After extensive work up and sea trials, USS Carl Vinson with a crew of almost 6,000 Sailors departed Norfolk, Va., on March 1, 1983, and embarked on an eight-month around the world cruise. CVN 70 steamed in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South China Sea, Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean en route to its new homeport of Naval Air Station Alameda, Calif. On October 28, 1983, she sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time as it entered San Francisco Bay.

In 1984 USS Carl Vinson received the highest marks ever awarded an aircraft carrier during an operational readiness examination in February. In March, the ship and crew became "San Francisco's Own" in a formal adoption ceremony. In May, the Vinson participated in RIMPAC '84, a multi-national exercise involving ships from nations which "Rim of the Pacific" including Canada, Japan, Australia, as well as the United Kingdom. On Oct. 14, it began a seven-month western Pacific deployment.

From early January 1985 to mid April, USS Carl Vinson was deployed in the Indian Ocean for 107 consecutive days at sea operations. It received its first Meritorious Unit Commendations for operations conducted from November 1984 to May 1985.

In May and June 1986, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was involved in a series of high-tempo operations that included RIMPAC '86 exercise. On Aug. 12, Carl Vinson deployed on its second western Pacific/Indian Ocean cruise and it's third deployment in all. During transit west, she became the first aircraft to operate in the Bering Sea.

After conducting extensive operations in the Indian Ocean and North Arabian Sea, the ship transited the Bering Sea once again in January 1987.

CVN 70 departed Naval Air Station Alameda for its fourth deployment on June 15, 1988, and making another challenging and successful transit of the Bering Sea. The carrier completed 82 days on station in the North Arabian Sea. While on station, the "Gold Eagle" supported the escorting of American flagged tankers in the Arabian Gulf. It returned to homeport on December 16. The ship received its second Admiral Flatley Memorial Award for aviation safety.

She departed Alameda on September 18, 1989, to participate in PACEX '89, the largest peacetime naval exercise since World War II. USS Carl Vinson conducted operations in the icy waters of the Bering Sea, including operations inside the Aleutian Islands. In the following weeks, the "Gold Eagle", leading a battle force of three carrier battle groups, conducted operations in the western Pacific Ocean and Sea of Japan, and were joined by the navies of other nations.

USS Carl Vinson departed on its fifth deployment on February 1, 1990, for the western Pacific and Indian Ocean. After returning to Alameda on July 3, the carrier steamed to Bremerton, Wash., in September to commence a complex overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard starting on Sept. 22, which would conclude on April 6, 1993.

The "Gold Eagle" started its sixth deployment on February 17, 1994, to the western Pacific and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet change of command was held on the carrier on Aug. 5 while at Pearl Harbor. CVN 70 returned to Alameda on Aug. 17, and received its third Admiral Flatley Award for aviation safety.

From August 26 to September 3, 1995, USS Carl Vinson participated in Exercise Ke Koa and the commemoration of the end of World War II in the Pacific. During the commemoration, President Bill Clinton visited the ship in Hawaii and 12 historic warplanes from World War II were launched from the flight deck. One month later, the ship returned to the San Francisco Bay area and participated in Fleet Week, '95, launching World War II aircraft, an F/A-18 Hornet and F-14 Tomcat, and an unprecedented launch and recovery of an S-3 Viking in San Francisco Bay. It received its second Meritorious Unit Commendation for the 50th Commemoration of VJ Day 1995.

February 18, 1996 During a COMPUTEX, off the coast of California, Cmdr. L. Scott Lamoreaux, the former CO of VF-2, conducted a simulated anti-ship-attack. During this maneuver he flew an F-14D of VF-11 and in one of the plane's two engines there suddenly was an engine blaze. Guided by his wingman "106", he was ordered back to the carrier. He drained off some fuel to reach the landing weight but near the carrier's starboard his F-14D detonated and he was killed. 

CVN 70 departed May 14, for its seventh deployment to the western Pacific and Arabian Gulf. The Vinson participated in Exercise Rugged Nautilus and Operations Desert Strike and Southern Watch before returning to Alameda Nov. 14. The "Gold Eagle" received its second Battle "E," its third Meritorious Unit Commendations and its fourth Admiral Flatley Award.

