View source for Carrier Strike Group 9

{{update|date=February 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Carrier Strike Group 9
| image                         = [[File:Carrier Strike Group 9 crest.png|center|175px]]
| caption                       = Carrier Strike Group 9 crest
| dates                         = 1 October 2004 to date.<ref name=NAB-YIR2004/>
| country                       = US
| allegiance                    = 
| branch                        = [[United States Navy]]
| type                          = [[Carrier strike group]]
| role                          = Naval air/surface warfare
| size                          = 
| command_structure             = [[U.S. Third Fleet]]
| garrison                      = [[Naval Air Station North Island]], California<ref>{{cite web | title= Mission – CCSG Nine | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg9/Pages/AboutUs.aspx | work= About Us | publisher= CARSTRKGRU NINE | year= 2010 | access-date= 6 January 2011 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120313004023/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg9/Pages/AboutUs.aspx | archive-date= 13 March 2012 | df= dmy-all }}</ref>
| garrison_label                = 
| nickname                      = ''Theodore Roosevelt'' Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG)
| patron                        = President Theodore Roosevelt
| motto                         = Defending Freedom
| colors                        = 
| colors_label                  = 
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| equipment                     = 
| equipment_label               = 
| battles                       = [[Operation Enduring Freedom|Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)]]<br />[[Operation Iraqi Freedom|Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)]]<br />[[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan (OEF-A)]]<br />[[Iraq War|Operation New Dawn (OND)]]
<br />[[Operation Praying Mantis|Operation Praying Mantis (OPM)]]
| anniversaries                 = 
| decorations                   = [[Humanitarian Service Medal]] (2005)<ref name=DANFSawards>{{cite DANFS | title = USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72): Unit Awards Received | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm | accessdate =21 December 2010}}</ref>
| battle_honours                = 
| disbanded                     = 
| flying_hours                  = 
| website                       = [https://web.archive.org/web/20100521235551/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg9/Pages/default.aspx Official Website]<!-- Commanders -->
| commander1                    = [[Rear admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[Donald W. Marks]]
| commander1_label              = Commander
| commander2                    = 
| commander2_label              = Chief of Staff
| notable_commanders            = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = 
| identification_symbol_label   = 
| identification_symbol_2       = 
| identification_symbol_2_label = <!-- Aircraft -->
| aircraft_attack               = 
| aircraft_bomber               = 
| aircraft_electronic           = [[EA-18G Growler]]<ref name=Morison2014>{{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: 20 May 2014 |journal= [[United States Naval Institute|Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 140 |issue= 9 |pages= 49–50 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2014-09/us-battle-force-aviation-changes |access-date= 13 September 2012 |quote= Registration required; downloadable PDF file. |archive-date= 6 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140906062041/http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2014-09/us-battle-force-aviation-changes |url-status= live }}</ref>
| aircraft_fighter              = [[F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]]
[[F-35C Lightning II]]
<ref name=Morison2014/>
| aircraft_helicopter           = [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk#MH-60R|MH-60R Seahawk]]<ref name=Morison2014/><br />[[SH-60 Seahawk#MH-60S "Knighthawk"|MH-60S Knighthawk]]<ref name=Morison2014/>
| aircraft_helicopter_attack    = 
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole = 
| aircraft_helicopter_observation = 
| aircraft_helicopter_transport = 
| aircraft_helicopter_utility   = 
| aircraft_interceptor          = 
| aircraft_recon                = [[E-2 Hawkeye|E-2D Advanced Hawkeye]]<ref name=Morison2014/>
| aircraft_transport            = {{hlist|[[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2D Greyhound]]|[[CMV-22B Osprey]]}}<ref name=Morison2014/>
}}
'''Carrier Strike Group 9''' ('''CSG-9''' or '''CARSTRKGRU 9''') is a [[U.S. Navy]] [[carrier strike group]]. Commander Carrier Strike Group 9 (COMCARSTRKGRU 9 or CCSG 9) is responsible for unit-level training, integrated training, and material readiness for the ships and aviation squadrons assigned to the group. The group reports to Commander, [[U.S. Third Fleet]], which also supervises its pre-deployment training and certification that includes [[Composite Unit Training Exercise]]s.

It is currently assigned to the [[U.S. Pacific Fleet]]. The [[Nimitz-class aircraft carrier|''Nimitz''-class]] aircraft carrier {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71}} is the group's current flagship. Other group units include [[Carrier Air Wing Eleven|Carrier Air Wing 11]], the [[Ticonderoga-class cruiser|''Ticonderoga''-class cruiser]] [[USS Lake Erie (CG-70)|USS ''Lake Erie'' (CG-70)]], and the [[Arleigh Burke-class destroyer|''Arleigh Burke''-class destroyer's]] [[USS John S. McCain (DDG-56)|USS ''John S. McCain'' (DDG-56)]], [[USS Halsey (DDG-97)]], and the [[USS Daniel Inouye|USS ''Daniel Inouye'' (DDG-118)]].

The strike group traces its history to Cruiser-Destroyer Group 3, created on 30 June 1973, by the re-designation of Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla 11. From 2004, the strike group has made multiple Middle East deployments providing air forces over Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as conducting [[Maritime Security Operations]].  The strike group received the [[Humanitarian Service Medal]] in recognition of its [[disaster relief]] efforts in [[Indonesia]] during [[Operation Unified Assistance]] in 2004–05.<ref name=DANFSawards/>

==Historical background==
{{USS|Coontz}} flew the flag of the Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 11 from 1 August to 11 November 1962.

Effective 30 June 1973, Commander Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla 11 was re-designated as Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three (CCDG-3). {{USS|Gridley|DLG-21|6}} was part of Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three in 1975. In 1978, the Group directed [[Destroyer Squadron 7]], [[Destroyer Squadron 17]], and [[Destroyer Squadron 27]] ([[Naval Reserve Force]]), all at San Diego.<ref>Polmar, Ships and Aircraft, Eleventh Edition, 1978, 7.</ref> On 10 December 1981, the group staff embarked on board the aircraft carrier {{USS|Ranger|CV-61|6}} to prepare for its first [[Carrier Battle Group]] deployment.<ref name=CDG3>{{cite web | title= Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/crudesgru3.htm | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 26 April 2006 | access-date= 21 December 2010 | archive-date= 15 June 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110615165216/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/crudesgru3.htm | url-status= live }}</ref> Since that date, deployments have been made in {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63|6}}, {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|6}}, {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68|6}}, and {{USS|Carl Vinson|CVN-70|6}}. Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three was embarked in {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72|6}} when it was redesignated to its current designation of Carrier Strike Group Nine in 2004.

Rear Admiral [[Jonathan Howe]] commanded the group in 1984–86. During 1986, ''Enterprise'''s battle group deployment was directed by Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three.

In early 1991, Rear Admiral P. M. Quast, commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three, led Battle Group Bravo on deployment to the Middle East. The group consisted of [[USS Nimitz (CVN-68)|USS ''Nimitz'']], [[USS Texas (CGN-39)|USS ''Texas'']], [[USS Rentz (FFG-46)|USS ''Rentz'']], {{USS|Stein}}, {{USS|Harold E. Holt||6}}, {{USS|Camden|AOE-2|6}}, and {{USS|Chancellorsville}}, along with commander, [[Destroyer Squadron 21]] and [[Carrier Air Wing Nine]] embarked in ''Nimitz''.<ref>Chancellorsville Command History Narrative 1991</ref>

In April 1992, the Navy implemented the 'core battle group' concept. From this point each carrier battle group was planned to consist of an aircraft carrier; an embarked carrier air wing; cruisers, destroyers, and frigates; and two nuclear-powered attack submarines.<ref name=PolmarSAA1993>{{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> This reorganization set off a round of ship arrivals and reassignments for the group. From April 1992 the group was assigned as permanent Immediate Superior in Command for {{USS|Antietam|CG-54|6}}, {{USS|Arkansas|CGN-41|6}}, and {{USS|Vincennes|CG-49|6}}.<ref name=CDG3/> {{USS|England|DLG-22|6}} was assigned to CCDG-3, but was decommissioned in January 1994. In August 1992, {{USS|Carl Vinson|CVN-70|6}} and [[Carrier Air Wing Fourteen]] were added, and CCDG-3 took on the additional title of Commander, Carl Vinson Battle Group. In October 1992, Surface Squadron 5 was redesignated [[Destroyer Squadron 5]] and assigned under CCDG-3. The addition of {{USS|Cushing|DD-985|6}}, {{USS|Harry W. Hill||6}}, {{USS|Fletcher|DD-992|6}}, and {{USS|Reuben James|FFG-57|6}} rounded out the Vinson Battle Group's forces. In December 1992, two submarines, {{USS|San Francisco|SSN-711|6}} and {{USS|Asheville|SSN-758|6}} were added. {{USS|Lake Erie|CG-70|6}} joined the group in March 1993 and {{USS|Russell|DDG-59|6}} joined in September 1994.

Following this round of reassignments, Polmar reported in 1993 that the group had the following structure:
;Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three, late 1992<ref name=PolmarSAA1993/>
{| 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 Five]]
! colspan="1" width="0%" align="center" |
! colspan="2" align="center" | [[Carrier Air Wing Fourteen]] squadrons embarked aboard {{USS|Carl Vinson|CVN-70}}
|-
| {{USS|Lake Erie|CG-70}}
|
| {{USS|Russell|DDG-59}}
|
| [[VF-31|Fighter Squadron 31]]:  [[F-14D]]
| [[VAQ-139|Electronic Warfare Squadron 139]]:  [[EA-6B]]
|-
| {{USS|Antietam|CG-54}}
|
| {{USS|Fletcher|DD-992}}
|
| [[VF-11|Fighter Squadron 11]]:  [[F-14D]]
| [[VAW-113|Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113]]:  [[E-2C]]
|-
| {{USS|Vincennes|CG-49}}
|
| [[USS Harry W. Hill|USS ''Harry W. Hill'' (DD-986)]]
|
| [[VFA-113|Strike Fighter Squadron 113]]:  F/A-18C
| [[VS-35|Sea Control Squadron 35]]: [[Lockheed S-3 Viking|S-3B]]
|-
| {{USS|Arkansas|CGN-41}}
|
| {{USS|Cushing|DD-985}}
|
| [[VFA-25|Strike Fighter Squadron 25]]:  F/A-18C
| [[HS-8|Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 8]]:  [[Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King|SH-3H]]
|-
| [[USS England (DLG-22)|USS ''England'' (CG-22)]]
|
| {{USS|Reuben James|FFG-57}}
|
| [[VA-196 (U.S. Navy)|Attack Squadron 196]]: [[Grumman A-6 Intruder|A-6E TRAM]]
| ——
|-
|}

The group completed a very successful deployment to the [[Persian Gulf]] in August 1994.
In January 1996, the ''Carl Vinson'' Battle Group was redesignated the ''Carl Vinson'' Task Group, and Destroyer Squadron 5 was reassigned to [[Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific]] in Hawaii on 1 February 1996.<ref name=CDG3/> The Carl Vinson Task Group successfully completed all predeployment examinations and deployed in May 1996 with USS ''Carl Vinson'', {{USS|Shiloh|CG-67|6}}, {{USS|Arkansas|CGN-41|6}}, {{USS|California|CGN-36|6}}, {{USS|Crommelin|FFG-37|6}}, {{USS|Camden|AOE-2|6}}, {{USS|Hawkbill|SSN-666|6}}, {{USS|Jefferson City}}, and [[Carrier Air Wing Fourteen]].

