Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Ford showcases a powerful naval formation built around the advanced USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) aircraft carrier.

Complemented by Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON-2), its surface combatants deliver critical offensive and defensive capabilities.

DESRON-2 includes three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers: USS Mahan (DDG-72), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81) and USS Bainbridge (DDG-96).

These state-of-the-art destroyers protect the aircraft carrier while also conducting independent strike missions to enhance operational reach and maritime security.

Multi-layered defense and offensive capability

Each Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbine engines, each producing 100,000 shaft horsepower, enabling speeds exceeding 30 knots.

With a length of roughly 509 feet and displacing 9,200 tons, they carry formidable armament.

Their Aegis Combat System, featuring AN/SPY-1D radar, can track hundreds of air and surface contacts while managing multiple simultaneous engagements.

The destroyers have 90 to 96 Mk 41 Vertical Launch System cells, firing Tomahawk cruise missiles, Standard surface-to-air missiles and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles.

These ships operate in a dispersed pattern around the carrier, providing layered defenses that complicate adversaries' attacks.

Their Maritime Strike Tomahawk missiles target moving ships while maintaining ranges over 1,000 nautical miles.

Anti-submarine warfare excellence

Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) plays another critical role in safeguarding Carrier Strike Group Ford's surface combatants.

Each destroyer is equipped with advanced sonar systems, including hull-mounted AN/SQS-53C sonar, extending detection and engagement ranges against submarines.

Each destroyer carries the AN/SQQ‑89 integrated anti‑submarine warfare system, in addition to AN/SQS‑53C hull sonar and AN/SQR‑19 towed‑array sonar.

Two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters bolster ASW operations, armed with dipping sonar, sonobuoys and Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes.

Destroyers also carry Mk 46 and Mk 54 torpedoes, launched from triple torpedo tubes for close-range engagements.

Carrier Strike Group Ford's surface combatants, commanded by Destroyer Squadron 2, consistently showcase exceptional adaptability across diverse naval missions and operations.

In addition to protecting the carrier, the destroyers conduct maritime presence operations, interdiction missions and precision strikes.

Operating independently or as part of the group, they remain integral components of US naval power.

The flexibility of Carrier Strike Group Ford's surface combatants guarantees mission success against air, surface and subsurface threats across challenging operational environments.