European, US Dignitaries Tour USS Harry S. Truman

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) hosted U.S. and foreign flag and general officers from throughout Europe, Aug. 11 in support of regional maritime partnerships.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, commander, Supreme Allied Command, Europe (SACEUR); U.S. Navy Adm. Bruce Clingan, commander, Allied Joint Force Command; U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet; and an additional 12 guest arrived via a C-2A Greyhound carrier onboard delivery (COD) aircraft from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 “Rawhides” and spent several hours observing flight operations and visiting various locations, including the bridge, primary flight control, flight deck control and the hangar bay.

The event was capped off with a roundtable discussion on regional security.

“This was a unique opportunity for the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) to demonstrate the capabilities we offer while forward deployed in any part of the world,” said U.S. Navy Adm. Kevin Sweeney, commander, HST CSG. “While operating as part of 6th Fleet, we have interacted with many of our NATO partners, reinforced relationships, and expanded the trust and confidence we have with key allies.”

Capt. Bob Roth, Truman’s commanding officer, said the ship was honored to host the guests, many of whom had never been on a U.S. aircraft carrier at sea.

“We have a wonderful crew and I was proud to showcase its talent and professionalism throughout the ship,” said Roth. “We prepared diligently for this deployment, and the crew is very excited to finally be overseas. I think our friends and partners left with a lasting positive impression of the dedicated men and women we have on board in addition to the great capabilities we bring and how we can work together to promote security.”

HST CSG deployed July 22 on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th and 5th fleet areas of responsibility.

While in the Mediterranean Sea, HST CSG is supporting maritime security operations, which help set the conditions for regional security and stability in the maritime environment and complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations.

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Press Release, August 14, 2013; Image: US Navy