In June 1998 CCDG-3 deployed to the Persian Gulf. The deployment was the first on board the [[USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)|USS ''Abraham Lincoln'']]. On 20 August 1998, the group took part in [[Operation Infinite Reach]], launching [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk cruise missiles]] against the Sudanese [[Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory]]. This factory was suspected of assisting [[Osama bin Laden]] in making chemical weapons. The Battle Group also launched a second wave of Tomahawk cruise missiles against Bin Laden's terrorist training camps in Afghanistan. These cruise missile strikes were ordered by President [[Bill Clinton]] 13 days after terrorists [[1998 United States embassy bombings|bombed the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania]].<ref>{{cite web | title= BGM 109 Tomahawk cruise missiles – Tomahawk Operational Use | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/bgm-109-operation.htm | work= Military | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 7 July 2011 | access-date= 13 July 2011 | archive-date= 25 August 2021 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210825073640/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/bgm-109-operation.htm | url-status= live }}</ref> Rear Admiral Kevin Green transferred command of the group to incoming Rear Adm. Phillip Balisle on 3 December 1999, aboard the flagship ''Abraham Lincoln.''<ref>[https://seattlepi.newsbank.com/sign-up?docref=doc/news/0EB04BAC72B43743%3Fpdate%3D1999-12-03 'Cruiser-Destroyer Group 3 Gets New Commander Today.' (News)'], [[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]], 3 December 1999. {{subscription required}}</ref>

In 2002, the battle group deployed to the Persian Gulf to fly operations over [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] the group carried out combat operations against Iraqi military forces during the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]].<ref>{{cite DANFS | title = USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72) | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm | accessdate =21 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' Strike Group | url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/batgru-72.htm | work= Military | publisher= GlobalSecurity.org | date= 25 May 2009 | access-date= 21 December 2010 | archive-date= 23 June 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110623150252/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/batgru-72.htm | url-status= live }}</ref>

The ''Abraham Lincoln'' Carrier Battle Group received a [[Navy Unit Commendation]] for its support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Iraqi Freedom during the period of 1 September 2001 to 30 April 2003, completing of an overseas deployment of 290 days.<ref name=CVN72awards>{{cite DANFS | title = USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72): Unit Awards Received, with annotations | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100413202933/https://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm#_edn9 |archive-date=2010-04-13 |accessdate =21 December 2010}}</ref> The Battle Group received its second NUC as part of the [[U.S. Fifth Fleet]]'s battle/strike force, Task Force 50, during August 1998, and it received its third NUC for operations between 4 March to 1 May 2003.<ref name=CVN72awards/>

The battle group also received a [[Meritorious Unit Commendation]] (MUC) for its support of Operation Southern Watch during the period of 11 June to 11 December 1998, in which was also included its support of Operation Infinite Reach.<ref name=CVN72awards/><ref>{{cite web | title= OPNAVNOTE 1650: Master List of Unit Awards and Campaign Medals | url= http://www.usscoralsea.net/docs/opnavnote1650.pdf | publisher= [[U.S. Department of the Navy]] | date= 9 March 2001 | access-date= 13 July 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120323135151/http://www.usscoralsea.net/docs/opnavnote1650.pdf | archive-date= 23 March 2012 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref> The Battle Group received a second MUC for its operations during the period of 1 January 1999 to 10 September 2001, including OSW air combat operations.<ref name=CVN72awards/>

On 1 October 2004, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three was re-designated as Carrier Strike Group 9.<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 |access-date=9 November 2010 |quote=Aviation Command Changes, 2004 |archive-date=21 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021205213/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+year+in+review+2004.-a0135373826 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Command structure==
When deployed overseas, the strike group comes under the command of the numbered fleet in whose area it is operating (Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh Fleets). When deployed like this, the group utilizes a task force or task group designator, for example, Task Group 50.1 in the Fifth Fleet area.

Group commanders since 2004 have been:
{|
| &nbsp; &nbsp; • [[Rear admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[William Douglas Crowder]] || &nbsp;
| (20 July 2004 – 7 September 2005)<ref name=NNS040729-13>{{cite web | author=Journalist Seaman Michael Cook, USN | title=Crowder Takes CCDG-3's Helm | url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14488 | number=NNS040729-13 | publisher=USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date=29 July 2004 | access-date=20 April 2009 | archive-date=13 September 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225529/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=14488 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral John W. (Bill) Goodwin ||
| (7 September 2005 – 26 March 2007)<ref name=NNS051006-13>{{cite web | title= Rear Adm. Goodwin Assumes Command of CCSG 9 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20301 | number= NNS051006-13 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 6 November 2006 | access-date= 23 December 2010 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225435/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20301 | url-status= dead }}</ref>
|-
| &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral [[Scott R. Van Buskirk]] ||
| (26 March 2007 – 9 October 2008)<ref name=NNS070327-19>{{cite web | author=Mass Communications Specialist Third Class James R. Evans, USN | title=Van Buskirk Assumes Command of ''Abraham Lincoln'' Strike Group | url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=28538 | number=NNS070327-19 | publisher=USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date=27 March 2007 | access-date=27 December 2010 | archive-date=13 September 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225723/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=28538 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral [[Scott H. Swift]] ||
| (9 October 2008 – 29 January 2009)<ref name="NNS070327-19"/>
|-
| &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral [[Mark D. Guadagnini]]||
| (29 January 2009 – 13 May 2011)<ref name=NNS081010-14>{{cite web | author=Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Ahron Arendes, USN | title= CCSG-9 Holds Change of Command | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40257 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212235310/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40257 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | number=NNS081010-14 | publisher=USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 10 October 2010 | access-date=27 December 2010}}</ref> ||
|-
| &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral Troy M. (Mike) Shoemaker ||
| (13 May 2011 –  October 2012)<ref name=NNS110513-28>{{cite web | title= ''Lincoln'' Strike Group Changes Command | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=60365 | number= NNS110513-28 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 13 May 2011 | access-date= 25 May 2011 | archive-date= 5 August 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110805021245/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=60365 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name=HallBio>{{cite web | title= Rear Admiral Patrick D. Hall | url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=606 | work= Official Biography | publisher= U.S. Navy | date= 5 December 2012 | access-date= 9 January 2012 | archive-date= 19 April 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120419135050/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=606 | url-status= dead }}</ref>
|-
| &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral Patrick D. Hall ||
| (October 2012 –  August 2014)<ref name=HallBio/><ref name=CVN76history2014>{{cite web | title= 2014 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn76history.htm | work= USS Ronald Reagan CVN-76 | publisher= USCarriers.net | date= 19 March 2014 | access-date= 20 March 2014 | archive-date= 12 September 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120912012918/http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn76history.htm | url-status= live }}</ref>
|-
| &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral Patrick A. Piercey ||
| (August 2014 – August 2015)<ref name=CVN76history2014/>
|-
| &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral [[Lisa M. Franchetti]] ||
| (August 2015 – June 2016)<ref name=CVN76history2014/>
|-
| &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral James S. Bynum ||
| (June 2016 – June 2017)<ref name=CVN76history2014/>
|-
| &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral [[Stephen T. Koehler]] ||
| (June 2017 – June 2018)<ref name=June2018>{{Cite web|title=USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4493791/uss-theodore-roosevelt-cvn-71|access-date=2020-10-14|website=DVIDS|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|&nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral [[Daniel W. Dwyer]]
|
|(June 2018 – June 2019)<ref name=June2018/><ref name=June2019>{{Cite web|last=Affairs|first=USS Theodore Roosevelt Public|title=Carrier Strike Group 9 welcomes new commander|url=https://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/110776|access-date=2020-09-15|website=www.cpf.navy.mil|language=en-US|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020074523/https://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/110776|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|&nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral [[Stuart P. Baker]]
|
|(June 2019 – June 2020)<ref name=June2019/><ref name="dvidshub.net">{{Cite web|title=Carrier Strike Group 9 Holds Change of Command While Underway|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/371733/carrier-strike-group-9-holds-change-command-while-underway|access-date=2020-09-15|website=DVIDS|language=en|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809154707/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/371733/carrier-strike-group-9-holds-change-command-while-underway|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|&nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral Douglas C. Verissimo
|
|(June 2020 – July 2021)<ref name="dvidshub.net"/>
|-
|&nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral [[Robert Chadwick II|Robert B. Chadwick II]]
|
|(July 2021 – June 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2516441/flag-officer-assignments/|title=Flag Officer Assignments|website=U.S. Department of Defense|access-date=10 July 2021|archive-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629123813/https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2516441/flag-officer-assignments/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/Detailing/Flag/July%202021%20Roster%20(Public).pdf?ver=Uo9Pv4FbsCXUs97H0t5s8g%3d%3d|title=Navy July 2021 Roster (Public)|access-date=2021-07-10|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182322/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Career/Detailing/Flag/July%202021%20Roster%20(Public).pdf?ver=Uo9Pv4FbsCXUs97H0t5s8g%3d%3d|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|&nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral [[Christopher D. Alexander]]
|
|(June 2023 – June 2025)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/446149/carrier-strike-group-9-holds-change-command|title=Carrier Strike Group 9 holds change of command|date=2023-06-02|website=DVIDS|access-date=4 June 2023|archive-date=4 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604114107/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/446149/carrier-strike-group-9-holds-change-command|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|&nbsp; &nbsp; • Rear Admiral [[Wilson Marks]]
|
|(June 2025 – present)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/500618/carrier-strike-group-9-holds-change-command|date=2025-06-13|website=DVIDS|access-date=4 June 2023|title= Carrier Strike Group 9 holds change of command}}</ref>
|}

==Operational history==

===2004–2009 operations===
{{main|Carrier Strike Group Nine 2004–2009 operations}}
Between 2004 and 2009, the strike group completed three Western Pacific deployments in support of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]], the [[War in Iraq]], and the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]], as well as providing support for regional [[Maritime Security Operations]].  Additionally, the group also participated in such major military exercises as [[RSOI/Foal Eagle 2006]], [[Valiant Shield]], and [[RIMPAC]] 2006, as well as [[Operation Unified Assistance]], the U.S. military response to the aftermath of the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]]. In recognition of its disaster-relief mission to [[Indonesia]], the group received the [[Humanitarian Service Medal]].<ref name=DANFSawards/>
[[File:US Navy 050111-N-6817C-134 Sailors stand-by to load jugs of purified water into an approaching SH-60B Seahawk on the flight deck aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).jpg|thumb|right|Operation Unified Assistance (11 January 2005)]]
[[File:US Navy 060618-N-8492C-221 The Kitty Hawk, Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike groups sail in formation.jpg|thumb|right|Valiant Shield 2006]]
During its 2004–2005 deployment, Carrier Strike Group 9 executed 4400 fixed-wing sorties and completed 4455 flight deck landings (traps) for a total of 7588 flight hours.  Also, the group executed 1518 rotary-wing sorties for a total of 4401 flight hours, including flying 1737 humanitarian relief missions in support of [[Operation Unified Assistance]] (''pictured'') between 26 December 2004 and 3 February 2005 following the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]].<ref>{{cite DANFS | title = USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72): 2004 Operations | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm | accessdate =9 January 2013}}; {{cite web|author=John M. Daniels |title=2004 Command History: USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2004a.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131163715/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/a/cvn-72/2004a.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 January 2012 |publisher=Naval History & Heritage Command |year=2004 |access-date=9 January 2013 }}</ref> The strike group received the [[Humanitarian Service Medal]] in recognition of its disaster relief efforts during this operation.<ref name=DANFSawards/> Finally, helicopter squadron [[HSL-47]] was the first [[Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System|LAMPS]] helicopter squadron deployed in its entirety on board an aircraft carrier, with the squadron providing LAMPS detachments to the other ships within the strike group while being supported by the carrier's aviation facilities.<ref name=NAB-YIR2004-LAMPS>{{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 |access-date= 9 January 2013 |quote= LAMPS MK III Ship Deployments, 2004 |archive-date= 21 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121021205213/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+year+in+review+2004.-a0135373826 |url-status= live }}</ref>

