The French ships include aircraft carrier FS Charles
de Gaulle (R 91), destroyers FS Forbin (D 620) and FS Jean de Vienne
(D 643) and replenishment oiler FS Meuse (A 607).
"This mission is a big challenge," said
Rear Adm. Eric Chaperon, commander, Task Force 473. "France and
the USA have been partners for a longtime, but with this new and rare
opportunity to integrate two CSGs, our cooperation is becoming ever
closer. All of our sailors are really proud to have a role to play
in building the operational interoperability of our two nations."
In addition to conducting combined maritime security
operations, ships from the two navies have participated in a variety
of training and operations together including visit, board, search
and seizure training, live-fire gunnery exercises, small boat operations,
deck-landing qualifications, underway replenishments, combat search
and rescue training and air defense exercises. U.S. and French personnel
have also traveled to visit counterparts on the other ships, sharing
techniques and experiences.
"Not only is this a great opportunity to conduct
operations with a close and trusted ally, this is a great time to
learn from each other," said Sweeney. "There are a lot of
similarities in the way we operate across the different platforms,
but there are also some differences. Understanding those differences
will make both of us better, stronger, and enable us to operate with
each other, and with other navies, more effectively. Our presence
goes a long way in reassuring our regional partners and allies."
The commanding officers of both aircraft carriers
also recognize the opportunity the two navies have to learn from each
other.
"This mission is a decisive opportunity to share
knowledge and build upon our friendship in order to be able to successfully
handle future contingencies together," said Capt. Pierre Vandier,
commanding officer, FS Charles de Gaulle. It is also an opportunity
to check our interoperability that allows a lot of common procedures
and aircraft exchanges."
Capt. Bob Roth, commanding officer, Harry S. Truman,
fully appreciates the opportunity to work closely with a longtime
partner.
"It's a rare and very fulfilling experience to
sail alongside and operate closely with another aircraft carrier,
especially a CVN from a navy with whom we have so many lasting personnel
exchange programs," he said. "I think we're going to further
develop our already deep trust and mutual operational understanding."
From USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs
