Quote:
Originally Posted by rickusn
The inclusion of an L-class ship is a recent phenomenom.
I have not seen a CG deploy as part of an SSG.
See my list:
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Your list includes 2 CGs in SSGs, and missed one in late 04 to early 05 Caribbean and South American Narcotics deployment of the USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS DeWert (FFG 45), and USS Doyle (FFG 39). It also doesn't include the current deployment of the USS Monterey (GC 61) and USS Mahan (DDG 74) which were rotated into the NATO standing groups when the Canadian Navy was held in port this year due to Canadian domestic budget issues. They were to meet up with the USS Ashville but it went on without them when they were assigned to the Med.
Actually the L-class deployments started in May 2005 with the surge of the USS Saipan (LHA 2), USS Nicholas (FFG 47) and USS Nashville (LPD 13). It was followed in June with the surge of the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) on May 25th, 2005. Both surges are a result of the reduction of ESG forces to the region, dropping from 3 ESGs in the region throughout 2004, to two in early 2005, to only 1 by mid May 2005. Since that time, there has been at least 1 ESG with at least 1 other L class warship, with the only exception being the evacuation of Lebanon by the USS Trenton last summer.