US Navy Carrier Integrates With NATO Air Policing

In a unique display of Allied integration,the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) has contributed its strike fighter squadrons and electronic attack squadrons to NATO'S enhanced Air Policing (eAP) effort.In a series of patrols,the US Navy aviators provided enhanced vigilance,training and eAP in support of the Alliance's cohesive defence and collective resolve,Allied Air Command said.Thus they strengthened NATO'S interoperability and readiness.* According to Carrier Strike Group 8 commander,Rear Admiral Curt Renshaw: Conducting enhanced Air Policing from North Aegean waters further illustrates NATO'S continued ability to share and pool existing capabilities.We set out to prove that this dynamic employment of an Aircraft Carrier-in pretty restrictive waters-could be done,and in doing so,we have demonstrated the U.S. committment to Allies.* The Truman conducted fixed-wing flight operations in the North Aegean Sea from 4-5 March 2022,and was pivotal in ensuring the integrity of Allied air space,improving the Alliance aerial readiness and responsiveness in the dynamic environment.* There are presently more than 130 NATO aircraft actively defending Alliance airspace by maintaining 24/7 patrols in skies of NATO'S Eastern Flank.* The CSG,which included a US Navy guided-missile cruiser and several USN guided-missile destroyers,likely a US Navy nuclear-powered attack submarine,a Norwegian Royal Navy frigate;and an Italian Navy guided-missile frigate,supported the eAP missions,bolstering the defence of NATO territory.The Truman's embarked aircraft include the Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and EA-18 Growler,as well as the E-2C Hawkeye,C-2A Greyhound,MH-60S Seahawk and MH-60R Seahawk.CSG 8 is the first USN CSG to be placed under NATO command since the Cold War era,in light of Russia's belligerence toward Ukraine.* Captain Steven Bellack is CSG 8 Chief of Staff.* Boeing (BA)