Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman arrived in Marseille, France, for a regularly scheduled port visit today.
“We look forward to the opportunity to enhance U.S.-French relations during this visit,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 8 Rear Adm. Gene Black in a press release published by the US Navy.
“France is our oldest ally. This visit reinforces our common goals for a stable, secure and prosperous Europe, as well as allowing our Sailors and our hosts in Marseille to gain a greater understanding and cultural appreciation for one another.”
During the port visit, Truman sailors will have the opportunity to take part in cultural and sightseeing events, and the ship will also host a reception for approximately 350 guests and crewmembers.
“We’re honored that France is hosting us during this deployment, and we’re grateful to the French people for this amazing opportunity to foster stronger relationships between our nations,” said Truman’s Commanding Officer Capt. Nicholas Dienna.
“I expect that all of our Sailors will really enjoy this port visit, and my hope is that that they will leave Marseille and France with a great impression of USS Harry S. Truman and America’s Navy.”
According to the release, the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group has been operating alongside allies and partners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility and conducting precision strikes on ISIS targets in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, ‘demonstrating the U.S. continued commitment to furthering stability, security and prosperity in the region.’
“France is our oldest ally.”
With the UK media, and admittedly some of the populous, getting so obsessed with the “special relationship” sometimes it is interesting to note that the above is true…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_in_the_American_Revolutionary_War
‘Admittedly some of the populace’
Really? Because I’ve literally met no one who gushes over the ‘special relationship’ bar politcans. People I’ve met either don’t like the US in which case they’re opinion on the SR is obvious, or they have no illusions over how it really works. Anyone who might have hold any lost it after the Iraq war and the ‘UK poodle’ episode with Blair.
Yeah. True re the populous, the interest there is almost (but not completely) zero but I disagree that is is only politicians. It is the mainstream media that tries to whip up a frenzy around the SR just as much as politicians do. How many times have you heard interviewers asking some politician “where does that leave the SR?” sometimes even followed by some tedious studio debate, or newspapers dissecting some “he called someone-or-other before us” incident purely in the context of the SR. It’s so pathetic and needy.
Its interesting to note that US media also reciprocate the ‘special relationship’ wording (though perhaps not as intensely.) As a US resident, I can confirm however that the relationship with UK is considered right up there. There’s no relationship considered closer and that includes that with Israel.
I forgot to add, there are naturally ebbs and flows to this – often depending on who sitting heads of state are
And Portugal is ours ?
And that goes back centuries before the US was even an idea.
The only interest I have with the special relationship is when it garners benefits, for example Tier 1 partner in F-35 and our special forces fighting almost as part of JSOC (a winner due to the resources the US can bring to bear in support of special forces).
Other than that, it’s just words politicians bring up whenever an American is in town to bask in their perceived radiance.
For me it goes a bit deeper than defence and benefits, it’s a cultural relationship that’s important imo.
I do genuinely love American culture and they have given amazing things to the world.
I don’t always agree with their foreign policy and defence posture, but their people and culture, well that’s quite a special relationship to me, and since America was our baby all them centuries ago, just like Canada, Australia and New Zealand, I consider them a kind of family if you will.
What is “American culture?”. I certainly don’t like the guns, the racial attitudes in many parts of the country, the “America first” attitude. The general expectation that America MUST lead the world in everything. I also don’t like the whooping and aspects of the youth culture. There are things I like, but a lot I don’t. Culturally I don’t feel the US and UK are as closely aligned as many think.
The guns is a weird one for me, I think the gun laws need changed obviously, but I read the other week online, someone asked a question about 50cal handguns what is the point etc, and an American replied in detail about his own personal Desert Eagle that he has, was so proud of it, gave a list of the benefits and how it’s amazing when he is at the range and people hear it go off and come over and ask him about it, he wrote about safety and posted pictures of his Desert Eagle in the case etc,… Read more »
Agree Sole. The Anglosphere should be celebrated by the UK.
