Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Integrates Norwegian Frigate

Before arriving in Oslo,Norway on a scheduled port visit,the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG),also called Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG 12),integrated Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F 311) as the GRFCSG Surface Warfare Commander,building collective operational experience at sea and showcasing a powerful display of the US Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy's interoperability,said U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet.On 24 May 2023,USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) arrived and anchored at the head of the Oslo Fjord.A fjord is a long,narrow inlet between high cliffs,typically formed by the submergence of a glaciated valley. Said new CSG 12 Commander Rear Admiral Erik J. Eslich: Norway is a strategic partner in the continued effort to maintain a secure and stable Arctic and North Atlantic region that benefits global order.* The Ford hosted local officials and key leaders for a reception to honour the US-Norway relationship.According to the Ford's Commanding Officer,Captain Rick Burgess: It is an honor,joy and thrill to visit Oslo and show our cherished partner the Navy's newest class of aircraft carriers.* GRFCSG deployed from Naval Base Norfolk,Virginia on 2 May 2023 and,since that time,has been conducting joint and combined training,exercises and operations to help reduce maritime security risk associated with increased activity in the high north.The CSG sailed with Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) for several days,refining Tactics,Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) to increase interoperability,such as by conducting a passing exercise (PASSEX).* So CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the USN's capability to project power on a global scale.No fewer than 23 new technologies are introduced on the Ford-class of carriers,advances intended to deliver greater lethality;survivability;and joint interoperability with a 20% smaller crew than the Nimitz-class which preceded it,paving the way forward for naval aviation.The Ford's deployment demonstrates the commitment and power projection capabilities of the Navy's globally deployed force.So the GRFCSG provides an inherently flexible naval force capable of deploying across combatant commands to meet emergency missions,deter potential adversaries,reassure Allies and Partners,enhance security and guarantee the free flow of global commerce.A total of more than 6,000 Sailors across all platforms of CSG 12 are ready to respond globally to combatant commander tasking. CSG 12 consists of:Carrier Air Wing 8 (CAW 8);Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2),which includes Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS McFaul (DDG 74),USS Ramage (DDG 74),and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116);and Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60).An undisclosed nuclear-powered attack submarine typically accompanies a CSG for force protection.The Ford's first-in-class technology includes a new nuclear plant;the ability to generate at least three times the electrical power;innovative advanced arresting gear;and the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS).EMALS expands the aircraft launch envelope,paving the way for innovation for manned/unmanned aircraft as well as providing the opportunity for other technological advancements in the future.* On 26 May 2023,His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway joined Captain Richard Burgess in a ship tour while the Ford was anchored off the Oslo coast.HRH was attired in his dress blue admiral's uniform.Indeed,a change of command ceremony transferred command of CSG 12 from Rear Admiral Greg Huffman to Rear Admiral Eslich at the same anchorage.After being anchored there for five days,the Ford headed south from Oslo between Norway and Sweden,and out to the North Sea on 29 May,according to a maritime tracking service.