Three aircraft carriers from the US, French and Italian navies operated together in the Ionian Sea in direct of NATO security operations.
The USS Harry S. Truman nuclear aircraft carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) ed Task Force 473 on the French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R91). Subsequently, the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour (C-550) ed to further improve interoperability.
A reunion of 3️⃣ good friends at sea!
🇫🇷🇮🇹🇺🇸
When combined with national assets, #NATO Allies currently have over 200 military ships at sea, including 3 carrier strike groups providing integrated shielding of Alliance waters.@French_CSG @USSHARRYSTRUMAN @ItalianNavy pic.twitter.com/y3napk7Tpb
- NATO JFC Naples (@JFC_Naples) March 17, 2022
Elements of French, Italian and US maritime forces routinely operate together, promoting a cooperative approach to regional security and stability. This was an opportunity to bring together three strategic allies to strengthen combined capabilities with NATO and other allied countries.
Even before the integration of the Italian force, the air groups embarked from the USA and carried out missions to increase their interoperability. Dassault Rafale fighters landed and took off from the Harry S. Truman. In contrast, US Navy Super Hornets also operated from the R91.
The two combat groups have been coordinating their operations since early February.
Rafale Marine Aircraft Carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) 🤙Copyright : US NAVY #Rafale #FrenchNavy #avgeek #aircraft #Military #chasseembarquee #pilot # #aircraftcarrier pic.twitter.com/jrkn1lVAS8
— Chasse Embarquee (@ChasseEmbarquee) March 16, 2022
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“We are connected very closely with our NATO partners, who bring tremendous capability in ships and aircraft. The interoperability we build by doing these exercises ensures the maximum capability of our combined maritime forces,” said Rear iral Curt Renshaw, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8.
The convergence of three carrier strike groups enables the ability to conduct a range of tactical missions designed to maximize air defense capabilities and extend the range of long-range precision maritime strikes from carrier-based aircraft in one rapidly evolving area of operations.
“The capabilities of a US aircraft carrier strike group are exponentially stronger when operating alongside our allies and partners. The addition of the French and Italian carrier teams offers an exciting chance to demonstrate that the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts.” Renshaw said.
Recently, the US strike group participated in the NATO-led exercise Neptune Strike 22. The activity saw the practice of handing over the HSTCSG to NATO command and control, highlighting the natural evolution of NATO's ability to integrate the high-level maritime warfare capabilities of an aircraft carrier strike group to alliance defence.
The Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (C-550) and elements of its associated strike group also participated in Neptune Strike 22, strengthening its maritime partnership with the US and together as NATO.
“Cavour forms part of broader activities aimed at increasing our ability to operate within the alliance”, said a spokesman for the Italian Navy. “Taking advantage of all possible interactions to improve the level of interoperability of NATO forces is crucial for international security and stability.”
The current Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group deployment called Clemenceau 22 contributes to the defense of the Alliance's eastern flank and brings together a variety of Allied assets, including the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71).
“Operating alongside our NATO allies is the primary objective of our Clemenceau 22 deployment,” said French Rear iral Christophe Cluzel, commander of Task Force 473.
“Events like this increase our interoperability to operate together and strengthen exchanges with our NATO partners, essential for European security in this strategic area.”