On January 17, 1997, USS Carl Vinson arrived at its new homeport of Bremerton, Washington. In February, the ship added another chapter in the history of naval aviation as the platform for the last carrier launches and recoveries of the A6-E intruder.

Following an intense 1998 work up period the Carl Vinson participated in RIMPAC '98. It steamed from Bremerton in early November 1998 for its eighth deployment to the western Pacific and Arabian Gulf.

When the deployment began, CVN 70 Battle Group was scheduled to make port visits in Australia before proceeding to the Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. However, because of increased tensions in the Gulf region, the ship took a more direct route there, permitting port visits to Hong Kong and Singapore. Shortly after departing Singapore, she was ordered to make best speed to the Arabian Gulf, more than 2,000 miles away, proceeded directly to their designated operating area and immediately launched a combat strike on the fourth and final day of Operation Desert Fox. On December 19, 1998, the Battle Group surface ships USS Princeton (CG 54) and USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) simultaneously launched cruise missiles, while Carrier Air Wing 11 aircraft struck a half-dozen sites in southern Iraq using precision-guided munitions in the closing wave of attacks in Operation Desert Fox. Following DF, the Battle Group settled into a combat routine supporting Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the Southern No-Fly Zone in Iraq and conducting Maritime Interception Operations. These operations included monitoring and boarding shipping entering and departing Iraq. In 1999 USS Carl Vinson maintained pressure on Iraq by launching several air strikes against selected targets located in the no-fly zone of southern Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch from January to March. During this deployment, Carrier Air Wing Eleven completed 8698 sorties and 17,398.3 flight hours with a 94.7 percent completion rate.

In July 1999 USS Carl Vinson entered Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for an 11-month Drydocked Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA). The Navy spent more than $230 million for equipment upgrades, a new local-area network (LAN), new berthings, and several quality-of-life upgrades.

USS Carl Vinson finished the overhaul period in June 2000 and began the pre-deployment phase of operations. The aircraft carrier got underway for sea trials, TSTA, FEP, and COMPTUEX in the fall, operating off the coast of southern California with Carrier Air Wing 11 and other ships in the battlegroup.

The Vinson was again underway on February 6, 2001 in the Pacific Ocean following a five-day port visit to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Prior to visiting Hawaii, the carrier and its air wing conducted sustainment training and visited San Diego following departure from its homeport on January 13th. CVN 70 has completed required predeployment training and is fully qualified to respond to any mission. The Carl Vinson BG has not received deployment orders at this time. The Battle Group continues to train and perform duties as it normally would and is prepared for any mission it may be directed to conduct.

On March 7, 2001 USS Carl Vinson completed a major hurdle when it wrapped up a grueling four-day at-sea off-loading more than 1,875 tons of ammunition. Ammunition UNREPs occur about six months prior to every aircraft carrier's western Pacific deployment. The ammunition is off-loaded from a carrier returning from underway period. Carl Vinson's mission load came from the Everett-based USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), which returned from deployment in February. CVN 70 is scheduled to depart in late July 2001. The "Gold Eagle" returned to homeport after a six-month deployment on January 19, 2002.

On September 6, the Vinson finished it's yard period. During the ship's five-month stay at PSNS several new operational systems were installed, and the ship's flight deck and catapults were completely renovated. Numerous other spaces and crew living areas were also entirely restored, drastically improving the working and living conditions for the crew. One of the biggest jobs performed during the Vinson's yard stay was the installation of the Smart Carrier System, which makes use of automated technology to monitor the carrier's damage control, jet fuel and list control systems.

September 9, CVN 70 returned to Naval Station Bremerton from almost a week of fast-paced testing and training at sea. Carl Vinson's successful completion of these Sea Trials signaled the ships anticipated return to the operational fleet.

