US Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has departed the Mediterranean Sea after three months of operations and is currently working with the French Air Force in The Atlantic Ocean.
From July 2 to 6, embarked aircraft from Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) are conducting integrated flight operations with French Naval Aviation aircraft as part of French Air Defense week.
The purpose of the exercise is to increase readiness and demonstrate the ability to operate together by practicing air warfare and strike techniques, to include dissimilar air combat training.
“France is our oldest ally and a vital partner in ensuring security and stability in the region and across the globe,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 8, Rear Adm. Gene Black. “The opportunity to integrate with French Naval Aviation helps us enhance our interoperability as we work to achieve common objectives.”
CVW-1 aircraft participating in the exercise will include F/A-18s and E-2D Hawkeyes, which will integrate with French Dassault Rafale M Fighters.
Throughout the duration of the exercise flight operations are being conducted over France and French territorial and international waters in the Bay of Biscay.
According to a USNI News report, the Harry S. Truman carrier strike group will continue its deployment in the Atlantic Ocean in what is seen as a response to the Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic. Also noted in the report was a 2017 “detour” of aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush who attended the UK-hosted drill Saxon Warrior after a deployment to the US 5th Fleet area of operations.
The two-week exercise took place in waters north of Scotland from August 1, 2017.