Exercise RIMPAC
During its 2006 deployment, the strike group participated in three major exercises, Foal Eagle, Valiant Shield and Exercise RIMPAC, as well as several passing exercises and port visits. Carrier Air Wing Two flew 7,871 sorties, with a total of 7,578 catapult launches from the flight deck of the carrier "Abraham Lincoln". Also, on 15 April 2006, squadron HSL-47 helicopters and the guided-missile destroyer provided aid to a fishing vessel in distress while operating in the South China Sea.