During its 2006 deployment, the strike group participated in three major exercises, [[Foal Eagle]], [[Valiant Shield]] and [[Exercise RIMPAC]], as well as several [[PASSEX|passing exercises]] and port visits.  Carrier Air Wing Two flew 7,871 sorties, with a total of 7,578 catapult launches from the flight deck of the carrier ''Abraham Lincoln''.<ref name=DANFS2006>{{cite DANFS | title = USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' (CVN-72): 2006 Operations | url = http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm | accessdate = 9 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Joaquin Juatai, USN | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' Wraps Up Deployment 2006 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25045 | work= NNS060808-07 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 8 August 2006 | access-date= 9 January 2013 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225411/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25045 | url-status= dead }} and {{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bruce McVicar, USN | title= Naval Station Everett Celebrates Return of Ships | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25056 | work= NNS060811-07 | publisher= Naval Station Everett Public Affairs | date= 11 August 2006 | access-date= 9 January 2013 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913054026/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25056 | url-status= dead }}</ref> Also, on 15 April 2006, squadron HSL-47 helicopters and the guided-missile destroyer {{USS|Russell|DDG-59|2}} provided aid to a fishing vessel in distress while operating in the [[South China Sea]].<ref>{{cite web | author= Journalist 1st Class Michael Murdock, USN | title= HSL-47, USS ''Russell'' Assist Vessel in Distress | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=23189 | work= NNS060418-07 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 18 April 2006 | access-date= 9 January 2013 | archive-date= 13 September 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070913230334/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=23189 | url-status= dead }}</ref>

During its 2008 deployment, the strike group operated in the [[Persian Gulf]] and [[North Arabian Sea]]. It launched many sorties supporting U.S. troops in [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] and [[War in Iraq|Iraq]].  Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) flew approximately 7,100 sorties, totaling more than 22,000 flight hours, which included 2,307 combat sorties that dropped 255,963&nbsp;pounds (116,102,863.8&nbsp;kg) of ordnance.<ref name=NNS081015-01>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon C. Wilson and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geoffrey Lewis | title= USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' Returns Home After Successful Deployment to 5th, 7th Fleets | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40332 | work= NNS081015-01 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 15 October 2008 | access-date= 9 January 2013 | archive-date= 23 October 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081023150959/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40332 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name=GoNavyCVW-14Locations2008>{{cite web | title= CVW-14 (NK): Locations and Remarks | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVLocation72.html | work= Aircraft Carrier Locations: CVN-72 Abraham Lincoln | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 15 September 2010 | access-date= 30 December 2010 | archive-date= 16 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101216134639/http://gonavy.jp/CVLocation72.html | url-status= live }}</ref> Also, on 9 May, while operating with [[Combined Task Force 150]], the guided-missile destroyer {{USS|Shoup|DDG 86|2}} assisted a disabled dhow by towing it from the [[Gulf of Aden]] to [[Mukalla]], Yemen.<ref>{{cite web | author= Lt. (j.g.) Elisabeth Erickson and Lt. (j.g.) Chris Gutierrez | title= USS ''Shoup'' Tows Disabled Dhow to Safety | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36946 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805065356/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36946 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS080508-10 | publisher= USS Shoup Public Affairs | date= 8 May 2008 | access-date=9 January 2013}}</ref>

The strike group's [[Composite Unit Training Exercise]] included Mobile Security Squadron 2 (MSRON-2), Helicopter Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (HVBSS) Team 1, a first for West Coast-based U.S. Navy ships. The Team specializes in boarding non-compliant ships at sea in the dead of night, detaining the crew if necessary, and identifying suspected terrorists or subjects of interest, using the element of surprise afforded by helicopter insertion and night vision equipment.  MSRON-2 HVBSS Team 1 was established in 2004 at [[Norfolk Naval Shipyard]] in [[Portsmouth, Virginia]], and it was the first team of its kind to reach operational status.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James R. Evans, USN | title= 'Unexpected Company' Arrives for ''Lincoln'' Strike Group's COMTUEX | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32877 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805105605/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32877 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS071029-05 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 29 October 2007 | access-date=9 January 2013}}</ref>

On 26 March 2007, Rear Admiral [[Scott R. Van Buskirk]] took command of the group, becoming only the second former nuclear submarine commanding officer to lead a carrier strike group.<ref>{{cite web | author=Mass Communications Specialist Third Class James R. Evans, USN | title=Van Buskirk Assumes Command of ''Abraham Lincoln'' Strike Group | url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=28538 | number=NNS070327-19 | publisher=USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date=27 March 2007 | access-date=9 January 2013 | archive-date=13 September 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913225723/https://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=28538 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Admiral Van Buskirk subsequently commanded the [[U.S. Seventh Fleet]] and lead U.S. naval forces during [[Operation Tomodachi]], providing assistance to Japan following the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=324 | title=Official U.S. Navy biography | publisher=U.S. Navy | date=18 November 2011 | access-date=9 January 2013 | quote=Rear Admiral Van Buskirk commanded the attack submarine {{USS|Pasadena|SSN-752}}. | archive-date=8 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908202305/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=324 | url-status=dead }} and {{cite web | url=http://www.nbr.org/research/activity.aspx?id=121 | title=Chronology of Operation Tomodachi | publisher=National Bureau of Asian Research | author=Ryan Zielonka | year=2012 | access-date=9 January 2013 | archive-date=24 December 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224135244/http://www.nbr.org/research/activity.aspx?id=121 | url-status=live }}</ref>

===2010–2011 deployment===
{{see also|Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2010|Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2011|Piracy in Somalia}}
[[File:US Navy 101123-N-4856N-180 The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group are deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet.jpg|thumb|right|Task Force 50 underway in the Gulf of Oman (23 November 2010)]]
[[File:US Navy 101210-N-1261P-050 U.S. Navy and French Navy in formation underway in the Arabian Sea.jpg|thumb|right|U.S.-French carrier force underway in the Persian Gulf (10 December 2010)]]
[[File:US Navy 110202-N-2907P-001 Suspected pirate skiffs burn from weapons fire from the guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92).jpg|thumb|right|Anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Oman (2 February 2011)]]
[[File:US Navy 110203-N-0749T-002 A rescue and assistance team from the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) assists the crew of an Iranian.jpg|thumb|right|Rescue of Iranian fishing vessel (31 January 2011)]]
On 11 September 2010, the strike group departed [[Naval Base San Diego]], for its 2010 deployment under the command of Rear Admiral Mark D. Guadagnini.<ref name=NNS100913-26>{{cite web | author=Lt. Greg D. Raelson, USN | title=Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Conducts Training During Transit West | url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=55955 | number=NNS100913-26 | publisher=Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs | date=13 September 2010 | access-date=28 December 2010 | archive-date=29 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629051739/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=55955 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= USS ''Cape St. George'', USS ''Halsey'' and Others to Deploy with ''Lincoln'' Carrier Strike Group | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cg71/Pages/CapeStGeorge-Halsey_Deploy_LincolnStrGrp.aspx | publisher= COMNAVSURFPAC Public Affairs | date= 8 September 2010 | access-date= 9 January 2011 | archive-date= 10 January 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110110032018/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cg71/Pages/CapeStGeorge-Halsey_Deploy_LincolnStrGrp.aspx | url-status= dead }}</ref> While en route, the strike group executed carrier qualifications and anti-piracy training, as well as [[anti-submarine warfare]] exercises off [[Guam]] with the attack submarine {{USS|Hawaii|SSN-776|2}}.<ref>{{cite web | author=Lt. Jacquelyn R. Bengfort, USN | title=''Lincoln'' Strike Group Trains With Silent Partner | url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56363 | number=NNS101004-03 | publisher=USS Shoup Public Affairs | date=4 October 2010 | access-date=28 December 2010 | archive-date=10 October 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101010065734/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56363 | url-status=dead }}</ref> On 25 September 2010, the strike group enter the [[U.S. Seventh Fleet]] area of responsibility.<ref>{{cite web | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' Carrier Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet AOR | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56199 | number= NNS100925-03 | publisher= Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 25 September 2010 | access-date= 28 December 2010 | archive-date= 23 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101223111738/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56199 | url-status= dead }}</ref> On 8 October 2010, the strike group paid its first foreign port call at [[Port Klang|Port Klang, Malaysia]], which was followed by a multi-unit ASW exercises held on 23 October.<ref name=NNS101008-04>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg, USN | title= Carrier Strike Group 9 Units Arrive in Malaysia | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56454 | number= NNS101008-04 | publisher= Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 8 October 2010 | access-date= 28 December 2010 | archive-date= 20 January 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110120195330/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56454 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg, USN | title= Lincoln Strike Group Conducts Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56881 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805084127/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56881 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | number=NNS101029-11 |publisher=Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs  | date= 29 October 2010 | access-date=28 December 2010}}</ref>

