French and Italian FREMM frigates join US Navy's Carrier Strike Group.

According to information published by the U.S. DoD on July 25, 2022, the French Navy Aquitaine-class FREMM frigate FS Languedoc and Italian Navy Carlo Bergamini-class FREMM frigate ITS Alpino joined the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and it's carrier strike group in the Mediterranean Sea.
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The destroyer USS Bainbridge, the Italian frigate ITS Alpino, the French frigate FS Languedoc, and the destroyer USS Cole, transit during a maneuvering exercise in the Adriatic Sea. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Throughout the recent integration period, the HSTCSG, including Languedoc and Alpino, has conducted surface, sub-surface, and air defense training exercises to further fortify the interoperability between the different forces.

Elements of the French, Italian, and U.S. maritime forces routinely operate together, fostering a cooperative approach toward regional security and stability.

Through their time with the strike group, the Languedoc and Alpino have provided increased surface and air defense capabilities. Their professionalism and expertise enhanced the combined capability of the strike group and of the NATO alliance in the maritime domain. Working with the strike group also enhanced their own capacities and capabilities.

This specific opportunity to work as a cohesive team is the latest in a robust and steady integration among these allies. Earlier this year, the HSTCSG sailed with the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle CSG and Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour CSG as all three nations have supported regional exercises and activities like the NATO-led Neptune Strike and Neptune Shield.

Harry S. Truman has also fostered these relationships in recent port visits to Italy and France. The ship called on Trieste and Naples, Italy, and Marseille, France in recent months, highlighting the strong and enduring bonds among the allies.

The HSTCSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by the U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend the U.S., allied, and partner interests.

The HSTCSG includes the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, commanded by Capt. Patrick Hourigan; the staff and guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28 commanded by Capt. Todd Zenner, which have included: USS Bainbridge, USS Cole, USS Gonzalez, USS Gravely, and USS Jason Dunham; and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS San Jacinto, commanded by Capt. Christopher Marvin.