APRA HARBOR, Guam -- The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) arrived in Guam for the first time in the ship's history, Oct. 31, for their first scheduled port visit of their current deployment.
Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG), entered the 7th Fleet area of operations Oct. 23. While in Guam, Theodore Roosevelt is planning to conduct multiple community relations projects, shipboard tours and sporting events. Sailors will also have the chance to experience highlights of the area and local sights through tours organized by the ships' Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs.
"Visiting new locations and experiencing different cultures while on deployment is a great opportunity for our crew, it is often the most memorable part of one's time in the Navy and Marine Corps," said Sardiello. "We are pleased to be here, we appreciate the local community welcoming us during this port call, and we look forward to enjoying our visit to this beautiful island."
Guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Preble (DDG 88) conducted a port call to Guam at the same time. TRCSG is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance partnerships and conduct maritime security operations.
Approximately 6,000 Sailors will be in port Guam during the visit. TRCSG consists of the staff of Destroyer Squadron 23 and the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW 17), which includes Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, VFA 94, VFA 22, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73, and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.
"Guam has a long history with the U.S. Navy and is very important to what we do in the Pacific," said Rear Admiral Steve Koehler, commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine. "It is our privilege to visit and experience that history and shared culture first hand."
Theodore Roosevelt left its homeport of San Diego, Calif., Oct. 6 for a regularly-scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility.