US Navy cruiser USS Hue City escorted French Navy's Tonnerre LHD during Persian Gulf transit

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Naval Forces News - USA, France
 
 
 
US Navy cruiser USS Hue City escorted French Navy's Tonnerre LHD during Persian Gulf transit
 
In May 2013, French Navy amphibious assault ship Tonnerre received escort from U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser USS Hue City, when crossing the Strait of Hormuz to reach the Gulf of Oman.
     
In May 2013, French Navy amphibious assault ship Tonnerre received escort from U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser USS Hue City, when crossing the Strait of Hormuz to reach the Gulf of Oman.
USS Hué City and French Navy Tonnerre LHD crossing the Hormuz Strait
(Picture: French Navy)
     
Following a French-Emirati amphibious training exercise off the shores of Abu Dhabi that took place in mid-May, the Tonnerre LHD left the Persian Gulf to join the Indian Ocean. On this occasion, the US Navy vessel provided escort to the French LHD and contributed to its security in this particularly sensitive area of operation. During the crossing of the Strait, three French student-officers, were tranfered onboard the american cruiser. French ship Tonnerre meanwhile welcomed two petty officers of the U.S. Navy.
     
In May 2013, French Navy amphibious assault ship Tonnerre received escort from U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser USS Hue City, when crossing the Strait of Hormuz to reach the Gulf of Oman.
US Navy sailors on Tonnerre's flight deck
(Picture: French Navy)
     
These maneuvers are part of an old and well-established cooperation between the Marine Nationale (French Navy) and the U.S. Navy. They contribute to enhancing interoperability between U.S. and French warships, which are regularly deployed side by side in operation. In January 2013, the air defense destroyer Chevalier Paul attached to USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group 3.

Since May 18, 2013, Vice Admiral Marin Gillier, Commanding Officer of the Indian Ocean maritime area (ALINDIEN - French Navy's Indian Ocean Fleet) is onboard Tonnerre Force Projection & Command Vessel.
     
In May 2013, French Navy amphibious assault ship Tonnerre received escort from U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser USS Hue City, when crossing the Strait of Hormuz to reach the Gulf of Oman.
U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 21, 2013) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jesus Arevalo guides a French Navy Alouette 3 helicopter to a safe landing on the flight deck of guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66). Hue City is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luis Fiallos/Released)
     
USS Hué City (CG-66) Ticonderoga-class cruiser is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Designed by DCNS, Mistral BPC (Bâtiment de Projection et de Commandment) LHD is a multi-mission 21,500t amphibious assault, command and power projection ship.
     
In May 2013, French Navy amphibious assault ship Tonnerre received escort from U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser USS Hue City, when crossing the Strait of Hormuz to reach the Gulf of Oman.
NORTH ARABIAN SEA (April 20, 2013) The guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) is underway the North Arabian Sea. Hue City is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan D. McLearnon/Released)