The world's largest and most modern aircraft carrier entered the Ionian Sea together with the Italian aircraft carrier, carrying out exercises demonstrating the importance of the wider region for US and allied plans. The 6th US Fleet in the relevant statement stresses among other things that: "USS Gerald R. Ford - CVN 78 Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) completed a series of high-level training events with Italian naval forces in the Ionian Sea, Oct. 4, 2023, to increase interoperability as NATO allies and enhance regional stability in the Mediterranean region.
"This opportunity to train again with the Italian Navy builds on our previous interactions during our current deployment and enhances our interoperability skills as NATO members," said Vice Admiral Erik Eslich, Commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. "The exercise demonstrates our continued commitment to advancing our shared interests of security, stability and prosperity in the region, and I am proud of our collective work to sustain this effort."
The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) and 8 Carrier Air Wing (CVW) squadrons participated with the Italian Navy's flagship ITS Cavour (CVH 550), the Italian guided missile destroyer Orizzonte class ITS Caio Duilio (D 554) and the Italian guided missile frigate Bergamini ITS Virginio Fasan (F ).
The bilateral training events included multi-ship formation sails, personnel training inside the deck, helicopter deck actions, various defense simulation exercises, and airborne interoperability exercises between CVW-8 Wing resources and ITS Cavour aircraft.
"I am very proud of the work and training that the Italian Carrier Strike Group has performed with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group throughout their deployment. It has enhanced interoperability and interchangeability within our naval and air assets, vital to the alliance. Our current multi-air operations continue to promote our shared commitment to maritime security and freedom of the seas in the wider Mediterranean region," said Italian Fleet Vice Admiral Giacinto Sciandra."