In late September through October the aircraft carrier completed her flight deck qualifications and is believed to have taken part in some aspects of TSTA. On October 24, she departed Bremerton for what is believed to be COMPTUEX. This is a remarkable development as she was previously believed to be trailing the USS Nimitz in the IDTC. The ship is due to return to Bremerton just before Thanksgiving.

CVN 70 began its COMPTUEX in early November 2002 and completed them by the end of the month. It was scheduled to begin its JTFEX by mid-January completing them some two weeks later.

February 4, USS Carl Vinson and elements of her Battle Group were ordered to deploy to the western Pacific to act as a deterrent to North Korea following an increase in tensions between the US and the DPRK.

On February 25th the aircraft carrier arrived in Guam for a port of call where it stayed for an undetermined amount of time. In early March the U.S. Navy announced that it would head North making a port of call at Busan and would later take part in RSOI/FE 2003. This port visit was the first time in four years that a carrier made a port visit to the Republic of korea during the exercise.

In April the Vinson headed south and participated in exercise Tandem Thrust 2003, and made a port call at Guam on April 17, departing the island on April 21. From Guam it headed north and arrived at Yokosuka on May 15, where it remained until May 17, at which point it again headed for Guam. On May 19, she pulled into Guam for extensive maintenance and the reparing of the flight deck. The ship remained in Guam until June 1. After conducting operations in the Pacific for roughly 3 weeks the "Gold Eagle" pulled to Singapore on June 26 where it remained until July 1.

On July 14 the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier arrived in Fremantle, Australia, for a three-day port call and from there conducted operations in the Indian Ocean until July 30 when it entered the Banda Sea.

On August 1 USS Carl Vinson was operating in the Celebes Sea and on 4th the ship was operating in the South China Sea as it headed for a port call in Hong Kong on Aug. 6. It departed on 11th and began operating in the Sea of Japan/East Sea.

On August 27 the Carl Vinson was scheduled to make a port call at Busan but as this date coincided with the beginning of 6-party talks in Beijing between the US and North Korea the port visit was delayed until August 29. Sometime around 29th, the carrier received orders to return to Bremerton by Sept. 19 ending its extended deployment some two months earlier than originally planned. Information from the Navy was lacking, though sources and various news reports indicate that the decision was made by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. The Vinson Strike Group was to be replaced by the Nimitz CSG as the Kitty Hawk had run into difficulties which would delay the availablity of the ship in the event of a crisis. The "Gold Eagle" departed Busan on September 1. On Sept. 15, CVN 70 pulled to Naval Air Station North Island to offload the remaining air wing personnel and equipment.

September 19, USS Carl Vinson returned home after more than seven-month underway period. During the deployment, which covered 60,000 nautical miles, equivalent to two trips around the world, the aircraft from CVW-9 flew more than 10,000 sorties, offered indirect strike-planning support for Operation Iraqi Freedom, and participated in several international naval exercises, including Foal Eagle, Tandem Thrust and Ulchi Focus Lens.

In January 2004 the Vinson conducted a carrier qualifications and training with CVW 9 in Pacific Ocean.

May 14, Capt. Kevin M. Donegan relieved Capt. Richard B. Wren as commanding officer of the "Gold Eagle".

June 29, The Carl Vinson returned to homeport after CQ and trainings of the coast of southern California in preparation for it's upcoming deployment.

September 11, CVN 70 is starting the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) at the coast of southern California with Carrier Air Wing Nine.

January 13, 2005 USS Carl Vinson departed Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, to participate in a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX), the ship’s final step before leaving on its around the world cruise. The carrier is scheduled to arrive in its new homeport of Norfolk, Va., upon completion of its deployment. During JTFEX, the carrier strike group will also work closely with the 8th Air Force, based at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, to help certify the participating Air Force units for deployment.

February 3, The strike group successfully completed its 12-day Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) on Jan. 30. The Carl Vinson CSG departed San Diego on February 1.

February 21, CVN 70 pulled to Apra Harbor, Guam, for a five-day port call.

March 9, The aircraft carrier departed Singapore after a four-day port visit.

March 19, USS Carl Vinson relieved USS Harry S. Truman on station in Arabian Gulf.

