The surface vessels of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG) provide vital firepower and come equipped with Sea Hawk helicopters for anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare capabilities

The USS Carl Vinson and USS Harry S. Truman Nimitz-class carriers are currently in the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, where they have been launching aircraft, according to an April 9 CENTCOM video.

The two carriers are in the Middle East "to continue promoting regional stability, deter aggression, and protect the free flow of commerce in the region," the Pentagon said April 1.

Carl Vinson's deployment comes as the Iran-backed Houthis continue their attacks in the Red Sea, and as US forces continue an "open-ended" campaign to strike Houthi military targets in Yemen that began March 15.

Carl Vinson CSG, also known as CSG 1, includes its flagship Nimitz-class nuclear powered carrier, USS Carl Vinson, as well as USS Princeton, USS Sterett and USS William P. Lawrence.

The USS Princeton is a Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser.

Known for their iconic frame and first introduced to the US Navy’s fleet in 1983, Ticonderoga class cruisers can reach top speeds of over 30 knots.

The ship carries a variety of ordnance, including the hallmark Aegis Combat System, which uses a complex array of radars and sensors to track, identify and destroy adversary targets.

Combat versatility

While her shipborne armaments are impressive, two MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters give USS Princeton additional combat versatility.

The Sea Hawk is an adapted variant of the US Army’s Black Hawk helicopter, specifically modified for naval purposes, that is best known for its advanced anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare capabilities.

The twin turboshaft engine rotorcraft can be equipped with a variety of armaments, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, a rapid airborne mine clearance system, AGM-119 Penguin missiles, and torpedoes.

The multi-mission versatility of the Sea Hawk allows its elite, three-man crew to adapt across a range of operations, from anti-surface warfare or anti-submarine warfare to naval special warfare insertion.

USS Sterett and USS William P. Laurence, Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, also come with side-by-side hangars for MH-60R Sea Hawks.

Arleigh Burke class-guided missile destroyers combine advanced surveillance and navigation with the power of the Aegis and MK-41 vertical launch systems, enabling in-theater ballistic missile defense capabilities.

State-of-the-art sensors further empower littoral warfare, including counter-mine operations.

The Flight IIA subclass comes equipped with the Kingfisher advanced sonar and surveillance system. This enables tracking and avoidance of sea mines as well as targeting for neutralization.