France may be their oldest ally but the emphasis there is on oldest. Does not mean they are the closest allies. That honour (I would hope) still rests with us.
Chris on what evidence do you base that ?
Five Eyes Alliance.
US-UK Mutual Defence Agreement.
Sole F35 Tier 1 partner.
Outside of defence, the US has always been the largest foreign investor in the UK, and vice versa.
Israel !
How many wars has Israel fought alongside the US?
Lee 1 Who do the US political and military leadership say they have a special relationship with ? PS how many times has the US declared war on Israel ?
David Steeper.
Technically the US did not exist until after the war of independence. So they have declared war on Britain as many times as they have on Israel… ie None…
Also the British and US forces quite often train as a single unit. They are probably the closest in terms of co-operation out of any other.
Lee 1 1812. Oh that’s ancient history ! Find out about the behaviour and attitude of the US 6th fleet during Suez.
I think we should also remember that the French only helped the US because they saw it as an opportunity to weaken Britain. They did not do it out of a sense of friendship and loyalty. They also did not declare war on Britain until they were sure America had a chance of winning…
“Technically the US did not exist until after the war of independence. So they have declared war on Britain as many times as they have on Israel… ie None…” Ahh, you might want to check your history books again. There was that little thing called (at least in the US) the War of 1812. Our National Anthem came out of it. And, frankly, claiming that the United States did not exist until after the War of Independence and thus it does not count as a declared war between America and Great Britain, strikes me as being hairsplitting on a truly… Read more »
Very true and it was a big error they never got the influence they were expecting economically they eventually lost all their remaining possessions and power on the continent which was one of their main reasons for interfering, in revenge for the loses there stretching back to the Treaty of Utrecht and intervening conflicts which won America for the British colonists and thus that potential for independence and no need any longer for external protection they exploited. The French, the Spanish and the Dutch had to break British total dominance on a world scale and this was their last chance… Read more »
(Chris H) Julian – This always intrigues me. Given the French fought a war with the British over British America in the Franco – Indian War 1756–63 (aka the Seven Year War) and defeated General Washington in the process the fact we defeated the French and saved that colony surely makes us a pretty good ally to the American Colonies? Move it on to the ‘Revolutionary War’ the French AND the Spanish were not allies of the USA as it didn’t exist. They assisted some British Citizens rebelling against a British Parliament over British Taxes in a British Territory (British… Read more »
Folks often forget THIS little episode…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quasi-War
Cheers!
Indeed they also dont mention that there were as many Americans who were loyalists in that war it was actually as much a civil war as a war for Independence my own families history through Simon Willard was intrinsically involved in it and indeed split by the outcome it was not the clear cut affair that the US would like us and it’s citizens to believe and in the end the result was through foreign interference by those who had lost out in the previous century in the very conflicts that created that newly forming country as was to be.… Read more »
Does it go into the Dutch and the Spanish declaring war too, the three of which had rather more to do with the outcome of that conflict than the efforts of the rebel forces themselves despite their version of history. Mind the French bit is the tough one to take, considering the colonists having started a losing war against them in prior years, which was conveniently turned round to their ultimate benefit by the ‘hated’ British Army they then allied with that same French enemy to take all the goodies for themselves. Can’t knock the audacity and self serving scheming… Read more »
I bet that visit was arranged while Trump and Macron were ‘best buds’ and not after. 🙂
You’re all spot on. The next time you here someone bring it up ask them one question. In the entire history of the US when have they ever fought alongside us by choice ?
Second opium war 1856
1st and 2nd WW
Zimmerman telegram and Pearl Harbour. Next.
Wasn’t it the case that it was Germany that declared war on the US after Pearl Harbour–to me a decision at least as stupid as the invasion of the Soviet Union.
Yep. Hitler wasn’t just a psychopath he was also an idiot.
