• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

HST Carrier Strike Group Commander Visits French Carrier

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS140104-02
Release Date: 1/4/2014 3:34:00 PM

By Lt. Ryan de Vera, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs

GULF OF OMAN (NNS) -- Commander, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) visited French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle while the ship was operating with USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Dec 30.

Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney visited the aircraft carrier to meet Task Force 473 commander French Navy Rear Admiral Eric Chaperon, and to gain additional insight on the operations of the Charles de Gaulle.

'Our two aircraft carriers and associated ships are operating together now here in the Gulf of Oman,' said Sweeney. 'Being able to conduct strike group operations side-by-side will ultimately help improve regional maritime security and stability and also strengthen trust and confidence with our partners in the region.'

While on board, Sweeney met with Chaperon, visited with French staff, and learned more about the capabilities of the embarked Rafale and Super Etendard jet fighters including how they operate, launch and recover.

'It was certainly an eye opening experience to see how one of our closest allies employs a carrier strike group and how we can build a more effective partnership,' said Sweeney.

'The aim of the mission is far beyond conducting a couple of exercises; it is about developing the ability of the two CSG to realize integrated operations should the need arise,' said Chaperon. 'This is a huge challenge but all the conditions are met to overcome it.'

In addition to its flagship Charles de Gaulle, Task Force 473 is comprised of the destroyers FS Forbin (D 620) and Jean de Vienne (D 643), and replenishment oiler FS Meuse (A 607).

HST CSG is comprised of its flagship, aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman, the guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), the guided-missile cruisers USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and the embarked Carrier Air Wing 3 which includes Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 32 'Swordsmen,' VFA-37 'Ragin' Bulls,' and VFA-105 'Gunslingers,' Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 'Checkerboards,' Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 'Seahawks,' Electronic Attack Squadron 130 'Zappers,' Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7 'Dusty Dogs,' and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 'Swamp Foxes.'

HST CSG is forward-deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR where it is conducting maritime security operations, supporting theater security cooperation efforts and supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.