According to information published by the U.S. Navy on February 7, 2022, Naval forces from France, Italy, and the U.S. sailed together while conducting naval training in the Mediterranean Sea.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link
Elements of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, the ITS Cavour Strike Group, and the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group transit the Mediterranean Sea (Picture source: U.S. Navy)
The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) integrated with the French carrier Charles de Gaulle’s (R 91) Task Force 473 and Italian carrier Cavour (C-550) strike groups, highlighting the strength of the maritime partnerships among the three nations.
The HSTCSG completed participation in the NATO-led activity Neptune Strike 22, Feb. 4, 2022. This activity involved the handover of the HSTCSG to NATO command and control, highlighting the natural evolution of NATO’s ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of a carrier strike group to support the defense of the Alliance.
The Charles de Gaulle CSG departed Toulon, France, to begin its 14th deployment in the Mediterranean, Feb. 1. This deployment, named Clemenceau 22, brings together a variety of allied resources, including the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71).
Cavour is an Italian aircraft carrier launched in 2004. She is the flagship of the Italian Navy. Sea trials began in December 2006, and she was officially commissioned on 27 March 2008.
The 134 m (440 ft), 2,800 m2 (30,000 sq ft) hangar space can double as a vehicle hold capable of holding up to 24 main battle tanks (typically Ariete) or many lighter vehicles (50 Dardo IFV, 100+ Iveco LMV), and is fitted aft with access ramps rated to 70 tons, as well as two elevators rated up to 30 tons for aircraft.