May 3, At approximately 10:10 p.m. May 2, contact was lost with two U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet aircraft assigned to "Death Rattlers" VMFA-323, from CVN 70, flying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Early morning May 3rd, local time, search teams located the body of a Capt. Kelly C. Hinz from one of two missing F/A-18 aircraft. The status of Maj. John C. Spahr is unknown at this time and search efforts continue. There was no initial indication of hostile fire in the area at the time contact was lost. The incident is under investigation.

May 5, Search teams located the body of the second pilot from one of two missing U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 aircraft from USS Carl Vinson May 4. The Department of Defense announced yesterday that Marine pilot, who died May 2 from injuries is Maj. John C. Spahr. The DoD announced today that other pilot, Capt. Kelly C. Hinz, died May 2nd from injuries received when the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft he was piloting crashed in Iraq while flying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

July 4, USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group concluded operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and maritime security operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf June 30. The Nimitz CSG is scheduled to replace the "Gold Eagle" SG. Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Nine launched more than 6,500 sorties, totaling more than 20,000 flight hours, in support of OIF and MSO. CVN 70 transited the Suez Chanel on July 8.

July 31, USS Carl Vinson arrived at its new homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, after completing a six-month trip around the world. The ship's arrival accomplished the final leg of a homeport shift to Norfolk for a scheduled 36-month Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH). The ship will spend nearly two thirds of the RCOH in dry dock to accomplish planned repairs. This period will also be used to install the latest technologies in computer software, combat systems, propulsion controls and aviation support.

November 11, CVN 70 is towed from Pier 14 on board Naval Station Norfolk to the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard to begin the ship’s refueling and complex overhaul. During RCOH, it will have her nuclear fuel replenished and will be upgraded with the latest technology enabling the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to serve for another 25 years.

October 6, 2006 Capt. Walter E. Carter Jr. relieved Capt. Kevin M. Donegan as commanding officer of USS Carl Vinson during the change of command ceremony held at Fort Monroe, Va.

November 10, Northrop Grumman Corporation completed a significant milestone today on the Carl Vinson with the installation of the ship's rudders. The rudders weigh approximately 50 tons each and are used to steer the ship from right to left. During refurbishment, the rudders were inspected, cleaned, painted and re-installed on the ship.

January 7, 2007 Workers finished installation of Carl Vinson’s four new propellers at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard. The installation marks the achievement of a milestone in the work outside the ship’s hull, preparing the ship for undocking from the shipyard’s Drydock 11 to Pier 3 later this year. The propellers installed are approximately 21 feet in diameter and weigh approximately 65,000 pounds each. They are very similar in size, weight, and material to the propellers on previous ships of the Nimitz class, but the blades are shaped differently to reduce wear and erosion. The new propellers are also planned for use on the future-generation carrier class, CVN 21, and were recently installed on the newest Nimitz carrier, George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

February 21, The last major section of the mast was installed aboard USS Carl Vinson. The installation was accomplished using Northrop Grumman's massive 310-ton crane at drydock 11. Putting the last piece of the mast in place represents a final major construction milestone for topside work aboard the ship before its undocking and move to Pier 3 later this year.

March 30, The U.S. Navy announced that USS Carl Vinson will conduct a homeport change, returning to the West Coast and will likely relocate to San Diego in early 2010.

May 9, CVN 70 departed for a pierside location at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard, after completing an 18-month dry dock period.

February 14, 2008 Crew members assigned to the "Gold Eagle" began moving shipboard equipment back on board, Feb. 4, marking another milestone in the aircraft carrier's shipboard coordinated on-load and outfitting plan (SCOOP) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard in Newport News.

August 18, The Carl Vinson Sailors enjoyed their first meal served aboard the aircraft carrier after more than three years in overhaul, during a ceremonial grand opening event held in the ship’s newly refurbished aft mess deck facility.

July 1, 2009 USS Carl Vinson returned to Norfolk Naval Station after a three-day sea trials, off the coast of Virginia, completing the three-and-a-half year Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News (NGSB-NN).

