Three NATO allies sent Carrier Strike Groups into Mediterranean amid elevated tensions in Europe
Three NATO allies-France, Italy, and the United State-have been conducting joint naval exercises together in the Mediterranean Sea, showing the strength of their partnership with three aircraft carrier strike groups.
The US' Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, France's Charles de Gaulle Task Force 473, and Italy's Cavour strike group trained together from February 6 to 7.
The Italian carrier strike group commander said in a statement that the joint exercise was a chance to "collectively enhance our capabilities, demonstrate the strength of our alliance and increase the interoperability with our partners" while the French commander called the training "essential to Europe security in this strategic area."
Though it was planned in advance, this exercise comes amid increased military activity around Europe and as tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine persist.
Russia has moved tens of thousands of troops along Ukraine's border, NATO allies are moving troops and equipment to bolster the alliance's eastern flank, and several big military exercises have been conducted recently or are expected in the near future.
For instance, the NATO alliance recently concluded its Neptune Strike exercise on February 4. The exercise was the first time NATO has commanded a full US carrier strike group since the Cold War, the alliance said in a news release, signaling its heightened readiness.
These Western exercises come as Russia carries out a massive military build-up near Ukraine, which Moscow denies having plans to attack or invade.
The US' Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, France's Charles de Gaulle Task Force 473, and Italy's Cavour strike group trained together from February 6 to 7.
The Italian carrier strike group commander said in a statement that the joint exercise was a chance to "collectively enhance our capabilities, demonstrate the strength of our alliance and increase the interoperability with our partners" while the French commander called the training "essential to Europe security in this strategic area."
Though it was planned in advance, this exercise comes amid increased military activity around Europe and as tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine persist.
Russia has moved tens of thousands of troops along Ukraine's border, NATO allies are moving troops and equipment to bolster the alliance's eastern flank, and several big military exercises have been conducted recently or are expected in the near future.
For instance, the NATO alliance recently concluded its Neptune Strike exercise on February 4. The exercise was the first time NATO has commanded a full US carrier strike group since the Cold War, the alliance said in a news release, signaling its heightened readiness.
These Western exercises come as Russia carries out a massive military build-up near Ukraine, which Moscow denies having plans to attack or invade.