Carrier Strike Group

A U.S. strike group will typically include:

• One large aircraft carrier, most often Nimitz-class, with full catapult and arresting wire system, carrying 70-100 aircraft
• One or two Ticonderoga-class cruisers, which are major escort vessels with extensive capability for anti-air warfare and anti-submarine warfare. They also can conduct deep strike by launching cruise missiles, which might be fired ahead of an air attack to help in suppression of enemy air defenses
• Two or more Burke-class destroyers, which are units almost as powerful as a Ticonderoga and sharing many weapons and systems.
• One fast replenishment ship
• One or two Perry-class frigates, which are smaller, lighter escorts, not as fast as the other ships, which are useful if the replenishment ship needs to be detached yet escorted, or if an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is attached.
• Two attack submarines, usually Los Angeles-class, especially the later versions that can launch cruise missiles. These have a major anti-submarine warfare role, can carry out clandestine intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and deliver special operating forces such as U.S. Navy SEALs.