US and French aircraft carriers swapped fighters during an exercise in the Mediterranean
"The exchange of traps and catapults of a French Rafale on Ike and a US Super Hornet on CDG [Charles de Gaulle] not only displayed the versatility of each country's naval air power, but was a striking visual of comradery in arms of two great powers at sea," said Capt. Trevor Estes, commander Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3.
The launching and recovering of aircraft aboard each vessel represents a continued effort by both navies to operate side-by-side and demonstrate their naval sea power as one combined force.
"The dual-carrier operation represents a high-end interoperability showcase for our two navies," said Rear Adm. Marc Aussedat, commander, Task Force 473.
"It is a concrete way to enhance our know-how to operate together, amongst which a swift ability to plug, to share tactical information, to catch and catapult aircraft indifferently on either aircraft carrier and to couple our fighting spirits in a complex maritime environment for a wide range of actions alongside."
This exercise is not the first time that Ike and CDG have operated alongside one another. The two aircraft carriers conducted joint operations in Support of Operation Inherent Resolve from the Mediterranean Sea in 2016.
"Operating with Charles de Gaulle in the Mediterranean is a fantastic representation of the inter-connectedness between France and the United States," said Capt. Kyle Higgins, Ike's commanding officer.
"It was truly an honor working together to facilitate the launching and recovering of our nation's aircraft on our respective carriers, showcasing the similarities between our two sea-faring nations."
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is conducting operations in US 6th Fleet to support maritime security operations in international waters alongside our allies and partners.
The ships and aircraft of the Eisenhower strike group, commanded by Rear Adm. Paul J. Schlise and the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 staff, include flagship USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), commanded by Capt. Kyle Higgins; the eight squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, commanded by Capt. Trevor Estes, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, commanded by Capt. William Shafley
Popular Right Now
Popular Keywords
Advertisement