US Navy and Romanian Air Force conducted close air support exercises.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG 12) of the US 6th Fleet and components of its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, along with the U.S. Air Force 603rd Air Control Squadron, completed a close air support (CAS) exercise with Romanian Air Force partners, May 3-5.

Two F/A-18F Super Hornet jets assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 fly past the Spanish Navy Alvaro de Bazan-class frigate, ESPS Mendez Nñez, part of the US Carrier Strike Group 12 (Picture Source: US Navy)

The CAS involved coordination with U.S. Air Force tankers for in-flight refuelling and Romanian joint terminal air controllers (JTACs), a ground-control support entity, to complete a roughly 700-nautical mile training exercise.

“The strategic mission is to engage and strengthen our partnerships with countries around the Black Sea,” said Cmdr. David Dartez, commanding officer of the “Fist of the Fleet,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, one of the nine squadrons of CVW-7. “This shows our capacity to operate freely with our allies to complete our mission of fostering security and stability in the region.”

The exercise required substantial bilateral cooperation, including coordination with Romanian ground control to assist with refuelling logistics and ensure airspace access.

“This is among the first missions we’ve executed with Romania,” said Lt. Gerard Anderson, a pilot with VFA-25 and the coordination lead of the exercise. “They’re one of our allies, and it’s beneficial to integrate with different countries to show the world what we’re capable of.”

Using Romanian JTACs enhanced the squadrons’ targeting capabilities, increasing readiness and lethality. A major focus of Abraham Lincoln CSG’s mission in its deployment, enhancing interoperability among allies was a key element of the exercise.

“Exercises like this strengthen defence capabilities against any potential threats in the European theatre,” Anderson said. “Our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance is a critical tool for maintaining security and stability in the region; this demonstration builds competence and confidence in our ability to do just that.