The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is conducting exercises with NATO Allies in the Mediterranean.
Ships from the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which deployed from Naval Station Norfolk in June, are now operating alongside NATO Allies in the Mediterranean Sea.
According to U.S. Navy officials, the strike group integrated with the Italian Navy frigate ITS Spartaco Schergat on Sunday, July 20, to begin interoperability exercises. The integration follows a July 19 transit through the Strait of Gibraltar with Spanish and U.S. support ships.
“It is a privilege for our strike group to enter the Mediterranean Sea and immediately be met by an Italian Allied warship,” said Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve.
“Our transit through the Strait of Gibraltar with Spain and naval integration with Italy is just the beginning of our efforts together in deterring regional aggression and improving the lethality of our forces by raising readiness and responsiveness with our Allies and partners.”
Cmdr. Michele Spada, commanding officer of ITS Spartaco Schergat, said the collaboration will allow for “an extraordinary exchange of experiences” and help strengthen trust and skills between crews.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group includes the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), guided-missile destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), and squadrons from Carrier Air Wing Eight. The group is operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area to support regional security, readiness, and NATO cooperation.
The Navy says these efforts highlight America’s long-standing commitment to its European Allies and the flexibility of its maritime forces.