July 7, Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey relieved Capt. Walter E. Carter, Jr. as CO of the Carl Vinson during the change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship.

July 12, CVN 70 launched and recovered aircraft, from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, for the first time in nearly four years. The carrier departed Norfolk on Friday for sea trials and flight deck certification.

July 28, USS Carl Vinson is currently conducting carrier qualifications (CQ) and will return in August to Newport News for Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) period. The work will last several months and include modernization of the ship's control and piping systems, replacement of the trash incinerator unit and boat and aircraft crane repairs.

December 5, The Carl Vinson returned to Norfolk Naval Station after a two-day sea trials.

December 8, The "Gold Eagle" departed again for flight deck certifications.

January 12, 2010 USS Carl Vinson departed Norfolk for its new homeport of San Diego. The carrier will circumnavigate South America and participate in exercises with naval units from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.

January 13, The Vinson was rerouted in anticipation of humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti after a magnitude-7.0 quake devastated the impoverished nation Tuesday afternoon, leveling thousands of structures and leaving an untold number trapped in the ruins.

January 15, CVN 70 arrived off the coast of Port-au-Prince for Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response (HA/DR) operations.

February 1, U.S. Southern Command has released USS Carl Vinson, USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and USNS Henson (T-AGS 63) from their duties as part of the Haiti task force. Ninetieth helicopters embarked aboard the Vinson flew more than 2,200 sorties, delivering more than 166 tons of food, 89,000 gallons of water and 38,700 lbs. of medical supplies to earthquake victims. 19 Navy, Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships will continue to support Operation Unified Response.

February 5, Cmdr. Miguel Peko relieved Cmdr. C. Wesley Bannister as CO of the "Tigertails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, during an aerial change of command ceremony.

February 6, The Carl Vinson pulled to Mayport Naval Station for a port visit.

February 26, The aircraft carrier anchored off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a scheduled port call as part of Southern Seas 2010, a major component of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Partnership of the Americas.

March 7, USS Carl Vinson along with USS Bunker Hill conducted various naval exercises with the Uruguayan navy, including maneuvering drills and military-to-military exchanges, off the coast of the South American nation. The Vinson will participate in exercise "GRINGO-GAUCHO" off the coast of Argentina March 8-10.

March 14, CVN 70 transited the Strait of Magellan on its way to Pacific Ocean and will conduct various exercises with the Chilean navy March 15-23. USS Carl Vinson also anchored off the coast of Punta Arenas for an overnight stop and to take on supplies.

March 26, The "Gold Eagle" is currently conducting joint operations with Peruvian naval and air forces as part of Southern Seas.

March 29, The aircraft carrier anchored off the coast of Callao, Peru, for a scheduled port visit.

April 12, USS Carl Vinson arrived in its new homeport of Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego after a three-month underway period in support of Operation Unified Response and Southern Seas 2010.

July 1, Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers IV relieved Vice Adm. Thomas J. Kilcline Jr. as Commander, Naval Air Forces during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Vinson.

July 13, A milestone is reached when an EA-18G "Growler" from VAQ-129, flown by Lt. Ian C. Hudson and Lt. Ben Hartman, recorded the 200,000th aircraft landing abord the USS Carl Vinson. CVN 70 is currently conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ), off the coast of southern California, after recently completed a 10-week maintenance availability.

July 24, USS Carl Vinson reached an historic milestone following the successful launch of 11 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM) and one Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM), within a seven-day period, during the Combat System's Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT).

July 28, The Vinson completed the onload of more than 1,000 tons of ammunition in two days, from USNS Shasta (T-AE 33), preparing the ship for upcoming work-up cycles. The aircraft carrier returned to home port July 30.

August 3, USS Carl Vinson is currently conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) off the West Coast.

August 16, Capt. Stephen McInerney relieved Capt. Andrew Whitson as CO of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony. The Vinson recently departed for carrier qualifications off the coast of southern California.