On 17 October 2010, the strike group arrived in the [[U.S. Fifth Fleet]] area, joining [[Carrier Strike Group Ten]] as part of Task Force 50 (''pictured'').<ref name=NNS100628-06>{{cite web | title= Truman Carrier Strike Group Relieves ''Eisenhower'' | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=54336 | number= NNS100628-06 | publisher= USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs | date= 28 June 2010 | access-date= 28 February 2011 | archive-date= 29 June 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629063853/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=54336 | url-status= dead }}</ref> For long-range air combat missions over Afghanistan, [[U.S. Air Force]] [[KC-135]] and [[KC-10]]s provided aerial tanker support.<ref>{{cite web | author=Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerine Lee, USN | title=Navy, Air Force Aircraft Cooperate in OEF Support | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57981 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120806001258/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57981 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 6 August 2012 | number=NNS110113-02 | publisher=USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) Public Affairs | date= 13 January 2011 | access-date=13 January 2011}}</ref> The [[Task Force 473|French carrier task group]] led by the [[French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91)|''Charles de Gaulle'']] joined the strike group operating in the Persian Gulf (''pictured'').{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} On 18 November 2010, the carrier ''Abraham Lincoln'' hosted seven ambassadors during a port visit to [[Manama]], Bahrain, and on 6 December 2010, [[United States Secretary of Defense|U.S. Secretary of Defense]] [[Robert M. Gates]] visited the ''Abraham Lincoln'' while operating in the [[Arabian Sea]].<ref>{{cite web | title= ''Lincoln'' Hosts Ambassadors During Bahrain Port Visit | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57471 | number= NNS101201-07 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 2 December 2010 | access-date= 29 December 2010 }} and {{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Morales, USN | title= SECDEF Visits USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' in Arabian Sea | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57572 | number= NNS101206-20 | publisher= Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 6 December 2010 | access-date= 28 December 2010 | archive-date= 11 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101211204602/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57572 | url-status= dead }}</ref> A total of 999 [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]]-related sorties and 76 [[Iraq War|Operation New Dawn]]-related sorties were flown during the 2010–2011 Western Pacific deployment. On 28 December, with the carrier strike group operating in the Arabian Sea, Carrier Air Wing Two flew its 1000th sortie, amassing thus far a total of more than 5,884&nbsp;hours flown supporting Afghanistan operations during this Western Pacific deployment.<ref name=NNS110101-01>{{cite web | author=Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg, USM | title= USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' Launches 1,000th Sortie in Support of OEF | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57922 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212034312/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57922 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | number=NNS110101-01 |work=Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 1 January 2011 | access-date=1 January 2011}}</ref> Carrier Strike Group Nine completed its final air operations over Afghanistan on 3 February 2011. Since 20 October 2010, Carrier Air Wing Two has launched more than 1,800 combat sorties in excess of 10,000 flight hours with a 100 percent completion rate for Afghanistan related missions.<ref>{{cite web | author=Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Spencer Mickler, USN | title=''Lincoln'' Flies Final Flight in Support of OEF | url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58575 | number=NNS110212-03 | publisher=USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) Public Affairs | date=12 February 2011 | access-date=11 February 2011 | archive-date=29 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629051706/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58575 | url-status=dead }}</ref> On 10 February 2011, Carrier Strike Group Nine completed its 45th day of at-sea operations, with Carrier Air Wing Two having launched over 7,000 sorties including nearly 2,000 directly supporting ground combat troops.<ref>{{cite web | author=Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lauren Howes, USN | title=''Lincoln'' Sails Through 45th Consecutive Day at Sea | url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58526 | number=NNS110211-15 | publisher=USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) Public Affairs | date=11 February 2011 | access-date=11 February 2011 | archive-date=29 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629051723/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58526 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Aircraft from Carrier Strike Group Nine also participated in joint aerial combat training exercises with the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] on 14 February 2011.<ref name=NNS110216-02>{{cite web | title= U.S., Malaysian Forces Conduct Joint Aviation Exercise | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58615 | number= NNS110216-02 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public affairs | date= 16 February 2011 | access-date= 23 February 2011 | archive-date= 20 March 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110320191501/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58615 | url-status= dead }}</ref> On 22 February 2011, the strike group flagship ''Abraham Lincoln'' hosted a [[Royal Brunei Armed Forces|Brunei military delegation]] led by Deputy Minister of Defense Dato Paduka Mustappa Sirat.<ref>{{cite web | author=Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerine Lee, USN | title=''Lincoln'' Hosts Brunei Military Leaders | url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58729 | number=NNS110222-14 | publisher=USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date=22 February 2011 | access-date=24 February 2011 | archive-date=24 February 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224065015/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58729 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Surface warships of Carrier Strike Group participated in [[maritime security operations]] during the group's 2010–2011 deployment with the U.S. Fifth Fleet.  The guided-missile destroyer ''Halsey'' was assigned to counter-piracy operations in and around the [[Gulf of Aden]], [[Arabian Sea]], Indian Ocean, and [[Red Sea]]; and ''Momsen'' operated with Combined Task Force 152 in the [[Persian Gulf]].<ref>{{cite web | title= Navy Destroyers Join ''Abraham Lincoln'' Strike Group | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57411 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805061320/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57411 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | number=NNS101125-12 |publisher=Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs  | date= 25 November 2010 | access-date=28 December 2010}}</ref> On 5 December 2010, the ''Halsey'' and the [[French frigate Tourville (D 610)|French frigate ''Tourville'']] participated in a bi-lateral naval gunnery exercise in the [[Arabian Sea]] to enhance coalition maritime forces training and coordination.<ref name=NNS101214-01>{{cite web | title= US, French Warships Conduct Surface Warfare Exercise in Arabian Sea | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57731 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212213006/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=57731 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | number=NNS101214-01 |publisher=Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 14 December 2001 | access-date=28 December 2010}}</ref>

On 18 January 2011, a sailor from the guided-missile destroyer ''Halsey'' was reported overboard in the [[Gulf of Oman]], initiating a search-and-rescue mission involving helicopters from the ''Halsey'', the fast combat support ship {{USNS|Rainier|T-AOE-7|6}}, and the British guided-missile frigate {{HMS|Cumberland|F85|2}}, as well as land-based [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3]] maritime patrol aircraft and [[FA-18]] strike fighters from [[Carrier Air Wing Two]] based on the carrier ''Abraham Lincoln''. On 19 January, the body of the missing sailor was recovered 75 miles (120.7&nbsp;km) east of [[Fujairah]], United Arab Emirates, and was identified as Petty Officer Dominique Cruz, 26, of [[Panama City, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web | title= USS ''Halsey'' Sailor Missing at Sea | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58080 | number= NNS110118-08 | publisher= U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs | date= 18 January 2011 | access-date= 8 March 2011 | archive-date= 22 February 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110222114245/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58080 | url-status= dead }}; {{cite web | title= US troops killed in Afghanistan and Africa | url= https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/02/11/general-us-afghan-us-toll-capsules-january_8304029.html | work= Forbes | date= 11 February 2011 | access-date= 8 March 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}; and {{cite web | title= Navy recovers body of missing USS Halsey sailor | url= http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/navy-recovers-body-of-missing-uss-halsey-sailor-1.132283 | work= Home/News/Middle East | publisher= [[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] | date= 19 January 2011 | access-date= 10 March 2011 | archive-date= 23 February 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110223180436/http://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/navy-recovers-body-of-missing-uss-halsey-sailor-1.132283 | url-status= live }}</ref>

On 31 January 2011, the cruiser ''Cape St. George'' responded to a distress call from a sinking Iranian [[dhow]] by dispatching a rescue team via a [[RHIB|rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB)]] (''pictured''). The U.S. naval team attempted to repair the dhow's dewatering pumps, but they were unable to stop the flooding. The Iranian fishermen were brought aboard the ''Cape St. George'', where they were examined by the medical staff before being transferred to an Iranian customs vessel.<ref>{{cite web | title= ''Cape St. George'' Assists Iranian Mariners | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58328 | number= NNS110202-04 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs Office | date= 2 February 2011 | access-date= 3 January 2011 | archive-date= 29 June 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629064917/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58328 | url-status= dead }}</ref>

On 2 February 2011, the destroyer ''Momsen'', with the cruiser {{USS|Bunker Hill|CG-52|2}}, responded to a distress call from the Panamanian-flag merchant vessel ''Duqm'' in the [[Gulf of Oman]]. Both ships disrupted a pirate attack on the ''Duqm'', tracked the two pirate skiffs back to their mothership, and destroyed the two skiffs to prevent their use in future pirate attacks (''pictured'').<ref>{{cite web | title= ''Momsen'' and ''Bunker Hill'' Disrupt Pirate Attack | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58387 | number= NNS110204-09 | publisher= COMUSNAVCENT Public Affairs | date= 4 February 2011 | access-date= 8 March 2011 | archive-date= 7 February 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110207060141/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58387 | url-status= dead }}</ref>

Following its rotation with the Fifth Fleet and the Seventh Fleet, the carrier ''Abraham Lincoln'', with the destroyers ''Momsen'' and ''Shoup'', arrived at [[Naval Air Station San Diego]], California, on 19 March, and subsequently to their homeport of Everett, Washington, on 24 March 2011.<ref name=NNS110315-14>{{cite web | author=Lt. Greg D. Raelson, USN | title=Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to Arrive in San Diego | url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59101 | number=NNS110315-14 | publisher=Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs | access-date=19 March 2011 | archive-date=18 March 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318110258/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59101 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=NNS110322-03>{{cite web | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' Set to Return to Homeport | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59227 | number= NNS110322-03 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 22 March 2011 | access-date= 28 June 2011 | archive-date= 28 April 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120428134559/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59227 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author= Gale Fiege | title= USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' sets sail for homeport | url= http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110317/NEWS01/703179951 | publisher= [[The Herald (Everett)|The Herald]] | date= 17 March 2011 | access-date= 19 March 2011 | archive-date= 20 March 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110320025706/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110317/NEWS01/703179951 | url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Tom Roebuck | title=USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' Finishes Six-Month Deployment, Returns to Coronado | url=http://imperialbeach.patch.com/articles/uss-abraham-lincoln-finishes-six-month-deployment-to-afghanistan-returns-to-coronado | work=News | publisher=[[Imperial Beach, California|Imperial Beach Patch, California]] | date=19 March 2011 | access-date=19 March 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818114209/http://imperialbeach.patch.com/articles/uss-abraham-lincoln-finishes-six-month-deployment-to-afghanistan-returns-to-coronado | archive-date=18 August 2011 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=SanDiegoUnionTribune>{{cite news | title= Carrier ''Lincoln'' arrives in San Diego | url= http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/19/carrier-lincoln-arrives-san-diego-load-crew/ | work= [[San Diego Union-Tribune]] | date= 19 March 2011 | access-date= 19 March 2011 | archive-date= 22 March 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110322032944/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/19/carrier-lincoln-arrives-san-diego-load-crew/ | url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= USS ''Lincoln'' returns to Everett home port | url= http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014590089_apwausslincoln1stld.html  |work=[[Seattle Times]]| date= 24 March 2011 | access-date=24 March 2011}}</ref> The destroyer ''Halsey'' arrived at San Diego on 14 March 2011.<ref>{{cite web | title= Destroyer USS ''Halsey'' Returns To SD | url= http://www.10news.com/news/27187772/detail.html | work= San Diego News | publisher= [[KGTV]] | date= 14 March 2011 | access-date= 19 March 2011 | archive-date= 4 April 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120404052949/http://www.10news.com/news/27187772/detail.html | url-status= live }}</ref> Squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 2 also returned to their bases on 18 March.<ref name=SanDiegoUnionTribune/><ref name=Light>{{cite web | title= USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' air squadrons due home Saturday | url= http://www.lajollalight.com/2011/03/15/uss-abraham-lincoln-air-squadrons-due-home-saturday/ | work= City News Service | publisher= La Jolla Light | date= 15 March 2011 | access-date= 19 March 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111006234614/http://www.lajollalight.com/2011/03/15/uss-abraham-lincoln-air-squadrons-due-home-saturday/ | archive-date= 6 October 2011 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref>

