(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The US Navy's Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) began combined maritime security operations and live fire exercises with the French Navy Task Force 473 in the Sea of Oman recently.
In addition, the crew participated in boarding and seizure drills, small boat operations, deck landing qualifications and air defence exercises, as well as spend time on each other's ships to boost interoperability and understanding.
The commander of HST CSG, Rear Adm Kevin Sweeney, said the exercises would help both navies boost cooperation.
''This is a wonderful opportunity for our ships, sailors and marines to work together and gain a better understanding of each other. Our operations with Task Force 473 will increase our maritime capabilities while helping promote long-term stability in the region,'' he said.
''Not only is this a great opportunity to conduct operations with a close and trusted ally, this is a great time to learn from each other.
''There are a lot of similarities in the way we operate across different platforms, but there are also some differences. Understanding those differences will make both of us better, stronger, and enable us to operate with each other, and with other navies, more effectively. Our presence goes a long way in reassuring our regional partners and allies.''
Rear Adm Eric Chaperon, commander, Task Force 473, said, ''France and the US have been partners for a long time, but with this rare opportunity to integrate two CSGs, our cooperation is becoming even closer. All our sailors are really proud to play a role in building the interoperability of our nations.''
The combined fleets comprised the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman, guided-missile cruisers USS Gettysburg and USS San Jacinto, and guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley, USS Carney, USS Hopper and USS Mason.
The French ships include aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle, destroyers FS Forbin and FS Jean de Vienne, and replenishment oiler FS Meus
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.