The nuclear-powered Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier employs 5,000 people and acts as a nerve center in NATO’s Mediterranean preparedness exercise. Our reporter got to follow the exercise on site.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA The sound on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman is deafening. Ongoing under the NATO flag Neptune Shield (switch to another service) -exercise to hone the Allies’ ability to work together in challenging conditions.
In addition to the United States, some twenty NATO countries are participating in the exercises in the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas. The Allies are practicing, among other things, providing local fire support and combating submarines.
– Each participating country brings its own capabilities and perspectives, Fleet Flight Officer Jeannette Lazzaro describes to .
U.S. pilots have trained with Spanish Harrier fighters, among others. Harry S. Truman’s crew has also practiced cooperating with French and Italian aircraft carriers.
French Rafale fighters, for example, have practiced landing on Harry S. Truman. U.S. fighter jets, in turn, have practiced landing on a French aircraft carrier.
Floating city in the middle of the Mediterranean
There are also aircraft carriers in Britain, China, France, Italy and Spain, among others. The ships that serve as the base for dozens of fighters are billions in investment and therefore only exist in large countries.
With a crew of nearly 5,000, the Truman is like a floating city. Month-long operations include both work and leisure. So what is everyday life like on a giant ship?
– Life here is no different from ordinary day work. When the turn is over, you can return to your own hobbies, the aircraft mechanic Robert Rubano says.
– We watch movies and play computer games. Many go to the gym or play various sports. Dance instruction is also available on board, he continues.
The war in Ukraine overshadows the exercise
The Neptune Shield preparedness exercise, which runs until the end of May, is part of the NATO Neptune Exercise Series. During the exercises, the USS Harry S. Truman has exceptionally been under NATO command.
Neptune exercises were planned even before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, concerns about Russia’s actions overshadow the exercise.
– We are comparing Russia’s capabilities to our own and trying to match what they may be doing, the ship’s commander Curt Renshaw notes.
According to Rear Admiral Renshaw, the Allies are keeping a close eye on, among other things, where the Russian submarines are moving. The exercises are also intended to prevent threats to allies.
– Look around you. It would be very reckless to attack or aggress on our allies, Renshaw says.
Finland’s defense is valued
In Finland, the debate on NATO has been hot in recent months. The process of accepting Finland and Sweden as members of the Defense League officially started last week, when Finland submitted an application to join the Defense League with Sweden.
Rear Admiral Renshaw does not comment on the ongoing negotiations, but states that Finland is generally a respected partner with a capable defense.
– The capabilities and experiences of the Finnish Armed Forces will only strengthen us, Renshaw tells .
Fighter pilot Jeannette Lazzaro has also followed the path of Finland and Sweden towards NATO.
– It would be great to get their skills into our partnership, he says.
What thoughts did the thing give you? You can discuss the topic until Thursday, May 26 at 11 p.m.