The strike group, commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin Lenox, includes flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, and ships from Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21.

During SUSTEX, ABECSG will execute flight operations with CVW 9’s carrier-based aircraft and undergo a myriad of integrated training evolutions that test every core warfare area including information warfare, air defense, long-range strike and surface and subsurface warfare.

“Since returning from deployment in August, the ships and squadrons of CSG-3 have trained continuously to ensure that they are ready to answer the call if needed. SUSTEX takes that training to the next level, emphasizing the integration and teamwork that gives us competitive advantage in all warfighting domains against any potential adversary,” said Lenox. “These talented Sailors stand ready to respond, compete and win across the full spectrum of competition and conflict.”

The ABECSG returned to North Island in August after a 7-month deployment in support of maritime security operations in the 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operation. The more than 5,500 Sailors assigned to CSG-3 ships and units support maritime security, maintain freedom of the seas in accordance with international law and customs, and promote regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The ABECSG includes aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9; Destroyer Squadron 21; the Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53); and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Sampson (DDG 102), USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Momsen (DDG 92) and Pre-Commissioning Unit Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123).

For more information on Carrier Strike Group Three, visit https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Carrier-Strike-Group-3/