Force Aviation Changes 2013-14 |journal= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 140 |issue= 4 |pages= 48–50 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2014-09/us-battle-force-aviation-changes |accessdate= 13 September 2014 |quote=Registration required.}}
* {{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 Feb 2009 |journal= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 135 |issue= 5 |pages= 118–120 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2009-05 |accessdate=2010-08-26 |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= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 136 |issue= 5 |pages= 106–116 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2010-05 |accessdate=2010-08-29 |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= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 137 |issue= 5 |pages= 117–120 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2011-05 |accessdate=2010-08-29 |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= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 138 |issue= 5 |pages= 112–113 |issn=  0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2012-05 |accessdate= 2012-05-11 |quote=Registration required.}}

{{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/n5/nimitz.htm}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130216222407/http://www.nimitz.navy.mil/csg-11.html Carrier Strike Group Eleven] - Official {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68}} web site

{{US Navy navbox}}
{{United States Navy Carrier strike groups}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carrier Strike Group 11}}
[[Category:Carrier Strike Groups]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Military in San Diego]]