‘Neptune Strike 22' highlighted the natural evolution of NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of a carrier strike group to support the defence of the alliance. (US Navy)
A US Navy (USN) carrier strike group (CSG) was successfully placed under NATO command for the first time since the end of the Cold War during the recently concluded exercise ‘Neptune Strike 2022' in the Mediterranean Sea.
During the NATO-led vigilance activity, which took place from 24 January to 4 February in the Adriatic Sea, the command and control of the USS Harry S Truman CSG was transferred to NATO while it conducted operations with assets from 28 NATO allies, including the Italian Navy's aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and elements of its strike group.
The exercise was co-ordinated by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, while the command and control of the operation was led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) from aboard the US Sixth Fleet's Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20).
In addition to the two carriers, 15 ships and around 90 aircraft took part in the drills, which included joint manoeuvres and the launch of aircraft on simulated strike missions. Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 and Mine Countermeasures Group 2 also took part in the exercise.
In a statement released on 5 February, US Sixth Fleet said that ‘Neptune Strike 22' “demonstrated NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of a carrier strike group to support the defence of the alliance”.
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