According to information published by the U.S. Navy on March 11, 2021, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) is conducting an interoperability exercise with the Hellenic Armed Forces in the Mediterranean Sea, March 11, 2021.
According to information published by the U.S. Navy on March 11, 2021, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) is conducting an interoperability exercise with the Hellenic Armed Forces in the Mediterranean Sea, March 11, 2021.
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The Hellenic Hydra-class frigate Psara (F 454), center front, and the Italian Carlo Bergamini-class frigate Virginio Fasan (F 591), center, sail in formation with ships assigned to the IKE Carrier Strike Group in the Mediterranean Sea, March 11, 2021. (Picture source U.S. Navy)
The activity as a whole has been planned and coordinated by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS) and the respective U.S. authorities, to build upon partnership capabilities using NATO operational and tactical procedures.
Deploying ships and aircraft of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group IKE CSG) include flagship USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Monterey (CG 61); Destroyer Squadron 22 ships include Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Mahan (DDG 72), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
Squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, embarked on Eisenhower include the "Fighting Swordsmen" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, "Gunslingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, "Wildcats" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83; "Dusty Dogs" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7; "Swamp Foxes" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74; "Screwtops" of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123; "Zappers" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 "Rawhides."
The Hellenic Navy forces are conducted this naval exercise with IKE CSG across multiple warfare areas. Hellenic frigate HS Psara (F-454) is embedded with the IKE CSG, under its tactical control (TACON). Additionally, two Hellenic submarines are participating in anti-submarine warfare exercises, while Hellenic fighter aircraft will operate with the Carrier Air Wing fighters.
The Psara (F-454) is the third ship of Hydra-class frigates in service with the Hellenic Navy. The ships were designed in Germany and are part of the MEKO group of modular warships, in this case, the MEKO 200 design. The ship is powered by Combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion system including two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines developing 60,656 hp (45,231 kW) and two MTU 20V 956 diesel engines developing 10,040 hp (7,490 kW). She can reach a top speed of 31 knots (57 km/h) with the gas turbines. The ship has a maximum cruising range of 4,100 nmi (7,600 km) at 18 knots (33 km/h).
The Hydra-class frigate Psara is armed with one Mk 45 Mod 2A 127mm naval gun, two Mk15 Phalanx 20 mm CIWS Close-In Weapon System, two Mk141 4 × 8 Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers, Mk 48 Mod 2 vertical launcher for 16 × RIM-162 ESSM air defense missiles and two Mk32 Mod 5 324 mm (13 in) torpedo tubes for Mk46 anti-submarine warfare torpedoes.
