…I was watching on C-Span last night, I was interested in the USS Eisenhower. The huge carrier was tied up to the pier and provided a backdrop for the various speakers. From time to time, the cameras would show a view of the ship from the bow looking astern.
Near the forward part of the ship was a gangway carrying a banner that said USS EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Clearly, this is the ship’s name and designation. Around amidships, there was another gangway with a banner that said COMIKEBRATKU.
I believe that the banner you saw said COMIKEBATGRU. That stand for COMmander IKE (as in Eisenhower) BATtle GRoUp. His full title is Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight/Commander, Eisenhower Battle Group. COMIKEBATGRU A(currently RADM John B. Foley III) is the title of the Rear Admiral who is in charge of the group of cruisers, destroyers and other support ships that typically deploy with the Ike. He is the senior officer embarked on the Ike and rates his own flag and banner on the carrier.
I might have been mistaken on my original spelling. It was rather late at night. I just love the way the navy has traditions and symbols for everything.
Off the board for a few days and there goes MinkMan stealing my thunder… what with me stationed aboard the IKE and all.
Oh, and Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group EIGHT (Numerals in group designations and aircraft squadrons are spelled out in all caps for some unknown reason) is abbreviated COMCRUDESGRU EIGHT.
