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)

Romania:Russian Spy Plane Draws British Fighter Intercept

At Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase,Romania,two RAF Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled on 3 MAY 2018 when a Russian IL-20 Coot reconnaissance aircraft was detected approaching NATO airspace over the Black Sea.The Typhoons under 135 Air Expeditionary Wing are serving in NATO's Enhanced Air Policing mission,supplementing the Romanian Air Force as one of the Assurance Measures adopted by NATO in 2014 to demonstrate the collective will of the Alliance;demonstrate its defensive nature;and deter Russia from aggression or the threat of aggression against NATO Allies,Allied Air Command explained.*
It was the Typhoon Eurofighters' first scramble of their current deployment.According to Squadron Leader Roger Cruickshank:
Quickly climbing to height and nearly supersonic,it was down to the superb collective response alongside our Romanian partners that we were able to successfully complete our mission.*
The Il-20 never got within visual range of the Typhoons and was tracked departing the area on a Northeast bearing.The prop aircraft is used for long-range reconnaissance missions.A converted civilian plane,it has a top speed of 410 mph and a range of 2200 miles.In contrast,the Typhoon can zip past at up to 1550 mph,with a range of 2355 mph.It can brandish a full array of advanced armament,including a cannon,missiles and bombs.