During its 2010–2011 deployment, [[Carrier Air Wing Two]] flew more than 8,300 sorties and completed more than 23,500 flying hours, of which more than 3,600 sorties and almost 11,000 hours were flown in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces in [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]].<ref name=NNS110315-14/><ref name=NNS110322-03/><ref name=NNS110311-01>{{cite web | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' Arrives at Pearl Harbor | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59024 | number= NNS110311-01 | publisher= Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs | date= 11 March 2011 | access-date= 28 June 2011 | archive-date= 6 May 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110506030058/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59024 | url-status= dead }}</ref> Carrier Strike Group Nine conducted military exercises with France, Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.<ref name=NNS110315-14/> Strike group warships {{USS|Cape St. George||2}}, {{USS|Sterett|DDG-104|2}}, {{USS|Halsey|DDG-97|2}}, {{USS|Momsen|DDG-92|2}}, and {{USS|Shoup|DDG 86|2}} assisted mariners in distress and provided humanitarian assistance to more than 10 vessels.<ref name=NNS110315-14/> Finally, [[HSM-77 Saberhawks|Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron (HSM-77)]] was named as a top U.S. Navy helicopter squadron based on the U.S. west coast, earning a [[Battle Effectiveness Award|Battle "E" award]].<ref name=NNS110315-14/><ref name=Light/>
;2010–2011 deployment force composition<ref name=NNS100913-26/><ref name=NNS110315-14/><ref name=NNS100919-03>{{cite web | author= Lt. Greg D. Raelson, USN | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' CSG Warships Participate in War Game | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56070 | number= NNS100919-03 | publisher= Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 19 September 2010 | access-date= 28 December 2010 | archive-date= 21 November 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101121083236/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=56070 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name=GoNavy2010>{{Cite web | title= CVW-2 (NE) – CVN-72 USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' – 7 September 2010 – (WestPac, North Arabian Sea) | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVW-NEf.html | work= Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 15 September 2010 | access-date= 28 December 2010 | archive-date= 16 December 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101216040335/http://gonavy.jp/CVW-NEf.html | url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=Morison2011>{{cite journal |last= Morison |first= Samuel Loring |author-link= Samuel Loring Morison |date= May 2010 |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 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2011-05 |access-date= 9 May 2011 |quote= Registration required. |archive-date= 15 May 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110515005839/http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2011-05 |url-status= live }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! colspan="1" width="25%" align="center" | CARSTRKGRU 9 Warships
! colspan="1" width="1%" align="center" |
! colspan="2" align="center" | Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) squadrons embarked aboard flagship {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72}}
|-
| [[USS Cape St. George|USS ''Cape St. George'' (CG-71)]]
|
| [[VFA-151|Strike Fighter Squadron 151 (VFA-151):]] 10 [[FA-18|F/A-18C]]
| [[VAW-116|Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW-116):]] 4 [[E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C]]
|-
| {{USS|Sterett|DDG-104}}
|
| [[VFA-137|Strike Fighter Squadron 137 (VFA-137):]] 12 [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18E]]
| [[HSC-12|Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC-12):]] 8 [[H-60|MH-60S]]
|-
| {{USS|Halsey|DDG-97}}
|
| [[VFA-34|Strike Fighter Squadron 34 (VFA-34):]] 12 F/A-18C(N)
| [[VRC-30|Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30), Det. 2:]] 2 [[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2A]]
|-
| {{USS|Momsen|DDG-92}}
|
| [[VFA-2|Strike Fighter Squadron 2 (VFA-2):]]: 12 F/A-18F
| [[HSM-77|Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron 77 (HSM-77), Det. 7:]] 8 SH-60B
|-
| {{USNS|Rainier|T-AOE-7}}
|
| [[VAQ-131|Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 131 (VAQ-131):]] 5 [[EA-6B Prowler|EA-6B]]
| ——
|-
|}
;2010–2011 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 Nine
| ——
| ——
| [[Port Klang|Port Klang, Malaysia]]
| 8 October 2010
|<ref name=NNS101008-04/>
|-
! 2nd:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group Nine
| ——
| ——
| [[Hidd]], Bahrain
| 18 November 2010
|<ref name=CVN72History2010>{{cite web | title= 2010 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn72history.htm | work= USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 | publisher= USCarrier.com | date= 16 February 2011 | access-date= 9 March 2011 | archive-date= 17 January 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130117082804/http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn72history.htm | url-status= live }}</ref>
|-
! 3rd:
| 5 December 2010
| {{USS|Halsey|DDG-97}}
| Gunnery exercise (GUNEX): [[French frigate Tourville (D 610)|FS ''Tourville'' (D 610)]]
| [[Arabian Sea]]
| ——
| ——
|<ref name=NNS100913-26/>
|-
! 4th:
| ——
| Carrier Strike Group Nine
| ——
| ——
| [[Dubai]], [[UAE]]
| 23–27 December 2010
|<ref name=NNS110101-01/><ref name=CVN72History2010/>
|-
! 5th:
| ——
| [[USS Cape St. George|USS ''Cape St. George'' (CG-71)]]
| ——
| ——
| [[Phuket, Thailand]]
| 13 February 2011
|<ref name=CG71History2012>{{cite web | title= 2010 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cg71history.htm | work= USS Cape St. George CG-71 | publisher= USCarrier.com | date= 18 February 2011 | access-date= 9 March 2011 | archive-date= 20 May 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110520165819/http://www.uscarriers.net/cg71history.htm | url-status= live }}</ref>
|-
! 6th:
| 14 February 2011
| [[Carrier Air Wing Two]]
| [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]
| [[South China Sea]]
| ——
| ——
|<ref name=NNS110216-02/>
|-
! 7th:
| ——
| {{USS|Shoup|DDG-86}}
| ——
| ——
| [[Perth, Western Australia]]
| 16 Febr. 2011
|<ref>{{cite news | author= Phil Hickey | title= American sailors provide bushfire relief | url= http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/american-sailors-provide-bushfire-relief/story-e6frg15c-1226006394510 | newspaper= [[PerthNow]] | date= 15 February 2011 | access-date= 9 March 2011 | archive-date= 18 February 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110218044103/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/american-sailors-provide-bushfire-relief/story-e6frg15c-1226006394510 | url-status= live }}</ref>
|-
! 8th:
| ——
| {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72}}
| ——
| ——
| Singapore
| 16 February 2011
|<ref name=NNS110311-01/><ref>{{cite web | title=USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' Arrives in Singapore | url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58617 | number=NNS110216-01 | publisher=USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date=16 February 2011 | access-date=22 February 2011 | archive-date=22 February 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222232646/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=58617 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=HawaiiNewsNow>{{cite web | title= USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' in port for Hawaii visit | url= http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=14221524 | work= [[Hawaii News Now]] | date= 10 March 2011 | access-date= 11 March 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110312012927/http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=14221524 | archive-date= 12 March 2011 | url-status= dead }}</ref>
|-
! 9th:
| ——
| {{USS|Shoup|DDG-86}}
| ——
| ——
| [[Hobart]], Tasmania
| 23 February 2011
|<ref>{{cite news | author= Blair Richards | title= US Navy Visits Hobart | url= http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/02/23/209465_tasmania-news.html | newspaper= [[The Mercury (Hobart)|The Mercury]] | date= 23 February 2011 | access-date= 9 March 2011 | archive-date= 6 July 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110706112527/http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2011/02/23/209465_tasmania-news.html | url-status= live }}</ref>
|-
! 10th:
| ——
| {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72}}
| ——
| ——
| [[Naval Station Pearl Harbor|Pearl Harbor, Hawaii]]
| 10 March 2011
|<ref name=NNS110311-01/><ref name=CVN72History2010/><ref name=HawaiiNewsNow/>
|}

===2011–2012 deployment===
{{see also|Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2011|2011–12 Strait of Hormuz dispute}}
[[File:US Navy 120105-N-JN612-069 Cmdr. Brent Gaut relieves Cmdr. Kenneth Strong as commanding officer of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 dur.jpg|thumb|right|HSM-77 squadron SH-60B helicopters (5 January 2012)]]
[[File:120119-N-YL945-045 - USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) join for a turnover of responsibility in the Arabian Sea.jpg|thumb|right|''Abraham Lincoln'' and ''John C. Stennis'' (19 January 2012)]]
[[File:120131-N-ZZ999-002 - disabled Iranian fishing dhow Sohaila 17 January 2012.jpg|thumb|right|M/V ''Sohaila'' (31 January 2012)]]
[[File:US Navy 120216-N-VO377-349 An F-A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 launches from the flight deck of t.jpg|thumb|right|Flight operations (16 February 2012)]]
[[File:120709-N-WD757-528.jpg|thumb|right|Flight operations (9 July 2012)]]
On 7 December 2011, the carrier ''Abraham Lincoln'' departed from [[Naval Station Everett]], Washington, and the cruiser ''Cape St. George'' from [[Naval Base San Diego]], California, to start their 2011-2011 deployment under the command of Rear Admiral Troy M. ("Mike") Shoemaker.<ref name=CVN72History2012>{{cite web | title= 2012 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn72history.htm | work= USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 | publisher= USCarrier.com | date= 16 February 2011 | access-date= 9 March 2011 | archive-date= 17 January 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130117082804/http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn72history.htm | url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author= Phil Stewart | title= U.S. military moves carriers, denies Iran link | url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-military-idUSTRE80A29L20120111 | work= Reuters | date= 11 January 2012 | access-date= 13 January 2012 | archive-date= 13 January 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120113044504/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/11/us-usa-iran-military-idUSTRE80A29L20120111 | url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=NNS111207-25>{{cite web | title= ''Lincoln'' Carrier Strike Group Deploys | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=64235 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20121212222443/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=64235 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 12 December 2012 | work= NNS111207-25 | publisher= Carrier Strike Group 9 Public Affairs | date= 7 December 2011 | access-date= 16 December 2011 }}</ref><ref name=SeattleTimes12082011>{{cite web | title= USS ''Lincoln'' leaves Everett for last time | url= http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2016960441_apwalincolnleaves2ndldwritethru.html | archive-url= https://archive.today/20130130080649/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2016960441_apwalincolnleaves2ndldwritethru.html | url-status= dead | archive-date= 30 January 2013 | work= [[Seattle Times]] | date= 8 December 2011 | access-date= 8 December 2011 }}</ref><ref name=Herald12082011>{{cite web | title= Farewell, ''Lincoln'' | url= http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20111207/NEWS01/712079832/1122/sports | work= Local News | publisher= [[The Herald (Everett)|The Herald.net]] | date= 8 December 2011 | access-date= 8 December 2011 | archive-date= 8 January 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120108071043/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20111207/NEWS01/712079832/1122/sports | url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=KGTV12072011>{{cite web | title= USS ''Cape St. George'' To Deploy Today | url= http://www.10news.com/news/29941047/detail.html | work= [[San Diego Union-Tribune]] | publisher= [[KGTV]] | date= 7 December 2011 | access-date=8 December 2011}}</ref> The destroyer ''Sterett''  departed San Diego on 6 December 2011 to join up with the other units of Carrier Strike Group Nine.<ref name=KGTV12072011/>

On 13 December 2011, helicopter squadron [[HSM-77]] flew from [[Naval Air Station North Island]], California, to Carrier Strike Group Nine. Squadron HSM-77 as part of Carrier Air Wing Two aboard the carrier ''Abraham Lincoln''. HSM-77 detachments Two, Three, and Five deployed earlier that month to the cruiser ''Cape St. George'' and the destroyers ''Sterret'' and USS ''Momsen'', respectively, with two helicopters per detachment. The squadron serves as the eyes and ears for the carrier strike group, providing important anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.<ref name=NNS111213-16>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Moon, USN | title= HSM-77 Deploys with CSG-9 | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=64367 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805174533/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=64367 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS111213-16 | publisher= Commander, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs | date= 13 December 2011 | access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref> Also, Squadron HSM-77 flew cross-country to return to NAS North Island following the conclusion of this deployment.<ref name=NNS111213-16/>

On 9 January 2012, Carrier Strike Groups [[Carrier Strike Group One|1]] and [[Carrier Strike Group Three|3]], rendezvoused in the North Arabian Sea, while Carrier Strike Group Nine was en route to the Arabian Sea, amid rising tension between the United States and the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]] over U.S. naval access to the [[Strait of Hormuz]].<ref name=CVN72History2012/> On 19 January 2012, Carrier Strike Group Nine entered the U.S. Fifth Fleet's area of responsibility and relieved Carrier Strike Group One (''pictured'').<ref name=CVN72History2012/><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary Welch | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' Arrives in U.S. 5th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=64854 | work= NNS120119-04 | publisher= Carrier Strike Group 9 Public Affairs | date= 19 January 2012 | access-date= 19 January 2012 | archive-date= 24 January 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120124021230/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=64854 | url-status= dead }}</ref>

