In the past few days, intense trilateral training activities between Italian, American and French carrier strike groups have been conducted in the Ionian Sea, with a view to enhancing interoperability and strengthening cooperation among the three allied Navies.

On 6 February, a major drill in the waters of the Ionian Sea saw the convergence of three allied carrier strike groups, namely the Italian one, composed of Aircraft Carrier Cavour and three escort units, the American USS Harry S. Truman CSG with other four escort units, and the French Charles De Gaulle CSG, with seven escort units and a submarine.

Operating in a valued allied multinational context, characterised by the simultaneous presence at sea of three aircraft carriers, the Italian Carrier Strike Group - under the command of Vice Admiral Vincenzo Montanaro, Commander of the Taranto-based Italian Second Naval Division, embarked on aircraft carrier Cavour - escorted by destroyer Andrea Doria and FREMM frigate Marceglia, and with the support of replenishment oiler Stromboli, carried out multiple training activities aimed at enhancing and strengthening interoperability between the three allied navies, across a wide spectrum of air naval operations.

In detail, activities were focused on the conduct of fixed-wing flight operations, with the aim of training the units’ pilots, flight deck crews and control centres in the synergistic and safe handling of the delicate activities related to the take-off and landing operations of different embarked aircraft. Training also focused on the development of the naval forces’ mutual defence capabilities against air threats and, more in general, on the improvement of the escort capability of the respective groups. Activities included traditional exercises of telecommunications, data exchange between combat information centres and kinematic manoeuvres in formation (these latter particularly fascinating, involving a group formed by over 15 units sailing close together).

This maritime exercise confirms the three allied Navies’ – among the most modern and advanced in the world - intention to cooperate and train in order to guarantee readiness and reliability in the common pursuit of peace and security goals.

The activities between the three carrier strike groups concluded with an exchange of courtesy visits involving 12 young officers, petty officers and ratings of the Italian Navy onboard aircraft carrier USS Truman. It should also be emphasized that aircraft carrier Cavour was chosen as meeting point for the admirals commanders of the three carrier strike groups, as a proof that Italy is actually a key reference point within the Mediterranean, the “Mare Nostrum”, especially when developing projects aimed at enhancing interoperability between carrier strike groups.

Ships, aircraft and crews from the Italian Naval Fleet have shown adequate levels of readiness and flexibility to effectively fulfil the assigned duties of providing defence on the sea and from the sea, maritime security and protection of national strategic interests.

Operating alongside the French and US carrier strike groups not only has provided a mere opportunity for the crews to train and exchange experiences, but has also been a sign of transatlantic unity, as well as a precious opportunity to strengthen relations among countries sharing vital maritime interests.