Mason entered the U.S. fifth Fleet space of operations on Nov. 4, 2023 for a routine deployment as a part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Provider Strike Group (IKECSG). Whereas working within the Pink Sea, Mason supported maritime safety and stability within the Center East, offering assurance to maritime visitors by deterring threats to the worldwide guidelines based mostly order and freedom of navigation.
“Mason and the crew demonstrated a exceptional degree of operational assist within the Pink Sea over the previous 7 months and I’m extraordinarily pleased with all their accomplishments,” mentioned Cmdr. Justin B. Smith, commanding officer of Mason. “I’m longing for the following chapter of sixth Fleet operations as we proceed to show our proficiency and mission assist.”
Mason is deployed as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower (IKE) Provider Strike Group (CSG). IKECSG is working within the U.S. fifth and sixth Fleet areas of operations to deepen strategic relationships with allies and companions, and to assist maritime safety and stability.
The strike group is commanded by CSG-2 and comprised of flagship Dwight D. Eisenhower, Provider Air Wing (CVW) 3 with its 9 squadrons, USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 with its guided missile destroyers.
For greater than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has cast strategic relationships with our Allies and companions, leveraging a basis of shared values to protect safety and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces within the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of duty. U.S. sixth Fleet is completely assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces via the total spectrum of joint and naval operations.
