Three carrier groups in the Mediterranean

Question "what comes after Neptune Strike" answered

We are looking spellbound at the East-West crisis in Ukraine. And what is NATO doing? Three different NATO carrier groups are operating together in the Mediterranean, impressively demonstrating the Alliance's naval power. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) is taking part in the latest exercises, working together for two days with the French Task Force 473, which is stationed on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, and an Italian battle group around the aircraft carrier Cavour.

To Neptune Strike 22 (marineforum reported) The Cavour Strike Group and the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), the flagship of the USN's 6th Fleet, were also involved. In the meantime, the "Charles de Gaulle" also left the naval base in Toulon on 1 February.

"The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group has had the extraordinary opportunity to work with some of the best maritime operators in the region, and we look forward to training with our Italian and French allies," said Rear Adm. Curt Renshaw, commander of Carrier Strike Group Eight.

"Operating alongside our NATO allies is a primary objective of our Clemenceau 22 mission," added Rear Adm. Christophe Cluzel, commander of Task Force 473.

Bringing these NATO carrier battle groups together provides a unique opportunity for sailors and naval aviators to operate together in relative proximity. Although Neptune Strike 22 was not intended as a direct response to Russian activities related to Ukraine, it will nevertheless send a strong signal, especially in conjunction with the fact that the USS Harry S. Truman was originally deployed to the Mediterranean to help reassure allies and deter aggression.

The French Navy has confirmed that at least part of the French aircraft carrier task force will also be deployed in the Black Sea.

The Russian Navy is also very active in the region and is carrying out a large number of warship movements against the backdrop of the situation in Ukraine, including three Slava cruisers.

Sources: Warzone T. Newdick / USN / Spiegel