As of mid-May 2026, the United States Navy maintained multiple carrier strike groups (CSGs) and amphibious ready groups (ARGs) in various stages of deployment, training, and transit. Several carriers concluded extended deployments, while others continued operations in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, including enforcement of a naval blockade against Iran.
Carrier Strike Group Deployments
CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR)
- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) CSG: Operating in the Arabian Sea as part of the blockade of Iran. Embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 included 25 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, 2 E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, and 3 MH-60 Seahawks. No F-35C Lightning II aircraft were reported aboard.
- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) CSG: Also operating within the CENTCOM AOR.
Returning from Deployment
- USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) CSG: Transited the Strait of Gibraltar westbound and returned to Naval Station Norfolk on May 16, 2026, after a 326-day deployment. This was the longest deployment for a U.S. aircraft carrier in over 50 years. Operations included areas in the Caribbean, eastern Mediterranean, and northern Red Sea. Carrier Strike Group 12 received the Presidential Unit Citation.
Training and Workups
- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) CSG: Conducting workup operations off the U.S. East Coast following a 15-month maintenance availability.
- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) CSG: Conducting advanced training in the Pacific Ocean under U.S. 3rd Fleet.
Transit and Homeport Changes
- USS George Washington (CVN 73) CSG: Departed Yokosuka, Japan, on May 10, escorted by USS Robert Smalls (DDG 107).
- USS Nimitz (CVN 68): Anchored at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a five-day port call. The vessel was circumnavigating South America en route to its new homeport in Norfolk, Virginia.
Over 20 U.S. Navy warships, including two CSGs, were enforcing a naval blockade of Iran.
Blockade Enforcement
- Over 20 U.S. Navy warships, including two CSGs, were enforcing a naval blockade of Iran.
- CENTCOM reported redirecting 61 commercial vessels linked to Iran and disabling at least four vessels that attempted to violate the blockade.
Amphibious Ready Groups (ARGs)
- Boxer ARG: Deployed under U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) as of May 16. The group, carrying approximately 5,000 Marines and Sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), was expected to enter the CENTCOM AOR to join the Tripoli ARG. Embarked F-35B aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122.
Routine Operations
- USS George Washington, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, and USS Theodore Roosevelt returned to their homeports after completing routine operations and training, according to separate reports.