The Nimitz carrier strike group has begun performing combat missions against the Islamic State group in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. Navy announced on Monday.

The first flights launched from the Nimitz were composed of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, early warning radar planes and other support aircraft.

"For the Nimitz Strike Group, today is game day," commander of CSG-11 Rear Adm. Bill Byrne said, said in a press release.

"When you hear the roar of the jets today it is for real. It's game on. Our pilots and aircrew are demonstrating our continued commitment to this region and all of our partner nations."

In addition to strike missions against Islamic State positions in Syria and Iraq, CSG-11 will conduct routine security and freedom of navigation operations in the area.

The Nimitz is the first built of the Nimitz-class and is currently the oldest aircraft carrier in U.S. service, having been commissioned in 1975. Its strike group includes several guided-missile destroyers and cruisers, a fast-attack submarine, and support ships.

The Nimitz-class is the primary fleet carrier of the U.S. Navy.

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US gives surveillance planes to Philippines
Manila (AFP) July 27, 2017
The United States donated surveillance aircraft and began delivering weapons to the Philippines on Thursday to help its Asian ally fight Islamist militants. The two Cessna C208B planes, which together with their equipment are worth more than $30 million, will track Islamic State group-styled gunmen as well as patrol maritime borders, US ambassador Sung Kim and Philippine Defence Secretary De ... read more

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