On 22 January 2012, the group was joined by the British [[Type 23 frigate]] {{HMS|Argyll|F231|2}} and French frigate [[French frigate La Motte-Picquet (D645)|''La Motte-Picquet'']] and together this American-British-French naval flotilla transited the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf without incident.<ref name=FoxAP>{{cite web | title= Britain may up navy presence near Strait of Hormuz amid tensions | url= https://www.foxnews.com/world/britain-may-up-navy-presence-near-strait-of-hormuz-amid-tensions/ | work= Associated Press dispatch | publisher= [[Fox News Channel]] | date= 24 January 2012 | access-date= 24 January 2012 | archive-date= 25 January 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120125094635/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/01/24/britain-may-up-navy-presence-near-strait-hormuz-amid-tensions/ | url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=Blair>{{cite web | author= David Blair | title= News-World: Britain, US and France send warships through Strait of Hormuz | url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/9031392/Britain-US-and-France-send-warships-through-Strait-of-Hormuz.html | work= The Daily Telegraph | location= UK | date= 23 January 2011 | access-date= 24 January 2012 | archive-date= 24 January 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120124054908/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/9031392/Britain-US-and-France-send-warships-through-Strait-of-Hormuz.html | url-status= live }}</ref> Three weeks later, the carrier ''Abraham Lincoln'', the cruiser ''Cape St. George'', and the destroyer ''Sterett'' transited through Strait of Hormuz into the northern Arabian Sea on 14 February 2012, concluding Carrier Strike Group Nine's initial operations in the Persian Gulf. The strike group's movements were monitored by Iranian patrol boats and aircraft during its transit.<ref>{{cite news | title= Iranian patrol boats shadow US aircraft carrier as it passes through Strait of Hormuz | url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/iranian-patrol-boats-shadow-uss-aircraft-carrier-as-it-passes-through-strait-of-hormuz/2012/02/14/gIQAfvP8CR_story.html | newspaper= [[The Washington Post]] | date= 14 February 2012 | access-date= 14 January 2012 | archive-date= 15 February 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120215035046/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/iranian-patrol-boats-shadow-uss-aircraft-carrier-as-it-passes-through-strait-of-hormuz/2012/02/14/gIQAfvP8CR_story.html | url-status= dead }} and {{cite web | author= Ensign Steven Mulherin, USN | title= ''Sterett'' Completes Strait of Hormuz Transit | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65367 | work= NNS120216-01 | publisher= USS Sterett Public Affairs | date= 16 February 2012 | access-date= 19 February 2012 }}</ref> In addition to combat air support for coalition forces in Afghanistan, Carrier Strike Group Nine maintained flights operations some {{convert|30|nmi|km mi}} off the coast of Iran.<ref>{{cite magazine | author= Simon Henderson | title= Danger Zone: The carrier strike groups in the Persian Gulf are an awesome reminder of U.S. military might | url= https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/03/27/danger_zone?page=0,0 | magazine= [[Foreign Policy]] | date= 27 March 2012 | access-date= 29 March 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140111062128/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/03/27/danger_zone?page=0,0 | archive-date= 11 January 2014 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref> Also, the new British guided-missile destroyer {{HMS|Daring|D32|2}} operated with [[Carrier Strike Group One]] and Carrier Strike Group Nine in the [[Persian Gulf]] and [[North Arabian Sea]], respectively, during that ship's maiden overseas deployment.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Daring'' enjoys 'truly amazing' experience working with American carriers |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2012/March/20/120320-Daring-Carriers |work=News & Events |publisher=[[Royal Navy]] |date=20 March 2012 |access-date=23 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322235837/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2012/March/20/120320-Daring-Carriers |archive-date=22 March 2012 }} and {{cite web |author=Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher S. Johnson, USN |title=''Cape St. George'' Commanding Officer Visits HMS ''Daring'' |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=66271 |work=NNS120404-18 |publisher=USS Cape St. George Public Affairs |date=4 April 2012 |access-date=5 April 2012 }}</ref>

On 17 January 2012, the guided-missile destroyer {{USS|Momsen|DDG-92|2}} conducted a [[VBSS|boarding party]] with [[United States Navy EOD|Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 1131]] based on the aircraft carrier ''Abraham Lincoln''. The EOD team fast-roped onto ''Momsen'' from a hovering helicopter from squadron HSC-12; such training exercises helped to maintain the proficiency and qualifications for both the EOD personnel and the helicopter pilots. Following that training exercise, the EOD team also conducted training with the ''Momsen''{{'}}s 12-man boarding party team. These exercises were vital in an anti-piracy and boarding operations.<ref>{{citation | author= Ensign Claire Clancy, USN | title= ''Momsen'' Conducts Boarding Exercise | work= NNS120127-04 | publisher= USS Momsen Public Affairs | date= 27 January 2012 }}</ref>

On 31 January 2012, at 12:37pm local time, an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from HSC-12 spotted a disabled Iranian fishing dhow, the M/V ''Sohaila'', with nine crew members aboard (''pictured''). The dhow's distress call reported that ''Sohaila''{{'}}s engine had overheated, prevented the vessel from operating. A boarding team from the destroyer {{USS|John Paul Jones|DDG-53|2}} responded and they were joined by a diving team from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 1131 flown from ''Abraham Lincoln''.<ref name=NNS120131-02>{{cite web | title= ''Lincoln'' Strike Group Assists Distressed Iranian Mariners | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65082 | number= NNS120131-02 | work= Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 31 January 2012 | access-date= 31 January 2012 | archive-date= 3 February 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120203222355/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65082 | url-status= dead }}</ref> The ''Sohaila''{{'}}s engine was repaired, and after determining that the Iranian mariners had ample supplies and fuel, the U.S. boarding party departed.<ref name=NNS120131-02/>

The guided-missile destroyer ''Sterrett'' served as the flagship for the Kuwaiti-led exercise ''Stakenet'' held 5–9 February 2012 in the [[Persian Gulf]] under the operational command of Combined Task Force 152 (CTF-152), the Persian Gulf maritime security task force of the [[Combined Maritime Forces]] (CMF) multilateral naval command.<ref name=DDG104History2012>{{cite web | title= 2010 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg104history.htm | work= USS Sterett DDG 104 | publisher= USCarrier.com | date= 8 January 2012 | access-date= 23 March 2012 | archive-date= 20 December 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131220013250/http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg104history.htm | url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=Stakenet>{{cite web | title= Kuwati Navy Leads Stakenet Exercise | url= http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/02/16/kuwaiti-navy-leads-stakenet-exercise/ | publisher= Combined Maritime Forces | date= 16 February 2012 | access-date= 23 March 2012 | archive-date= 20 December 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131220131717/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/2012/02/16/kuwaiti-navy-leads-stakenet-exercise/ | url-status= live }}</ref> Warships that participated in Stakenet 2012 included the U.S. guided-missile destroyers ''Sterrett'' and {{USS|John Paul Jones|DDG-53|2}} and the coastal patrol vessels {{USS|Typhoon|PC-5|2}} and {{USS|Chinook|PC-9|2}}; the British frigate {{HMS|Argyll|F231|2}}; and the Kuwaiti fast-attack craft ''Al Nokhetna'' and ''Maskan''. Air units included U.S. Army [[Boeing AH-64 Apache|Apache attack helicopters]], U.S. Navy [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3 maritime patrol aircraft]], and U.S. Air Force [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 fighters]].<ref name=DDG104History2012/><ref name=Stakenet/>

On 16 February 2012, from the [[North Arabian Sea]], the carrier ''Abraham Lincoln'' and its embarked Carrier Air Wing Two began flying air combat missions in support of coalition ground forces in [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] (''pictured'').<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan P. Idle, USN | title= ''Lincoln'' Begins Air Missions in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65370 | work= NNS120216-03 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 16 February 2012 | access-date= 17 February 2012 | archive-date= 18 February 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120218091419/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65370 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name=NAN2012YIR>{{cite web | title= 2012 History | url= http://navalaviationnews.navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/08/05/2012-year-in-review/ | work= Naval Air News | publisher= [[OPNAV|OPNAV N88]] | date= August 2013 | access-date= 10 January 2014 | archive-date= 11 January 2014 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140111010312/http://navalaviationnews.navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/08/05/2012-year-in-review/ | url-status= dead }}</ref> To assist the strike group's combat air operations, U.S. Army ground liaison officers from the 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment served as communications links between ground forces in Afghanistan and Carrier Air Wing Two.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy D. Godbee, USN | title= Soldiers on the High Seas: Coordinating Ground Forces Aboard ''Abraham Lincoln'' | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65976 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805121710/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65976 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS120320-02 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 20 March 2012 | access-date=20 February 2012}}</ref> On 14 May 2012, during its 2012 deployment, HSM-77 Detachment Five completed its temporary operational rotation on board the [[Royal Fleet Auxiliary|British]] [[Fort Victoria class replenishment oiler|replenishment oiler]] [[RFA Fort Victoria (A387)|''Fort Victoria'']] which was serving as the [[flagship]] for [[Combined Task Force 151]].  This was the first time that a [[MH-60R]] helicopter had ever operated from a [[Royal Navy]] ship.  The detachment's helicopters primarily concentrated on anti-piracy surveillance missions during this two-week period.<ref name=NNS120608-17>{{cite web | author= Lt. j.g. Adam Arndt, USN | title= HSM-77 Deploys First MH-60R on British Ship | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=67693 | work= NNS120608-17 | publisher= Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 Public Affairs | date= 8 June 2012 | access-date= 11 June 2012 | archive-date= 26 October 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121026051354/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=67693 | url-status= dead }}</ref> 
On 1 May 2012, [[Carrier Strike Group Twelve]], led by the carrier {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|2}}, joined Carrier Strike Group Nine, becoming the second carrier strike group currently operating in the Fifth Fleet's area of responsibility.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Smith, USN | title= ''Enterprise'', CVW-1 Support Operation Enduring Freedom | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=67002 | work= NNS120506-08 | publisher= Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs | date= 6 May 2012 | access-date= 4 June 2012 | archive-date= 3 November 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103131410/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=67002 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= ''Enterprise'' joins Lincoln in waters near Iran | url= http://www.navytimes.com/news/2012/04/ap-navy-deploys-2nd-aircraft-carrier-to-gulf-040912/ | work= News | publisher= [[Navy Times]] | date= 9 April 2012 | access-date=5 June 2012}}</ref>

On 9 July 2012, Carrier Strike Group Nine concluded air combat operations in support of coalition ground forces in Afghanistan (''pictured''), having flown over 2,400 sorties in excess of 14,000 flight hours with a 100 percent completion rate during the 172 days the strike group operated in the [[U.S. Central Command]] area of responsibility.<ref name=CVN72History2012/><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tim D. Godbee, USN | title= ''Lincoln'' Concludes Operations in Support of OEF | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68299 | work= NNS120710-09 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 10 July 2012 | access-date= 20 April 2012 | archive-date= 20 July 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120720025352/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68299 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name=NNS120807-10>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tim D. Godbee, USN | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' Completes Deployment, Makes Norfolk New Home | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68870 | work= NNS120807-10 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 7 August 2012 | access-date= 7 August 2012 | archive-date= 26 August 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120826113558/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68870 | url-status= dead }}</ref> During the entire 2011–2012 deployment, aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Two flew over 11,000 sorties totaling in excess of 32,000 flight hours.<ref name=NNS120807-10/> This deployment is the final combat flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom for Carrier Strike Group Nine, Carrier Air Wing Two, and the carrier ''Abraham Lincoln.''<ref name=NAN2012YIR/> On 16 July 2012, Carrier Strike Group Nine transited the [[Suez Canal]] and entered the U.S. Sixth Fleet's area of responsibility.<ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda L. Kilpatrick, USN | title= Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Transits Suez, Enters 6th Fleet AOR | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68396 | work= NNS120716-10 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 16 July 2012 | access-date= 18 July 2012 | archive-date= 18 July 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120718023924/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68396 | url-status= dead }} and {{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher S. Johnson, USN | title= ''Cape St. George'' Transits Suez Canal, Enters 6th Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68581 | work= NNS120725-10 | publisher= USS Cape St. George Public Affairs | date= 25 July 2012 | access-date= 25 July 2012 | archive-date= 25 October 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121025235030/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68581 | url-status= dead }}</ref>

