page_title: Carrier Strike Group Seven 2007–09 operations
section_title: 2007 surge deployment
hierarchical_section_title: Carrier Strike Group Seven 2007–09 operations / 2007 surge deployment
caption_attribution_description: English: PHILIPPINE SEA (March 18, 2007) - Off the port side of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), center, JS Myoko (DDG 175), right, and JS Hamagiri (DD 155) move into position to participate in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) between the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, is deployed in support of operations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Burden (RELEASED)
context_page_description: Carrier Strike Group Seven 2007–09 operations included two deployments to the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and its embarked Carrier Air Wing Fourteen flew 2750 air sorties in support of ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan while CARSTRKGRU-7 surface warships supported theater security and maritime interdiction operation within that fleet's area of responsibility. CARSTRKGRU-7 also made a Western Pacific surge deployment in place of Carrier Strike Group Five.
  Units of Carrier Strike Group Seven, individually and together, participated in such bi-lateral exercises as RSOI/Foal Eagle 2007, Talisman Saber 2007, Malabar 2008, and Malabar 2011, as well as such multi-lateral exercises as SEACAT 2008 and RIMPAC 2010. Finally, Carrier Strike Group Seven provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support in the Typhoon Fengshen of 2008.
  The group was based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, and it typically deployed to the U.S. Seventh Fleet operating in the Western Pacific and the U.S. Fifth Fleet in the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf.
context_section_description: On 27 January 2007, Carrier Strike Group Seven (CARSTRKGRU-7) departed from San Diego for its Western Pacific (WESTPAC) surge deployment.  CARSTRKGRU-7 deployed under the U.S. Navy's Fleet Response Plan (FRP) and will operate in the western Pacific in support of U.S. commitments in the region while the flagship of the forward-based Carrier Strike Group Five flagship, the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), began its scheduled maintenance period in Yokosuka, Japan.  The FRP provided the U.S. Navy with the ability to respond to any global commitment with flexible and sustainable forces and the ability to rapidly respond to a range of situations on short notice.
  In 2007, Carrier Strike Group Seven (CARSTRKGRU-7) entered the U.S. Seventh Fleet's area of responsibility (AOR).  Admiral Charles W. Martoglio, the commander of Carrier Strike Group Seven (COMCARSTRKGRU-7), noted:
  Our friends and allies in the region can be assured of continued, robust interaction with our Navy in the form of mutual training opportunities, exchanges, and port visits. We are committed to the maintenance of peace and stability in the Pacific region.
  Between 16–18 March 2007, Carrier Strike Group Seven took part in a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in the Philippine Sea.  The goal of the exercise was for (CARSTRKGRU-7) to work with their JMSDF counterparts in such areas of mutual interest, including drills in communications, precision maneuvering, air defense tactics, and surface warfare tactics.  Ronald Reagan also conducted a fueling at sea with each of the four JMSDF ships, as well as a photo exercise (pictured) and a pass in review.  COMCARSTRKGRU-7 Admiral Martoglio noted:
  We value the close relationship with our counterparts in JMSDF as we work together to address regional issues of vital importance to both countries.  The United States Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force have a unique relationship in that we have one of the most robust bilateral exercise programs between any two countries. This PASSEX is a chance for our two navies to enhance military-to-military relationships and is designed to improve both naval forces’ capability for coordinated and bilateral operations.
  Also, to facilitate better communications, both navies participated in an officer exchange program that ensured a seamless integration of two naval forces.
  On 6 April 2007, Carrier Strike Group Seven departed the U.S. Seventh Fleet's AOR.  On 7 April 2007, the carrier Ronald Reagan concluded its three-day munitions offload to the MSC ammunition ship Flint, signifying the end of its Seventh Fleet deployment.
  On 20 April 2007, Carrier Strike Group Seven returned to its home base of Naval Air Station North Island, California, completing its WESTPAC surge deployment.  One highlight of the 2007 WESTPAC surge deployment occurred on 15 March 2007 when  Captain Richard “Rhett” Butler made his 1,000th carrier-arrested landing.  He was flying an F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115), and he caught the No. 2 arresting wire aboard the carrier Ronald Reagan at approximately 3:15 pm, local time (pictured).  Captain Butler was the commander of Carrier Air Wing Fourteen.
caption: PASSEX (18 March 2007)
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