Aircraft from the US Navy’s Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) have begun carrying out integrated flight operations with French Naval Aviation aircraft.
The exercise is being conducted to improve the navies’ readiness and demonstrate their ability to operate collaboratively by practising air warfare and strike techniques, including air combat training activities.
CVW-1 assets involved in the exercise include the F/A-18 Hornet multirole combat jets and E-2D Hawkeye carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft.
The participating aircraft have embarked on-board the US Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75).
The US jets are slated to work together with France’s Dassault Rafale M fighter aircraft during the flight operations.
Carrier Strike Group 8 commander rear admiral Gene Black said: “France is our oldest Ally and a vital partner in ensuring security and stability in the region, and across the globe.
“The opportunity to integrate with French Naval Aviation helps us enhance our interoperability as we work to achieve common objectives.”
The integrated flight operations are slated to be carried out over France, as well as French territorial and international waters in the Bay of Biscay.
Black added: “When we operate together we’re stronger than just the sum of our parts, and this training continues our investment in that cooperation.”
USS Harry S Truman offers a wide range of flexible mission capabilities, including maritime security, expeditionary power projection, forward naval presence, crisis response, sea control, deterrence and counter-terrorism.
It is also able to provide assistance during information operations and security cooperation activities.
The aircraft carrier is currently deployed in the US 6th Fleet area of operations, where it is supporting maritime security operations to promote the US’s national security interests.
