The United States Navy

The Carrier Strike Group

More information is available on each of the types of ships shown here. To view, the information on the particular type of ship, select the ship's silhouette. This will take you to the Navy Fact File. Note: To return to this page, you will need to use your "Back" button."

First, it is important to note that there really is no real definition of a strike group. Strike groups are formed and disestablished on an as needed basis, and one may be different from another. However, they all are comprised of similar types of ships. Typically a carrier strike group might have:

a carrier – The carrier provides a wide range of options to the U.S. government from simply showing the flag to attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets. Because carriers operate in international waters, its aircraft do not need to secure landing rights on foreign soil. These ships also engage in sustained operations in support of other forces.

a guided missile cruiser – multi-mission surface combatant. Equipped with Tomahawks for long-range strike capability.

two guided missile destroyers – multi-mission suface combatants, used primarily for anti-air warfare (AAW)

an attack submarine – in a direct support role seeking out and destroying hostile surface ships and submarines

a combined ammunition, oiler, and supply ship – provides logistic support enabling the Navy's forward presence: on station, ready to respond

The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) could be employed in a variety of roles, all of which would involve the gaining and maintenance of sea control:

Protection of economic and/or military shipping.
Protection of a Marine amphibious force while enroute to, and upon arrival in, an amphibious objective area.
Establishing a naval presence in support of national interests.

Nimitz-class carrier

Ticonderoga-class
cruiser

Arleigh Burke-class
destroyer

Los Angeles-class
submarine

Supply-class
replenishment ship

	First, it is important to note that there really is no real definition of a strike group. Strike groups are formed and disestablished on an as needed basis, and one may be different from another. However, they all are comprised of similar types of ships. Typically a carrier strike group might have: a carrier – The carrier provides a wide range of options to the U.S. government from simply showing the flag to attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets. Because carriers operate in international waters, its aircraft do not need to secure landing rights on foreign soil. These ships also engage in sustained operations in support of other forces. a guided missile cruiser – multi-mission surface combatant. Equipped with Tomahawks for long-range strike capability. two guided missile destroyers – multi-mission suface combatants, used primarily for anti-air warfare (AAW) an attack submarine – in a direct support role seeking out and destroying hostile surface ships and submarines a combined ammunition, oiler, and supply ship – provides logistic support enabling the Navy's forward presence: on station, ready to respond The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) could be employed in a variety of roles, all of which would involve the gaining and maintenance of sea control: Protection of economic and/or military shipping. Protection of a Marine amphibious force while enroute to, and upon arrival in, an amphibious objective area. Establishing a naval presence in support of national interests.
Nimitz-class carrier

Ticonderoga-class cruiser

Arleigh Burke-class destroyer

Los Angeles-class submarine

Supply-class replenishment ship

Updated: 5 April 2004

Return to the Powerhouse of the Fleet page