U.S. Navy Conducting Integrated Flight Operations with French Navy Once Again.

Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) (and its air wing), is conducting integrated flight operations with French Navy (Marine Nationale) Rafale M aircraft as part of French Air Defense week. French Navy aircraft flew out of Norfolk this spring aboard USS Georges H. W. Bush (CVN 77) as part of a month long deployment.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 3, 2018) F/A-18 Super Hornets, assigned to Carrier Air Wing One, and French Dassault Rafale M Fighters fly over the Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is currently deployed as part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Rebekah A. Watkins/Released)

The purpose of the exercise is to increase readiness and demonstrate the ability to operate together by practicing air warfare and strike techniques, to include dissimilar air combat training.

“France is our oldest Ally and a vital partner in ensuring security and stability in the region and across the globe,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 8, Rear Adm. Gene Black. “The opportunity to integrate with French Naval Aviation helps us enhance our interoperability as we work to achieve common objectives.”

CVW-1 aircraft participating in the exercise include F/A-18s and E-2D Hawkeyes, which integrate with French Dassault Rafale M Fighters.

 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 3, 2018) A French Dassault Rafale M Fighter touches down on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is currently deployed as part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas Gooley/Released)

“When we operate together we’re stronger than just the sum of our parts, and this training continues our investment in that cooperation.” said Black.

Throughout the duration of the exercise flight operations are being conducted over France and French territorial and international waters in the Bay of Biscay.

Harry S. Truman is deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, supporting maritime security operations in support of U.S. national security interests.