For the first time since the end of the Cold War, a US Navy aircraft carrier sailed under NATO command.
The USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) first sailed under the command of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) in February 2022, during vigilance activity Neptune Strike 22, and most recently during Exercise Neptune Shield 22 in May. The carrier has sailed with CSGs from France, Italy and Spain since arriving in the Mediterranean Sea late last year.
Together, the strike groups have practised operating as a combined maritime task force. Their carrier-launched fighter jets have helped secure the skies over the eastern part of the Alliance, providing a crucial show of support during a time of increased tensions.
STRIKFORNATO, a naval command based in Portugal, provides command and control to Allied flotillas. Centralising control helps NATO better coordinate sea and air operations across ships from different countries.
Transcript
THIS YEAR THE US NAVY CARRIER STRIKE GROUP HARRY S. TRUMAN
CAME UNDER NATO COMMAND
IT’S THE FIRST TIME NATO HAS COMMANDED A US CARRIER SINCE THE COLD WAR
DIRECT COMMAND OF ALLIED SHIPS HELPS NAVAL COMMANDERS
TEST THEIR ABILITY TO SEAMLESSLY WORK TOGETHER
FROM THE NORTHERN SEAS
TO THE SOUTHERN SEAS
TOGETHER, THEY STRENGTHEN NATO’S DEFENCES
BY HELPING SECURE THE SKIES WITH FIGHTER JETS
AND PROVIDING A STRONG NATO PRESENCE AT SEA
Music
“Balloon Flight” by Bruno Pilloix
Usage rights
This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. Footage courtesy of the US Department of Defense, the Italian Navy and the Spanish Navy.
