U.S. and Italian Naval Forces team up in the Mediterranean
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group began integrated operations with the Italian Navy in the Mediterranean on 20 July, strengthening interoperability between U.S. and Allied maritime forces, according to a U.S. Navy press release.
The U.S. Navy’s first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), along with guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), conducted joint operations with the Italian Navy’s FREMM-class frigate ITS Spartaco Schergat (F598) shortly after entering the Sixth Fleet area of operations.
“ITS Spartaco Schergat is eager to cooperate with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group,” said Cmdr. Michele Spada, commanding officer of the Italian frigate. “Interoperability activities between our units will result in an extraordinary exchange of experiences, allowing for deeper mutual understanding and strengthened trust between our crews.”
The integration followed a multinational transit through the Strait of Gibraltar on 19 July, during which the strike group operated alongside Spanish frigate ESPS Canarias (F86) and fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6).