PACIFIC OCEAN - Sailors from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group began receiving Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine while underway, April 29.

Carrier Strike Group Nine offered the vaccine to every Sailor on a voluntary basis.

"The strike group is ecstatic to have the opportunity to get vaccinated while on deployment," said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine. "Vaccination will help us remain ready to answer the nation's call and execute any mission ordered. Vaccinating this crew underway demonstrates Navy leaders' commitment to being an agile, ready, and forward force."

Vaccines are administered aboard aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) by Theodore Roosevelt's medical staff. The vaccine is also administered aboard the other ships in the strike group, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59), by shipboard medical staff.

"We are tremendously excited and grateful to have the opportunity to get vaccinated aboard TR," said Capt. Eric Anduze, Theodore Roosevelt's commanding officer. "This will make us a more effective and resilient fighting force."

The TRCSG consists of Theodore Roosevelt, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, Bunker Hill, Destroyer Squadron 23, and Russell.

Theodore Roosevelt's embarked air wing consists of the "Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, "Golden Warriors" of VFA-87, "Blue Diamonds" of VFA-146, "Black Knights" of VFA-154, "Liberty Bells" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115, "The Gray Wolves" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, "Wolf Pack" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, "Eightballers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 and "Providers" of Fleet Logistic Support Squadron (VRC) 30 Detachment 3.