For the first time since the end of the Cold War, a US Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) has been placed under NATO command. The USS Harry S. Truman CSG, along with forces and personnel from 28 NATO Allies, conducted operations in the Adriatic Sea during Neptune Strike 22, a vigilance activity that lasted from 24 January to 4 February.
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) coordinated the activity with NATO’s Allied Air Command and Allied Maritime Command, while Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) led the operations from the US Navy Sixth Fleet command ship USS Mount Whitney.
In total, two aircraft carriers, 15 ships and approximately 90 aircraft participated, including the Italian Navy Cavour CSG, Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2. The ships practised joint manoeuvres and launching aircraft on simulated strike missions.