Looking back it looks idiocy and if Hitler had been sensible in hindsight he would have simply screwed the Japanese by actually not declaring war having agreed to. However from his point of view it provably looked a stroke of genius. Japan occupies the US war effort while Germany were free to stack all US warships and US defended merchant ships which at the time looked like the only hope of keeping Britain from starving and knocking her out of the war on German terms. If not born the influence of Churchill and Rosevelt it would have worked too. There… Read more »
Could have insisted on freedom of the seas and traded equally with the Entente and Central Powers before Germany became desperate. Also could have been more angry at Britain for using a passenger liner as a ammunition ship and less biased against Germany. Could have listened to the representatives and Governors of border states and merely preemptively invaded Mexico. Thereby strangling the threat presented in it’s crib. So WW1 was very much that arrogant globalist President Wilson’s choice. Pearl Harbor? You are forgetting that the USN was essentially fighting a undeclared Naval War in the Atlantic from the East Coast… Read more »
(Chris H) Elliott – Your ingrained arrogance is only surpassed by your ignorance. I could dismantle so much of that post but I will just take one quote:
“You are forgetting that the USN was essentially fighting a undeclared Naval War in the Atlantic from the East Coast to Iceland from winter 1940 to December 1941 when we finally got around to declaring war on Germany”
The USA never declared war on Germany Elliott. theyu declared war on the USA.
D’UH!
Do not try to debate US law when you are from the UK. Declarations of war have to be be passed regardless of who has declared one on the US. This is a matter of the powers of the Military, the Presidency and what they can legally do. For instance impose mass conscription, call the National Guards to their duty en masse. In addition to giving Congress the ability to pay for it all without having to go through the normal process. For your information here is the text: “Seventy-Seventh Congress of the United States of America; At the First… Read more »
(Chris H) Elliott – You are priceless Pal … You immediately go into arrogant lecturing mode when shown to be wrong. Its not about what US Law says or doesn’t say you introspective twit. When a foreign country declares war on you thats it. YOU ARE AT WAR! Or are you saying that an aggressor is obliged to hold off attacking you while a bunch of talking heads in Congress agree? Good luck with that Elliott. All that declaration you quoted states is that given Germany’s declaration of war “which has thus been thrust upon the United States” the US… Read more »
Did I ever say that a foreign power had to wait for the United States to declare war? You STATED the United States the did NOT declare war. I corrected you. I also stated we declared war in “response to their declaration.” The US is fully capable of engaging in combat operations without a declaration of war (Iraq, Boxer Rebellion, Nicaragua). Placing the United States on a War footing and ordering full mobilization requires authorization from Congress through a declaration of war. This separation of powers and consent of the governed is what prevents Tyrants and separates the United States… Read more »
On this side of the Pond the UK is actually still VERY popular with the majority of our citizens. Not so much in a military sense anymore but in a cultural one. The endless commercials alone featuring posh accented English actors (usually with a rendition of Rule Britannia in the background) reinforce this daily. We still play the music of the “British Invasion” on our radios, we eat British food, many women opt for the “London Look” (whatever that is) in fashion and makeup, a UK accent is the fastest way to meet the opposite sex at university, etc etc,… Read more »
A good contribution as ever Helions ? I think that’s definitely the case, there seems to be this idea that a SR is defined by defence and what we can get out of it. But like I said above one of the main aspects of the special relationship is culture, and it will forever be intertwined, respected and enjoyed from both sides of the pond. I’ve never stepped foot in America (yet) and my favourite food is American (McDonalds) my favourite all time band are Nirvana (American) my favourite ever movie is American (Godfather) and two of my all time… Read more »
Thanks Sole,
I believe the same. I also believe the single greatest factor that holds our relationship together is less the military and cultural aspects. It’s the fact we are English speaking countries (for how long who knows…). Along with Canada, Oz, and the Kiwis we all share a Special Relationship backstopped by this simple fact IMHO…
Cheers
Sorry you two but I think I just vomited.