September 1, CVN 70 participated in a tactical manuevering exercises, off the West Coast, with the ships from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, along with USS McClusky (FFG 41) and USS Rentz (FFG 46). The aircraft carrier returned to Naval Air Station North Island Sept. 3.

October 6, The "Gold Eagle" is currently off the coast of southern California conducting preparations for INSURV later this month.

October 20, USS Carl Vinson returned to homeport after a 48-hours Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessment.

November 30, USS Carl Vinson CSG departed San Diego for a surge deployment in the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. The Carrier Strike Group One will first conduct Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), off the coast of southern California, before heading west.

January 14, 2011 The Vinson departed Busan, Republic of Korea, after a three-day port visit.

January 21, USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) participated in an Air Surface Warfare exercise in the South China Sea Jan. 19-20.

January 22, CVN 70 pulled into Port Klang, Malaysia, for a scheduled port visit to Kuala Lumpur.

February 4, An HH-60H Sea Hawk, assigned to "Red Lions" of the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15, successfully recovered uninjured Sailor in less than 20 minutes, who went overboard the Vinson at approximately 2:15 p.m. local time, while the carrier was in the Arabian Sea.

February 8, Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 launched its first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

March 26, USS Carl Vinson recently departed Jebel Ali, U.A.E., after a port visit to Dubai.

April 11, An F/A-18C assigned to "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 made an arrested landing using one engine before the Hornet became engulfed in flame. No one was injured and the cause of the incident is under investigation.

April 23, Rear Adm. Samuel Perez, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, relieved Capt. Donald Hornbeck, Commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1, from command while an investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship is conducted.

May 2, After killed in the early Monday morning hours by the U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six, at luxury compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, Osama bin Laden's body was transported by helicopter back to USS Carl Vinson where he was buried at sea around 2.10 a.m. ET.

May 15, The "Gold Eagle" anchored off the coast of Manila for a three-day visit to Republic of the Philippines. During deployment in the U.S. Central Command AoO, CVW-17 aircrews flew 1656 missions into Afghanistan and Iraq and logged 9,140 flight hours.

May 22, USS Carl Vinson CSG anchored off the coast of Hong Kong for a four-day port visit.

June 7, CVN 70 pulled into Pearl Harbor for a three-day port call and to pick up family and friends for a "Tiger Cruise."

June 15, USS Carl Vinson returned to Naval Air Station North Island after six-and-a-half month deployment.

September 9, The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier returned to San Diego after a three-day underway period off the coast of southern California.

September 12, USS Carl Vinson departed homeport for Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ).

September 16, The "Gold Eagle" departed again for Carrier Strike Group Sustainment Exercise (SUSTEX) off the West Coast.

October 8, USS Carl Vinson arrived in San Francisco to participate in city’s Fleet Week festivities.

November 11, Michigan State University and the University of North Carolina held an inaugural Quicken Loans Carrier Classic basketball game on the flight deck of CVN 70. The Carrier Classic is a celebration of Veterans Day.

November 18, Rear Adm. Thomas K. Shannon relieved Rear Adm. Samuel Perez as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Carl Vinson.

November 30, USS Carl Vinson departed Naval Air Station North Island for a scheduled deployment.

December 2, Capt. Kent D. Whalen relieved Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey as CO of the Vinson during a change-of-command ceremony in the ship’s hangar bay.

December 8, Rear Adm. Thomas K. Shannon, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, fired the CO of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134, Cmdr. Jonathan L. Jackson, due to "loss of confidence in his ability to command," following an investigation into sexual harassment allegations. Cmdr. Gregory D. Byers assumed temporary command of the "Garudas".

December 27, USS Carl Vinson CSG anchored in Victoria Harbour for a three-day port visit to Hong Kong.

January 14, 2012 Aircraft from CVW-17 launched its first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

January ?, Cmdr. Richard "Gash" Rivera relieved Cmdr. John "Booner" Boone as CO of the "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony.

January 19, An F/A-18F assigned to "Fighting Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 and two F/A-18E assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, recently landed at Sakhir Airbase to participate in the second Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), Jan. 19-21.