On 5 July 2012, the guided-missile destroyer ''Sterrett'' returned to [[Naval Base San Diego]], California, completing a seven-month-long deployment to the U.S. Fifth Fleet as a unit of Carrier Strike Group Nine.<ref>{{cite web | title= USS ''Sterett'' returns from Middle East mission | url= http://www.fox5sandiego.com/news/kswb-uss-sterett-returns-from-middle-east-deployment,0,151204.story | publisher= [[KSWB-TV]] | date= 5 July 2012 | access-date= 10 July 2012 }} and {{cite web | title= USS ''Sterett'' Returns to San Diego Thursday | url= http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/030021 | work= Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | publisher= U.S. Pacific Fleet | date= 3 July 2012 | access-date= 10 July 2012 | archive-date= 8 November 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131108035720/http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/030021 | url-status= dead }}</ref> On 7 August 2012, the aircraft carrier ''Abraham Lincoln'' arrived at its new homebase of [[Naval Station Norfolk]], Virginia, to start its upcoming four-year-long, mid-life [[Refueling and Complex Overhaul|overhaul]] at the [[Newport News Shipbuilding]] shipyard.<ref name=NNS120807-10/><ref>{{cite web | title= USS ''Abraham Lincoln'' arrives at new Va. homeport | url= http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2012/aug/07/uss-abraham-lincoln-arrives-at-new-va-homeport/ | work= [[Kitsup Sun]] | date= 7 August 2012 | access-date= 7 August 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140111063453/http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2012/aug/07/uss-abraham-lincoln-arrives-at-new-va-homeport/ | archive-date= 11 January 2014 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref> During its 2011–2012 deployment, the ''Abraham Lincoln'' steamed over {{convert|72000|nmi|km mi}} over 245 days underway, including 105 days in the [[Arabian Sea]] supporting [[International Security Assistance Force|coalition forces]] in [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]].<ref name=NNS120807-10/> 
;2011–2012 deployment force composition<ref name=Morison2011/><ref name=NNS111207-25/><ref name=SeattleTimes12082011/><ref name=Herald12082011/><ref name=KGTV12072011/><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 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2012-05 |access-date= 11 May 2012 |quote= Registration required. |archive-date= 3 May 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120503015430/http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2012-05 |url-status= live }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! colspan="1" width="25%" align="center" | CARSTRKGRU 9 Warships
! colspan="1" width="1%" align="center" |
! colspan="2" align="center" | [[Carrier Air Wing Two]] (CVW-2) squadrons embarked aboard flagship {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72}}
|-
| {{USS|Cape St. George|CG-71}}
|
| [[VFA-151|Strike Fighter Squadron 151 (VFA-151):]] 10 [[FA-18|F/A-18C]]
| [[VAW-116|Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW-116):]] 4 [[E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C]]
|-
| {{USS|Sterett|DDG-104}}
|
| [[VFA-137|Strike Fighter Squadron 137 (VFA-137):]] 12 [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18E]]
| [[HSC-12|Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC-12):]] 8 [[H-60|MH-60S]]
|-
| {{USS|Momsen|DDG-92}}
|
| [[VFA-34|Strike Fighter Squadron 34 (VFA-34):]] 12 F/A-18C(N)
| [[VRC-30|Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30), Det. 2:]] 2 [[Grumman C-2 Greyhound|C-2A]]
|-
| ——
|
| [[VFA-2|Strike Fighter Squadron 2 (VFA-2):]] 12 F/A-18F
| [[HSM-77|Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron 77 (HSM-77), Det. 7:]] 8 SH-60B
|-
| ——
|
| [[VAQ-131|Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 131 (VAQ-131):]] 5 [[EA-6B Prowler|EA-6B]]
| ——
|-
|}
;2011–2012 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:
| ——
| ''Abraham Lincoln'', ''Cape St. George''
| ——
| ——
| [[Laem Chabang|Laem Chabang, Thailand]]
| 6–10 January 2012
|<ref name="CG71History2012"/><ref name=CVN72History2012/><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman K. Ashley Lawrence, USN | title= ''Lincoln'' Carrier Strike Group Arrives in Thailand for Port Visit | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=64652 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805101000/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=64652 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS120106-01 | publisher= Carrier Strike Group 9 Public Affairs | date= 6 January 2012 | access-date= 6 January 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= ''Lincoln'' Concludes Thailand Port Visit | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=64689 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805074714/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=64689 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS120110-03 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 10 January 2012 | access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref>
|-
! 2nd:
| ——
| ''Sterett'', ''Momsen ''
| ——
| ——
| [[Port Klang]], Malaysia
| 6–12 January 2012
|<ref name=DDG104History2012/><ref name=DDG92History2012>{{cite web | title= 2012 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg92history.htm | work= USS Momsen DDG 93 | publisher= USCarrier.com | date= 31 January 2012 | access-date= 6 January 2012 | archive-date= 28 March 2014 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140328022734/http://www.uscarriers.net/ddg92history.htm | url-status= live }}</ref>
|-
! 3rd:
| ——
| ''Abraham Lincoln'', ''Cape St. George''
| ——
| ——
| [[Bahrain|Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain]]
| 31 January – 5 February 2012
|<ref name=CG71History2012/><ref name=CVN72History2012/><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary S. Welch, USN | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' Visits Bahrain | url= http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2012/021.html | work= Release #021-12 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 6 February 2012 | access-date= 10 February 2012 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130305065750/http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/articles/2012/021.html | archive-date= 5 March 2013 | df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary S. Welch, USN | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' Visits Bahrain | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65188 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805060817/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65188 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS120206-06 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 6 February 2012 | access-date=10 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author= Ensign Lexi Dauernheim, USN | title= ''Cape St. George'' Deck Division Gives the Ship a Facelift During Port Visit | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65295 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805071727/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65295 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS120211-05 | publisher= USS Cape St. George Public Affairs | date= 11 February 2012 | access-date=12 February 2012}}</ref>
|-
! 4th:
| 5–9 February 2012
| ''Sterett''
| Stakenet: [[Combined Maritime Forces|CTF-152]]
| [[Persian Gulf]]
| [[Hidd|Hidd, Bahrain]]
| 13 March 2012
|<ref name=DDG104History2012/><ref name=Stakenet/>
|-
! 5th:
| ——
| ''Momsen''
| ——
| ——
| [[Salalah, Oman]]
| 5 March 2012
|<ref name=DDG92History2012/>
|-
! 6th:
| ——
| ''Abraham Lincoln'', ''Cape St. George''
| ——
| ——
| [[Jebel Ali|Jebel Ali, U.A.E.]]
| 13–17 March 2012
|<ref name=CG71History2012/><ref name=CVN72History2012/><ref>{{cite web | author=  Ensign Lexi Dauernheim, USN | title= ''Cape St. George'' Completes Port Visit to Dubai | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=66108 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120805133914/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=66108 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 5 August 2012 | work= NNS120327-04 | publisher= USS Cape St. George Public Affairs | date= 27 March 2012 | access-date=28 March 2012}}</ref>
|-
! 7th:
| ——
| ''Momsen''
| ——
| ——
| [[Jebel Ali|Jebel Ali, U.A.E.]]
| 26 March 2012
|<ref name=DDG92History2012/>
|-
! 8th
| 22 April 2012
| ''Sterett''
| Arabian Shark 2012<ref group=Note>In addition to ''Sterett'', the other U.S. Navy ship was the nuclear submarine {{USS|Pittsburgh|SSN-720}}.  Royal Navy ships included the frigate {{HMS|Westminster|F237}} and a [[Trafalgar-class submarine|''Trafalgar''-class nuclear submarine]].  The Saudi Navy provided two [[Badr-class corvette|corvettes, ''Hitteen'' and ''Badr'']].  The Pakistani Navy provided the frigate [[HMS Alacrity (F174)|''Badr'']].</ref>
| [[Arabian Sea]]
| [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Yokosuka]], Japan
| 11–16 June 2012
|<ref name=DDG104History2012/>
|-
! 9th
| ——
| ''Abraham Lincoln''
| ——
| ——
| [[Hidd|Hidd, Bahrain]]
| 2–6 May 2012
|<ref name=CVN72History2012/><ref>{{cite web | title= Royal Navy duo in multinational anti-sub exercise | url= http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/TrainingAndAdventure/RoyalNavyDuoInMultinationalAntisubExercise.htm | work= News | publisher= [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] | date= 9 May 2012 | access-date= 11 May 2012 | archive-date= 11 May 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120511151339/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/TrainingAndAdventure/RoyalNavyDuoInMultinationalAntisubExercise.htm | url-status= live }}</ref>
|-
! 10th
| 3–7 June 2012
| ''Cape St. George''
| {{HMS|Daring|D32}}
| Arabian Sea
| [[Valletta, Malta]]
| 19–23 May 2012
|<ref name=CG71History2012/><ref>{{cite web | author= Ensign Lexi Dauernheim, USN | title= ''Cape St. George'', ''Daring'' Sailors Strengthen Coalition Partnership | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68134 | work= NNS120629-08 | publisher= USS Cape St. George Public Affairs | date= 29 June 2012 | access-date= 1 July 2012 | archive-date= 25 October 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121025214508/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68134 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher S. Johnson, USN | title= ''Cape St. George'' Concludes Malta Visit | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68649 | work= NNS120727-09 | publisher= USS Cape St. George Public Affairs | date= 27 July 2012 | access-date= 30 July 2012 | archive-date= 26 October 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121026002942/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68649 | url-status= dead }}</ref>
|-
! 11th
| ——
| ''Abraham Lincoln''
| ——
| ——
| [[Jebel Ali|Jebel Ali, UAE]]
| 21 June 2012
|<ref name=CVN72History2012/>
|-
! 12th:
| ——
| ''Momsen''
| ——
| ——
| [[Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam|Pearl Harbor, Hawaii]]
| 28 June 2012
|<ref name=DDG92History2012/>
|-
! 13th:
| ——
| ''Abraham Lincoln''
| ——
| ——
| [[Antalya, Turkey]]
| 17–22 July 2012
|<ref name=CVN72History2012/><ref>{{cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II, USN | title= ''Abraham Lincoln'' Visits Turkey | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68409 | work= NNS120717-11 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 17 July 2012 | access-date= 18 July 2012 | archive-date= 26 October 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121026014034/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68409 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author= Seaman Phylicia Sorenson, USN | title= ''Lincoln'' Wraps Up Port Visit to Turkey | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68545 | work= NNS120723-15 | publisher= USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs | date= 23 July 2012 | access-date= 24 July 2012 | archive-date= 26 October 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121026002739/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68545 | url-status= dead }}</ref>
|-
! 14th
| ——
| ''Abraham Lincoln''
| ——
| ——
| [[Naval Station Mayport]]
| 4 August 2012
|<ref>{{cite web | title= Carrier to stop overnight at Mayport | url= http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-08-03/story/jacksonville-journal-community-news-brief | work= [[Florida Times-Union]] | publisher= [[Morris Communications]] | date= 3 August 2012 | access-date= 5 August 2012 | archive-date= 7 November 2023 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231107202524/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/2012/08/04/jacksonville-journal-community-news-brief/15858758007/ | url-status= live }}</ref>
|-
|}