As a recent arrival from the UK, I absolutely agree with everything you say. I would say amongst white Americans it is more obvious, amongst say the Latin population there is very a lot less awareness of the UK. It makes me laugh that many of the “experts” on subjects are Brits and that makes people listen. I wish my British accent made me more successful selling here though – perhaps I don’t play on it enough!!!!
Lord J1, it makes me snicker every time Keith opens his mouth and that Eastender accent screeches out and you’d think he was the poshest of posh with the reaction he gets with it. Never has to buy a drink that one…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YON7CgavGMI
😀
Also speaking from this side of the Atlantic, I would say that your assessment of the relationship between the UK and the US is a generational one and certainly does not prevail in the post Cold War generation and at present. It is also wrong on the facts. There certainly is no perception of a “special relationship”. Outside of some “oldies” radio stations with a limited audience, British music, (e.g. Beatles) is just not heard or played on current streaming media. Just what “British Food” is eaten in the United States is beyond me; English muffins? There are restaurants catering… Read more »
I’ve found a number of traditional British meals in the US. I start with the typical Thanksgiving Dinner which is basically a Christmas Dinner. I also find other dishes such as Shepherds Pie etc. Being a diverse nation, there is lots of choice, so not all options are obvious. I agree with the generational thing too and the huge impact of Latin immigration. But I could say the same thing for the UK too. I actually believe most younger Brits (<60) feel closer to Europe than the US and I see that increasing. British things are considered 'cool' though. English… Read more »
You start your post saying his was wrong on facts then say this “Outside of some “oldies” radio stations with a limited audience, British music, (e.g. Beatles) is just not heard or played on current streaming media” Are you seriously defining British music currently with the Beatles? You don’t here the Beatles on radio stations in the U.K. for gods sake! Adele? Ed Sheeran? Harry styles is more popular in America than he is here. Going back to Adele she has topped the US chart loads of times and spent months on top of the album chart, with that fact… Read more »
Hi PK, I can’t argue with many of your counterpoints but I would point out this is related to the demographic and cultural changes going on in our country I alluded to. Granted I am a Baby Boomer generationally and my attitudes and norms are totally different from – say a Millenial. However I would also suggest that your the view of the world is also formed by where you live and from what background you come from. A young Latino living in El Paso Tx has little in common with a young Caucasian living in Scranton Pa when viewed… Read more »
(Chris H) hellions – As usual Sir a well founded and interesting comment.
My brother had a wonderful experience with the girls that’s for sure in California even if they did think he was Australian.
We could, should and are friends Helion but the ‘special relationship’ BS is nauseating and should stop.
Hi David,
Less the pols, I actually DO believe we have one… Not in the traditional sense (Churchill, Roosevelt, Lend Lease) anymore but one in which our rapidly changing world the old saying of “Birds of a feather” is ever increasingly true. Sheer national survival if nothing else IMO. Remember, our countries have spent just as much time in an adversarial relationship as they have in a warm one…
Cheers!
Very true this is no time for short sighted spats. A far bigger picture is forming. One that needs clear heads and certainly NOT naive ideas that staying out of the European conflict or even concentrating on the Pacific one, would have led to anything but disaster to us all including the US. If we fail to see the simplicity of the overwhelming reality of that fact (as at least one does endlessly indeed on here) then I truly do fear for all our futures.
you hear it in the US too – it is 2-way
Whenever a Yank mouths off about ‘if it wasn’t for us you’d be speaking German’ just remind them that without the French, they’d have lost in 1776.
..winds ’em right up.
We forget the U.S. Congress almost made German an equal national language back then. Wonder how THAT would have changed history! 😀
Cheers!
What’s the status of the British Empire? Oh wait…
20% of the worlds land surface area
2.4 billion people a 1/3 of the worlds population
15% of worlds gdp
53 member states
The old empire lives on in the commonwealth Elliot don’t you worry about that my little American friend ?
An empire unrivalled in history ?
Rule Britannia ??????
