This website uses cookies to manage authentication, navigation, and other functions. By using our website, you agree that we can place these types of cookies on your device.

Read More

French CVN Charles de Gaulle Conducts First Arabian Gulf Missions Against ISIL as CTF 50

Posted On
a
Naval Forces News - France
 
 
 
French CVN Charles de Gaulle Conducts First Arabian Gulf Missions Against ISIL as CTF 50
 
The French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) conducted its first missions against ISIL from the Arabian Gulf as the flagship for Commander Task Force (CTF) 50 on Dec. 20.
     
The French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) conducted its first missions against ISIL from the Arabian Gulf as the flagship for Commander Task Force (CTF) 50 on Dec. 20. The French Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Picture: ©Marine Nationale
     
In a move that demonstrates the interoperability and partnership between the naval forces of the U.S. and France, the French Navy is leading carrier-based naval strike operations for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) - the fight to degrade and ultimately destroy the ISIL terrorist organization.

French Rear Adm. Rene-Jean Crignola, aboard Charles de Gaulle, assumed command of CTF 50 Dec. 7 after entering the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO). This marks the first time the French Navy has served as commander of a U.S. task force in this region. CTF 50 plans and conducts coalition strike operations in the Middle East and reports directly to Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.

The carrier and embarked air wing, along with the other ships in her battle group, will support operations over Iraq and Syria. She will also provide a range of flexible and adaptable capabilities to perform theater security cooperation efforts and maritime security operations aimed at increasing the French Navy's interoperability with allies in the region.

The battle group left its homeport of Toulon, France, Nov. 18.

Escorting Charles de Gaulle are the French air defense destroyer Chevalier Paul (D621); the French anti-submarine frigate La Motte-Picquet (D645); the Belgian anti-submarine frigate Leopold Ier (F930); the German anti-submarine frigate Augsburg (F213); the French command and supply ship Marne (A630); the Royal Navy air defense destroyer HMS Defender (D36)
     
The crew aboard the Charles de Gaulle prepares an E-2C Hawkeye. ©Marine NationaleA pair of Rafale M on their way to their mission area. The Rafale on the left is fitted with AASM A Rafale M is launched with 4x GBU-12 bombs. ©Marine NationaleA SEM (Super étendard modernisé) ready to be launched by the catapult. It is fitted with 2x GBU-39 bombs. ©Marine Nationale