===Homeport & flagship change-over===
On 9 December 2010, the U.S. Navy announced that ''Abraham Lincoln'' will undergo its scheduled four-year [[Refueling and Complex Overhaul]] at the [[Newport News Shipbuilding]] shipyard in Virginia. The refit was scheduled to begin in 2013.<ref name=Wertheim>{{cite journal |last= Wertheim |first= Eric |author-link= Eric Wertheim |date= February 2011 |title= Combat Fleets |journal= [[U.S. Naval Institute|U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings]] |volume= 137 |issue= 2 |pages= 92 |id= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2011-02/combat-fleets |access-date= 14 March 2011 |quote= Registration required. |archive-date= 28 June 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110628193611/http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2011-02/combat-fleets |url-status= live }}</ref> On 1 August 2011, the Navy announced that the group would change station from Naval Station Everett to [[Naval Base San Diego]], effective 14 December 2012. The carrier {{USS|Ronald Reagan|CVN-76}} has been reassigned as the group flagship following the de-activation of [[Carrier Strike Group Seven]].  On 10 January 2012, ''Ronald Reagan'' sailed into Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for its 12-month, US$218 million docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) overhaul.<ref>{{cite web | title= CVN-76 ''Ronald Reagan'' | url= http://www.gonavy.jp/CVLocation.html | work= CV Locations | publisher= GoNavy.jp | date= 18 January 2012 | access-date= 19 July 2012 | archive-date= 22 February 2018 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180222113123/http://gonavy.jp/CVLocation.html | url-status= live }}</ref> ''Ronald Reagan'' completed its year-long dry-docked maintenance overhaul at the [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility]] in [[Bremerton, Washington]], and on 18 March 2013, departed for San Diego, arriving on 21 March 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.10news.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-san-diego-after-more-than-a-year-in-washington-state-032113 |title=USS ''Ronald Reagan'' returns to San Diego after more than a year in Washington state |publisher=10News.com |access-date=21 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203091730/http://www.10news.com/news/uss-ronald-reagan-returns-to-san-diego-after-more-than-a-year-in-washington-state-032113 |archive-date=3 December 2013  }}</ref>

===2013–2015 operations===
On 18 November 2013, Carrier Strike Group Nine completed its four-day Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint (FST-J) exercise. Such FST-J exercises simulate virtual at-sea training involving real-world battle scenarios while the ships of the strike group remained docked in port.  Such in-port training allowed shipboard maintenance to be done without delaying required training for upcoming deployments. This FST-J exercise also involved joint forces training in tactics and operations, with units of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force participating.<ref name=NNS131031-01>{{Cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Black, USN | title= USS ''Ronald Reagan'' Public Affairs | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77353 | work= NNS131031-01 | publisher= USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs | date= 31 October 2013 | access-date= 28 November 2013 | archive-date= 3 December 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001454/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77353 | url-status= dead }}</ref>
[[File:F-18C of VFA-34 landing on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) in March 2014.JPG|thumb|right|Tailored Ship's Training Availability (18 March 2014)]]
On 18 November 2013, Carrier Strike Group Nine completed its independent deployer certification exercise (IDCERTEX) held in the [[U.S. Third Fleet]] area of operations.  The two-phase IDCERTEX involved intermediate and advanced training for the strike group across the full spectrum of naval warfare operations.  The first phase involved such unit-level training as shipboard firefighting; man overboard drills; [[visit, board, search, and seizure]] (VBSS); and other ship-specific functions. The second phase involved integrated training between the ships and aircraft of the strike group, and it consisted of flight operations, submarine tracking, strait transit formations, replenishment-at-sea, and other required mission operations.<ref name=NNS131024-01>{{Cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bradley J. Gee, USN | title= Carrier Strike Group 9 Completes IDCERTEX | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77963 | work= NNS131024-01 | publisher= Navy Public Affairs Support Element West | date= 27 November 2013 | access-date= 28 November 2013 | archive-date= 3 December 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001743/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=77963 | url-status= dead }}</ref>

On 27 November 2013, Carrier Strike Group Nine was underway to complete its Tailored Ship's Training Assessment (TSTA) pre-deployment exercises as well as prepare for its upcoming Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) exercises. TSTA exercises are designed to prepare the carrier strike group for sustained at-sea combat operations.  This involves the strike group conducting multiple combat missions simultaneously as well as testing shipboard damage control readiness.<ref name=NNS071129-15>{{Cite web | title= Ronald Reagan and CVW 14 Underway for TSTA/FEP | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=33582 | work= NNS071129-15 | publisher= USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs | date= 29 November 2013 | access-date= 16 November 2013 | archive-date= 16 December 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131216182307/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=33582 | url-status= dead }}</ref><ref name=CVN76history2013>{{cite web | title= 2013 History | url= http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn76history.htm | work= USS Ronald Reagan CVN-76 | publisher= USCarriers.net | date= 12 December 2013 | access-date= 15 December 2013 | archive-date= 12 September 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120912012918/http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn76history.htm | url-status= live }}</ref>

Between 4–12 December 2013, the USS ''Ronald Reagan'' was underway conducting routine training in the southern California operations area, and at the start of 2014, the carrier was in port and not underway.<ref name=CVN76history2013/><ref>{{cite web | title= U.S. Naval Update Map: Dec. 31, 2013 | url= http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/us-naval-update-map-dec-31-2013 | publisher= [[STRATFOR]] | date= 2 January 2014 | access-date= 6 January 2014 | quote= Registration required. | archive-date= 7 November 2023 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231107202522/https://worldview.stratfor.com/ | url-status= live }} and {{cite web | title= U.S. Naval Update Map: Dec. 31, 2013 | url= http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/us-naval-update-map-dec-31-2013 | publisher= [[STRATFOR]] | date= 2 January 2014 | access-date= 6 January 2014 | quote= Registration required. | archive-date= 7 November 2023 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231107202522/https://worldview.stratfor.com/ | url-status= live }} and {{cite web | title= U.S. Naval Update Map: Jan. 9, 2014 | url= http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/us-naval-update-map-jan-9-2014 | publisher= [[STRATFOR]] | date= 9 January 2014 | access-date= 9 January 2014 | quote= Registration required. | archive-date= 7 November 2023 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231107202522/https://worldview.stratfor.com/ | url-status= live }}</ref> Between 23 and 30 January 2014, the ''Reagan'' departed [[Naval Station San Diego]], California, for carrier qualifications prior to undertaking exercises for Carrier Strike Group Nine.  On 17 March 2014, the ''Reagan'' resumed its Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) pre-deployment training exercises (''pictured'').<ref name=CVN76history2014/>

On 17 April 2015, ''Ronald Reagan'' departed [[Naval Air Station North Island]], California,  for sea trials following the completion of its  seven-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) refit and upkeep cycle.  The ''Reagan'' subsequently completed CVW-11/FRS/TRACOM carrier qualifications (CQ) and Combat System Ship's Qualification Trials (CSSQT) before on-loading ammunition from the [[Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship|dry cargo ship]] {{USNS|Cesar Chavez|T-AKE-14}}.<ref name=CVN76history2013/>
;2013–2014 exercises and port visits
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width=99%
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Number
! colspan="4" align="center" | Exercises/Operations
! colspan="2" align="center" | Port Visits
! rowspan="2" width="5%" | Notes
|-
! align="center" | ''Duration''
! align="center" | ''U.S. Force''
! align="center" | ''Joint/Bilateral/Multilateral Partner(s)''
! align="center" | ''Operating Area''
! align="center" | ''Location''
! align="center" | ''Dates''
|-
! 1st:
| 14–18 Oct 2012
| Carrier Strike Group Nine
| FST-J: Tactical Training Group Pacific (TTGP)
| In-port
| ——
| ——
|<ref name=NNS131031-01/>
|-
! 2nd:
| 8–18 Nov 2013
| Carrier Strike Group Nine<ref group=Note>{{USS|Ronald Reagan|CVN-76}}, [[Carrier Air Wing Two]], {{USS|Lake Champlain|CG-57}}, {{USS|Wayne E. Meyer|DDG-108}}, {{USS|Kidd|DDG-100}}, {{USS|Momsen|DDG-92}}, {{USS|Pinckney|DDG-91}}, {{USS|Howard|DDG-83}}, and {{USS|Gary|FFG-51}}.</ref>
| IDCERTEX: [[U.S. Third Fleet]]
| Eastern Pacific Ocean
| ——
| ——
|<ref name=NNS131024-01/><ref>{{Cite web | author= Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul S. Coover, USN | title= Navy Special forces Test Capabilities at Sea during ''Ronald Reagan'' IDCERTEX | url= http://www.public.navy.mil/nsw/news/Pages/ReaganC.aspx | publisher= Naval Special Warfare Command | date= 15 November 2013 | access-date= 2 December 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004025/http://www.public.navy.mil/nsw/news/Pages/ReaganC.aspx | archive-date= 3 December 2013 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
! 3rd:
| 30 Oct to 15 November 2013
| Carrier Strike Group Nine
| FEP/TSTA: Afloat Training Group Pacific (ATGPAC)
| Eastern Pacific Ocean
| ——
| ——
|<ref name=NNS071129-15/><ref name=CVN76history2013/>
|-
! 5th:
| 17 March 2014
| Carrier Strike Group Nine
| TSTA: Afloat Training Group Pacific (ATGPAC)
| Eastern Pacific Ocean
| ——
| ——
|<ref name=CVN76history2014/>
|-
! 5th:
| 26 Jun – 1 August 2014
| Carrier Strike Group Nine
|[[RIMPAC]]
| Mid-Pacific
| ——
| ——
|<ref name=CVN76history2014/><ref>{{Cite web | title= USS ''Ronald Reagan'', Carrier Air Wing Two to Participate in RIMPAC | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=81750 | work= NNS140619-03 | publisher= USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs | date= 19 June 2014 | access-date= 21 June 2014 | archive-date= 22 June 2014 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140622035547/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=81750 | url-status= dead }}</ref>
|-
|}

===Unit changes===
On 14 January 2014, the U.S. Navy announced that the  ''Ronald Reagan'' will replace the {{USS|George Washington|CVN-73}} as the [[flagship]] of [[Carrier Strike Group Five]], the only forward-based carrier strike group home-ported at [[Naval Station Yokosuka|Yokosuka]], Japan, as part of the [[U.S. Seventh Fleet]].  The ''George Washington'' is scheduled to undergo its mid-life [[Refueling and Overhaul|complex refueling and overhaul]] at [[Newport News Shipbuilding]] shipyard in [[Newport News]], Virginia.<ref>{{cite web | title= Navy Aircraft Carrier Moves Underscore Pacific Rebalance Strategy | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78601 | work= NNS140114-15 | publisher= U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs | date= 14 January 2014 | access-date= 14 January 2014 | archive-date= 20 February 2017 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170220002915/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78601 | url-status= dead }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[History of the United States Navy]]
* [[List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons]]
{{clear}}

== References ==
===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 |access-date= 13 September 2014 |quote=Registration required' covers 2013–2014.}}
* {{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 February 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 |access-date=26 August 2010 |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 |access-date=29 August 2010 |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 |access-date=29 August 2010 |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 |issn= 0041-798X |url= http://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2012-05 |access-date=11 May 2012 |quote=Registration required.}}

{{DANFS| http://www.history.navy.mil/DANFS/a2/abraham_lincoln.htm}}

==External links==
* GlobalSecurity.org, [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/batgru-72.htm ''Abraham Lincoln'' Strike Group]
* Globalsecurity.org, [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/crudesgru3.htm Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three]

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

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carrier Strike Group 09}}
[[Category:Carrier Strike Groups]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2004]]
[[Category:Military units and formations in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in the United States]]