In the ever-evolving theater of naval warfare, an unprecedented joint operation has set the stage in the Mediterranean Sea. In early May, two imposing warships representing historical allies sailed side by side—a tangible demonstration of NATO’s maritime strength. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), a U.S. Navy Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier, joined forces with France’s flagship, the nuclear-powered FS Charles de Gaulle (R91), underscoring the strategic partnership and interoperability that underpin NATO’s deterrence capabilities in the region.
The Eisenhower, an icon of American sea power, is the second-oldest active nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the world, currently scheduled to be decommissioned around 2029. This massive vessel recently completed a near six-month deployment in the U.S. Central Command’s area, where it played a critical role in protecting Israel and facilitating maritime security in the Red Sea. With the new Gerald R. Ford-class supercarrier USS Enterprise (CVN-80) set to replace the Eisenhower in the coming years, this operation served not just as a strategic maneuver but also as a homage to the carrier’s extensive service history.
France’s involvement in NATO operations, particularly since the Ukraine conflict, has seen an uptick. The Charles de Gaulle’s deployment under NATO command, a first for the French navy, came with its robust strike group, including a French air-defense frigate, a multi-mission frigate, and a nuclear attack submarine. Its airwing boasts eighteen Rafale fighter jets, E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning, and control aircraft, and Dauphin SAR helicopters—all indicative of the carrier’s formidable offensive and defensive capabilities.
These joint operations are more than mere symbols of unity; they are strategic necessities. As Rear Adm. Gene Black stated, “France is our oldest ally and a vital partner in ensuring security and stability in the region and across the globe.” The interoperability exercises between U.S. and French naval aviators, involving the integration of French Rafale M fighters with F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and E-2D Hawkeyes from the Truman Carrier Strike Group, underscore the commitment to a shared defense agenda and the pursuit of common objectives.
The global fleet of aircraft carriers, as detailed in a comprehensive report, highlights the United States’ dominant presence with 19 of the world’s 36 such vessels, led by the 10 Nimitz-class “supercarriers.” These colossal ships are a testament to American naval engineering, boasting nearly unlimited range due to their nuclear propulsion and an imposing presence with high-tensile steel and Kevlar protection. The Nimitz-class carriers, which carry a full complement of various aircraft, are a cornerstone of U.S. maritime strategy, offering flexibility and power projection across the world’s oceans.
Meanwhile, the international carrier landscape features vessels of varied ages and capabilities,from Russia’s mechanically unreliable Admiral Kuznetsov to Japan’s “helicopter destroyers.” Each nation’s carrier fleet reflects its strategic priorities and the changing dynamics of naval power.
As the U.S. Navy prepares for a future beyond the venerable Nimitz class, with new Ford-class supercarriers on the horizon and debates intensifying over the role of these maritime behemoths in modern conflict, the carrier strategy remains steadfast. These giants of the sea, able to project power without the need for foreign bases or fueling, have proven indispensable in conflicts ranging from Iran and Syria to the current tensions with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
With an eye on the future, the U.S. Navy is exploring a mix of manned and unmanned vessels.Despite skepticism from some quarters over carriers’ viability against emerging threats like hypersonic missiles and swarm attacks, there is an undeniable place for these symbols of “90,000 tons of American sovereignty” in the strategic calculus of naval power.
The recent Mediterranean operation was not only a show of force but a clear signal of the enduring partnership between the United States and France, and the broader NATO alliance. It reinforced the commitment to safeguarding shared interests and ensuring that the waters of the Mediterranean—and beyond—remain under the watchful eye of allied naval power.
Relevant articles:
– A U.S. Navy Nimitz-Class Supercarrier Trained with France’s Aircraft Carrier, The National Interest
– Özgün Law Firm, ozgunlaw.com
– French Naval Aviators Train With Truman Carrier Strike Group, USNI News
– Navy’s supercarrier strategy will go on after USS Nimitz is gone, Stars and Stripes