USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Dec. 15, 2025
U.S. Naval Institute Staff
December 15, 2025 1:49 PM - Updated: December 18, 2025 4:02 PM
USNI News graphicThese are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Dec. 15, 2025, based on Navy and public data. In cases in which a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.
In the Caribbean Sea USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) arrives in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dec. 1, 2025. US Navy photoElements of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group are operating in the Caribbean Sea.
The Amphibious Ready Group includes USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28), USS San Antonio (LPD-17) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Base New River.
The 22nd MEU consists of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 26 and the Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.
There are two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers operating in the Caribbean as of last week, USNI News reported.
- USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116), homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.
- USS Stockdale (DDG-106), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
Guided-missile cruisers USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and USS Gettysburg (CG-64) are also operating in the Caribbean. Lake Erie is homeported at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., and Gettysburg is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is also operating in the Caribbean Sea.Gerald R. Ford departed Saturday from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands following a port visit.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed Gerald R. Ford and its escorts to U.S. Southern Command to support the Trump administration’s ongoing counter-drug efforts, a Pentagon spokesperson said on social media, as reported by USNI News.
Carrier Strike Group 12 A sailor aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) signals to aircraft on the flight deck while underway in the Caribbean Sea, Nov. 20, 2025. US Navy photoCarrier
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
Carrier Air Wing 8
- The “Tomcatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
- The “Ragin Bulls” of VFA 37 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
- The “Golden Warriors” of VFA 87 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
- The “Black Lions” of VFA 213 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
- The “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
- The “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
- The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 40 Det. – C-2A – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
- The “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
- The “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
Air Defense Commander
- USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81), homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.
Destroyer Squadron 2
 An F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft flies over the world’s largest aircraft carrier, Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), middle, and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81), left and USS Mahan (DDG-72), in the western Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 13, 2025. US Navy photoDestroyer Squadron 2 is based in Naval Station Norfolk, Va., and embarked on Gerald R. Ford.
- USS Bainbridge (DDG-96), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.
- USS Mahan (DDG-72), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.
|
