In an era of evolving global strategic landscapes, the robust cooperation between the United States and France has been epitomized through a significant naval exercise. This demonstration of allied naval power was evident when the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) trained alongside the French Marine Nationale carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R91) in the Mediterranean Sea.
The training operation between CVN-69 and R91, which took place in early May, signifies a deepening of ties between the two nations’ naval forces. The Eisenhower, on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, and Charles de Gaulle, conducting NATO’s Akila mission, sailed in a formation representing a combined deterrence capability.
The FS Charles de Gaulle’s involvement in NATO’s Akila mission underlines the carrier’s strategic role within the alliance, especially following the recent escalation of tensions in Ukraine. The Akila mission embodies NATO’s efforts to project deterrence, and the French carrier’s participation marked the first instance of a French nuclear-powered flattop deploying under NATO command, along with her strike group. The French flagship’s airwing was reported to include eighteen Rafale fighter jets, two E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft, and two Dauphin SAR helicopters, supported by the land-based Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. This composition underscores the multi-faceted capabilities of the French carrier, showcasing an airwing ready for a myriad of operational scenarios.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, the world’s second-oldest nuclear-powered carrier, had only recently completed a nearly six-month deployment under the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. Following defensive and offensive operations against Houthi forces in Yemen, the carrier was sent to the Mediterranean region as part of strategic maneuvers to protect Israel and discourage regional escalations.
It is noteworthy that USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is scheduled to be replaced around 2029 by the new Gerald R. Ford-class supercarrier USS Enterprise (CVN-80), marking the advent of a new era in U.S. carrier capabilities. The continued operations of the Eisenhower, however, affirm the enduring potency and reach of existing U.S. naval assets.
This bilateral exercise does more than just reflect on the historical ties between two prominent figures of World War II, after whom the respective carriers are named. It is a contemporary statement of solidarity and interoperability between two longstanding NATO allies. The visual impact of the two carriers sailing together, shared publicly by the Marine Nationale, resonates as a powerful symbol of alliance unity.
Relevant articles:
– A U.S. Navy Nimitz-Class Supercarrier Trained with France’s Aircraft Carrier , The National Interest Online, 05/07/2024
– U.S Navy’s Nimitz-Class Supercarrier Trains With French Aircraft Carrier In Mediterranean Sea, Marine Insight, 05/07/2024