The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) has made its way through the Strait of Dover into the North Sea as part of a series of military operations with NATO Allies and regional partners.
According to a press release from the U.S. Navy, the strike group’s transit marks a key moment in reinforcing the long-standing strategic relationships between the United States and its European partners.
Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander of the HSTCSG, emphasised the importance of the deployment:
“Storied in world history, our transit through the Strait of Dover to operate with our Allies in the North Sea underscores our commitment to maritime security and the NATO Alliance. We will operate with our NATO Allies and partners to strengthen our collective readiness, defence, and deterrence.”
The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group will conduct operations in the North Sea alongside various European nations. The North Sea, historically significant for both military and commercial activity, is a key strategic region where NATO forces regularly conduct joint exercises.
The area will provide the strike group with opportunities to engage in several bilateral training exercises.
The last time the HSTCSG operated in this region was in 2018, during the NATO exercise Trident Juncture, where the group ventured into the Norwegian Sea and operated above the Arctic Circle.
The task group consists of the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), which carries Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) with nine embarked aviation squadrons. Alongside the carrier, the strike group includes the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).
The group is supported by staff from Destroyer Squadron 28 (DESRON 28) and Carrier Strike Group 8 (CSG-8). These vessels bring a robust array of combat power, with the ability to project air power, maintain sea control, and engage in a variety of defensive and offensive operations at sea.
As the HSTCSG enters the North Sea, it will participate in maritime operations under U.S. Naval Forces Europe, focusing on theatre security cooperation missions. The aim is to work closely with NATO Allies to ensure the security and stability of the region.
Rear Adm. Bailey underscored the importance of these operations, noting that “no nation can confront today’s challenges alone, and we look forward to showcasing our interoperability.”
Capt. Dave Snowden, commanding officer of USS Harry S. Truman, expressed enthusiasm for returning to this key operational area, having been part of the strike group during its last deployment in 2018. “With its unique geographical and environmental characteristics, every time we operate in this region we increase our proficiency and showcase our inherent flexibility to operate anywhere in the world,” Snowden said.
No mention at all about the supply ships that are with them
Cant go anywhere without them
I say this as i was in the RFA for many a year
But must say at least the USN are still a blue water navy unlike the RN who has 90% of there supply ships tied up in port
If you have access to google I suggest you read up on the USN problems with crew shortages on auxiliaries you will find pretty much the exact same issues we are having. They are in the process of laying up 17 ships to strip crews.
Likely not quite that bad.
Guessing 80% of available people manning 40% of available ships.
Either way they are not able to provide support alone, hence increasingly reliant on others.
Note sure how it will improve in the short/medium term.
the concern will be loss of skills at both ends of the hose.
I’ll go first… NINE Squadrons.
If we’re going to do it, then do properly.
Nine squadrons = four Super Hornet, one Growler, one super Hawkeye, one Greyhound and two Seahawk rotary squadrons.
Hi Jon keep your “ truth” and your “facts” to your self, clearly there are 10 times more planes on an American carrier than ours. Every US squadron has 12 aircraft in it and helicopters don’t count 😀
As ex-Army, can someone with more naval experience tell me how are the huge “islands” on carriers counterbalanced? Is there a huge lump of summat heavy on the opposite side, or is the vessel designed with thicker, heavier stuff on the other side? Is it ballast tanks full of fuel/water? Also, why, in my very limited observations do all a/c carriers have the islands on the RHS?
Engines/reactors are offset from centre line mostly.
Ha! Simples👍
Ta
We need to get back to using the term super carrier to describe vessels. There are only 13 active super carriers on the planet and we have two of them.
That’s not bad for a small island in the North Atlantic with a middle sized population.
Here are the other world powers listed by number of super carriers in service
Russia 0
Japan 0
Germany 0
France 0
Italy 0
India 0
No ASW frigates?