The Mediterranean Sea, long a strategic nexus of East and West, was recently the stage for a potent demonstration of NATO’s naval capabilities as the U.S. Navy’s USS Dwight D. Eisenhower joined forces with France’s Marine Nationale carrier FS Charles de Gaulle. This training exercise was not just about displaying military might; it was also a symbol of enduring international cooperation and dynamic power projection in a world of shifting geopolitical landscapes.
Charles de Gaulle, the sole nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in service outside the U.S. Navy’s fleet, has marked a historic moment by coming under NATO’s direct command for the first time through the Akila mission. This aligns with NATO’s emphasis on showcasing a robust deterrent posture in the Mediterranean, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The deployment of Charles de Gaulle and her accompanying strike group, which includes an air defense frigate, a multi-mission frigate, and a nuclear attack submarine, underscores the flexibility and depth of NATO’s maritime resources.
The French flagship’s airwing is notably formidable, boasting 18 Rafale fighter jets that constitute nearly two-thirds of its aerial capability, along with two E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft and two Dauphin SAR helicopters. This powerful ensemble is bolstered by the land-based Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft, adept in both submarine and surface-warfare roles.
Meanwhile, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, the world’s second-oldest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, brought its own impressive credentials to the exercise. Fresh from a nearly six-month deployment in the U.S. Central Command’s zone of responsibility, where it played a crucial role in defending Israel and combating Houthi forces in Yemen, the Eisenhower added depth to the Mediterranean training mission. Its recent actions in ensuring the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea further attest to its strategic importance.
The collaboration between the Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle extends beyond their recent Mediterranean maneuvers. Their namesakes, military generals and later heads of state Dwight D. Eisenhower and Charles de Gaulle, shared a complex yet respectful relationship during WWII, making the joint operations of the warships carrying their names especially poignant.
The Akila mission not only facilitates NATO’s deterrence strategies but also provides a platform to strengthen the interoperability among member states’ military assets. In the words of NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah, this operation is an expression of “…the common commitment to strengthen cooperation and ensure interoperability…”
While Charles de Gaulle serves as the Marine Nationale’s flagship, its American counterpart is set to continue its service until around 2029. With the anticipated decommissioning of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the commissioning of the new USS Enterprise (CVN-80), the next-generation Gerald R. Ford class supercarrier, the balance of power projection capabilities within NATO is poised for a strategic evolution.
Relevant articles:
– U.S Navy’s Nimitz-Class Supercarrier Trains With French Aircraft Carrier In Mediterranean Sea , Marine Insight, 05/07/2024
– The aircraft carriers Charles de Gaulle and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower meet in the Mediterranean Sea, Zona Militar, 05/05/2024