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Truman CSG Strenghens International Ties Through Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100709-05
7/9/2010

From USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) concluded air defense interoperability exercises with French destroyer FS Jean Bart (D615) July 9.

The three-day joint exercises included air intercept control exercises, a gunnery exercise and concluded with a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) of the three ships steaming together in formation.

Truman had previously conducted joint exercises with French aircraft carrier CVN Charles de Gaulle (R 91) in June 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of French Naval Aviation and spent two months operating with German frigate FGS Hessen (F221).

"What has continually amazed me is the smoothness with which our coalition partners integrate into the strike group," said Capt. Bob Barwis, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 26. "In my time at sea, I have never seen integration this seamless. The Jean Bart Sailors are a professional, skilled and highly adaptable force that expertly executes whatever task they are assigned."

Crew members from Jean Bart took the opportunity to visit Truman and Churchill, while planning staff from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and Churchill spent time on Jean Bart.

Lt. j.g. Ronald Hamon, an air controller on board the Jean Bart, appreciated the opportunity to tour the Truman. Although Hamon has served on board Charles de Gaulle, this was his first experience on a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

"It is always good to train together, and we both benefit from these exercises," said Hamon.

Lt. j.g. Lauren Nelson, an operations planner with CSG 10, was impressed by the professionalism of the French Sailors and by the hospitality U.S. Sailors received during their time on board Jean Bart.

"The equipment, training and operating procedures between both our navies are very similar," said Nelson. "They seemed excited to begin working together, as were we."

The Truman CSG deployed May 21 from its homeport of Norfolk, and includes CSG 10, Harry S. Truman, USS Normandy (CG 60), Destroyer Squadron 26, Winston S. Churchill, USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Ross (DDG 71) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3.