"Neptune Strike 22" took place from 24 January to 4 February 2022. This was a NATO activity that centred on the interoperability of naval and air forces. Over 20 nations took part. The theatre of operations extended from the Mediterranean to Central Europe. Neptune Strike 22 was characterised by the temporary subordination of a US aircraft carrier battle group under NATO command.
This exercise marked the long-planned integration of command and control of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) into the NATO alliance. The operation began on 24 January from the Adriatic Sea and included sea and air operations in almost all of Europe, supported by the Allied Joint Force Command Naples as well as Brunssum. The manoeuvre, which lasted almost two weeks, demonstrated NATO's ability to deploy high-value battle groups as part of Alliance defence. The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) coordinated the co-operation involving NATO Allied Maritime Command, NATO Allied Air Command, STRIKFORNATO led from the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), the flagship of the SIXTHFLT.
The force consisted of two aircraft carriers, 15 ships and around 90 aircraft, including forces from the Harry S. Truman CSG, the Italian Navy's CAVOUR CSG, Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 and Mine Counter Measure Group 2. In total, forces and personnel from 28 NATO countries took part in Neptune Strike.
STRIKFORNATO, based in Oeiras, Portugal, is the first rapidly deployable and flexible Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) maritime power projection headquarters capable of planning and executing joint maritime operations.
Source: USN 6th Fleet
Photos: Helge Adrians
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