NATO Maritime Forces:Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Transits the Strait of Dover to the North Sea

14 OCT 2024 The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group transited through the Strait of Dover,UK,for the North Sea this day,according to the U.S. Navy.The HSTCSG will conduct operations in the North Sea with Allies and Partners from several countries in the region,demonstrating the warfighting interoperability and strategic relationships built over the past 80 years.The HSTCSG is homeported at Naval Base Norfolk,Virginia and a unit of U.S. 2nd Fleet (Atlantic Fleet).Said RADM Sean Bailey,commander of the HSTCSG:Storied in world history,our transit through the Strait of Dover to operate with our Allies and Partners underscores our commitment to maritime security and the NATO Alliance.We will operate with our NATO Allies and Partners to strengthen our collective readiness,defence and deterrence.No nation can confront today's challenges alone,and we look forward to showcasing our interoperability.The Strait of Dover,historically known as the Dover Narrows,is the narrowest point of the English Channel and separates Great Britain from mainland Europe.The channel also separates the Atlantic Ocean from the North Sea,a strategically important area where the HSTCSG will conduct various bilateral operations with Allies and Partners.The HSTCSG last operated in the North Sea during a deployment in 2018,including time spent operating above the Arctic Circle in the Norwegian Sea for NATO Exercise Trident Juncture.*Said CAPT Dave Snowden,commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman and former executive officer during the 2018 deployment:With its unique geographical and environmental characteristics,every time operating in this region we increase our proficiency and showcases our inherent flexibility to operate anywhere in the world.THE HSTCSG will support U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa's maritime operations and theatre security cooperation missions alongside Allies and Partners to maintain safety,security and stability.*Before entering the North Sea,the HSTCSG operated off the Azores and Northern Africa for a series of warfighting training scenarios between the strike group's ships and Air Wing before heading North for the English Channel.Said LT Adam Boithman,a reactor department officer aboard Harry S. Truman:I love the felxibility of our strike group,and it's great to know we'll be operating and learning from our Allies in the North Sea.*The HSTCSG consists of the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75);Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 with embarked aviation squadrons;staff from CSG-8,CVW 1 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28;the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64);two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers,USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 104);and,customarily,an unannounced nuclear-powered attack submarine for force protection.This blog got to meet some of the USS Gettysburg crew and was struck by how young they are,right out of high school.*HSTCSG's mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea and remain the cornerstone of the Navy's forward presence through sea control and power projection capabilities,the Navy said.

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.