The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group began integrated operations with the Italian Navy in the Mediterranean on 20 July, strengthening interoperability between U.S. and Allied maritime forces, according to a U.S. Navy press release.
The U.S. Navy’s first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), along with guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), conducted joint operations with the Italian Navy’s FREMM-class frigate ITS Spartaco Schergat (F598) shortly after entering the Sixth Fleet area of operations.
“ITS Spartaco Schergat is eager to cooperate with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group,” said Cmdr. Michele Spada, commanding officer of the Italian frigate. “Interoperability activities between our units will result in an extraordinary exchange of experiences, allowing for deeper mutual understanding and strengthened trust between our crews.”
The integration followed a multinational transit through the Strait of Gibraltar on 19 July, during which the strike group operated alongside Spanish frigate ESPS Canarias (F86) and fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6).
“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.”
The strike group’s deployment includes nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing Eight and destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron Two. After departing Virginia in June, the group conducted operations in the Atlantic before proceeding to Europe.
While in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group will continue its focus on integrated exercises with NATO allies and regional partners, supporting theatre security and maritime stability.
