Talk:Expeditionary Strike Group 1

ESG-1 makeup

The composition of Expeditionary Strike Group 1 (ESG-1) as listed on the article is most likely presumptuous. A contemporary ESG consists of about a half-dozen amphibious and surface combatant vessels. It consists of an amphibious squadron centered around an amphibious assault ship (LHA/LHD), a light carrier hosting a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to be deployed via air assault and sea landings, capable of multi-spectrum (air-land-sea) operations and supported by two further amphibious dock ships (LSD, LPD) and a handful of surface combatants (cruisers, destroyers, frigates) and often fast attack submarines. Infinity no doubt fills the role of the LHA/LHD with her embarked Marine regimental combat team and Carrier Air Wing reinforced with a Marine Aviation Combat Element. Other ships organic to a ESG within the context of this universe would include the Orion-class assault carrier, militarized Phoenix-class colony ships, and even the Charon-class light frigate optimized for supporting forces ashore. A single ESG does not require the air defense assets provided by ten heavy cruisers which would comprise inner and outer air battle defense for carrier groups or form the nucleus of a Fleet battle force's main line. Additionally, the force depicted in the cinematic is at least a year-old by the time Cortana initiated the crisis with the Created and her Guardians. Ship squadrons, groups, and task forces never permanently retain their ships so Infinity likely has an entirely new squadron supporting her at this time within ESG-1. Helianthus — All right. Shoot!

True, I guess we can't really say what the group's composition is now. Though I'd think the Stridents would still count as part of the group. --NightHammer^{(talk)(contribs)} 18:07, 6 September 2016 (EDT)

The embarked sub-vessels likely wouldn't be a guaranteed asset for Infinity on all deployments. I would reckon that all ten of the Strident-class FFGs are sortied with Infinity only on the rare occasion, such as the initial assault on Requiem against Covenant forces. After that deployment you can't say for certain which ships remained with Infinity and those with orders elsewhere. Most things with naval forces, from strike groups all the way to the ships themselves, are almost never permanent fixtures. I did note their presence with what may have been ESG-1 in the early 2558 timeframe. Helianthus — All right. Shoot!