Our History

   
     Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 was initially activated as Carrier Division 4, an element of the U.S. Pacific Fleet on March 13, 1943. Following World War II, the command transferred to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet and became a major contributor to organizing a post-war Navy. In July 1973, Carrier Division 4 was re-designated as Commander, Carrier Group (CCG) 4 and was responsible for facilitating the Navy's transition from a traditional battle force to a modern-day carrier strike group concept that emphasized a commander's responsibility for a whole carrier strike group. 
 
     In 1984, CCG-4 began working as the primary readiness and training staff for the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In 1985, two events led to new concepts of tactical operations for carrier battle groups: when USS Yorktown (CG 48) conducted the first live missile fire that included command, control and target tracking platform different than the missile-firing ship and when USS America (CV 66) successfully conducted the first carrier flight operations in a Norwegian fjord during NATO exercise Ocean Safari 85. 
 
     From 1987 to 1989, the command continued to conduct advanced phase training operations for East Coast naval assets in preparations for deployments and exercises. On short notice in February 1991, as response to Operation Desert Shield, the command successfully certified two carriers and their air wings for deployment. During this time, the command was given the additional responsibility of conducting joint operations aimed at interdicting the flow of narcotics from South America.
 
     In October 2004, CCG-4 was re-designated as Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic (CSFTL) as the Atlantic Fleet integrated training lead tasked to enable, mentor and assess integrated tactical training in order to ensure the warfighting of East Coast naval forces. Tactical Training Group Atlantic and Expeditionary Warfare Training Group became administratively aligned under the command to enhance the training initiatives.
 
     On April 29, 2014,  CSFTL was re-designated with its current title of Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4. Today, CSG-4 trains, mentors and certifies carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, Marine expeditionary units, and independent deployers assigned to the eastern seaboard of the U.S. through composite training unit exercises and force protection exercises.