(Chris H) Solesurvivor – Good to be able to agree with you again. Just shows the limited knowledge of this idiot when he has to peddle ‘Empire’ to score some pointless point. No doubt he will be telling us soon we all pay a fortune for our Royalty as well … On which subject you missed a very important point – Our Head of State (the Queen) is also Head of State of 16 other independent nation states. By choice. Not sure how many countries would ever choose as US President as their Head of State. Even Hawaii was stolen… Read more »
Likewise Chris Good point about the Queen and that actually made me think of another point There seems to be a couple of our friends from across the pond who are dubious about our relationship in regards to culture etc. But what was it recently that was the second most watched event in the US? Only the Super Bowl has more viewers? More than the Oscars? treble the Game of thrones finale? That’s right the amazing British Royal Wedding, on 15 US channels live, watched by 30 million, enjoyed by 30 million. So PKCasimir & Elliott if you guys love… Read more »
Chris,
interestingly, IRT Hawaii (I was born there!), then U.S. President McKinley ( a Honolulu high school is still named after him) declared the actions of the coup plotters illegal and ordered the arrest of the principals and return of the keys to the kingdom to Queen Liliuokalani but he was assassinated shortly after and his successor TR thought otherwise. If he had lived things could be very different there.
Cheers!
Great post!
The fact you think the Commonwealth a organization where 2 members repeatedly threaten to Nuke each other is an Empire is ridiculous. How many of the other Commonwealth members regularly engage in coups, civil war, rampant corruption and kleptocracy disguised as democracy? That is not Empire. That is a club with the right to use a postage stamp. While depending on the charitable nature of the observer either is a naive dupe or sinister manipulator trying to earn a few Sterling on a trade deal. By handing out a thin veneer of legitimacy to dictators who pay lip service to… Read more »
(Chris H) Elliott – Look please stop with your ignorance. You lecture me soon enough on not discussing US Law etc so butt the hell out of ‘Empire’ and ‘Commonwealth’ as you clearly do not know the difference or that our Empire ended by choice decades ago. And by the way its none of your damn business. Neither I or Solesurvivoir called what exists now as the Commonwealth an ‘Empire’. That is your alliteration and a stupid one. The Commonwealth contributes far more than just trade and if you can’t comprehend that then I can’t explain it to someone with… Read more »
I love this.
This is an article about a US carrier entering France and the debate is about our special relationship with the US.
And some people say we’re not bothered ?
I think a few on here are jealous that’s its not entering Britain and are throwing their toys out of the pram ?
I don’t get it as I’m sure I recall a CVN visited the Solent recently?
Was just on the wind up Daniele
Sounds like the carrier was transiting through anyway…doesn’t it go straight passed Marseille but NOT the Solent. Lets look forward to QE visiting NY in the Autumn
Want to talk about gushing? Wait till THAT happens… 😀
Cheers!
can’t wait!
I remember attending an Iraq/Afghanistan war memorial service on USS Intrepid in NY 2 years ago. I was there since my wife’s cousin was in the USMC and was killed in Iraq. By chance, there was a Platoon from one of the Scottish Battalions of the Rifles. They had just rowed up the Hudson Valley and were attending the event. The US military and ex-military folk attending made a b-line to the Brits. They were gushing with their respect and admiration. That really brought it home to me and dare I say it, gave me goose bumps!
Nearly all the Brits I know refer to Americans as “our American cousins” or a variation of that. Whether yank or brit haters either side of “the pond” like it or not we are linked by ancestory and a common history. No amount of nick picking will undo that. Cousins will argue every now and then but they’re still family.
IMO America should really be in the Commonwealth! Its a shame they have chosen not to join… so far.
I still remember going over to Kanas City last year with the reserves, walked into the hotel lobby/bar in our uniform and about 6 rounds of drink appeared in 10 minutes. People coming up and chatting with us wanting to know about stuff going on in the UK at the time. There is definitely some form of deeply ingrained relationship and long may it continue.