USS Dwight D. Eisenhower arrives in Marseille, France

The U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (Ike) arrived in Marseille, France, on its way home from the counter-ISIL mission.

The nuclear-powered carrier arrived in France for a scheduled port visit on December 16.

Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group departed Norfolk on June 1 and conducted strikes into Syria and Iraq in support of operation Inherent Resolve between December 6-12 while operating in the Mediterranean Sea.

“The sailors of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower are excited to be in the beautiful city of Marseille, and we are looking forward to experiencing the rich history and culture of France,” USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Commanding Officer, Capt. Paul C. Spedero Jr., said. “Engagements such as these strengthen the bonds between our two countries as we work toward mutual goals. France is one of our closest allies and I am extremely pleased that we are able to share this port visit with them and strengthen our maritime partnership. We are very grateful for their hospitality and I know this will be a memorable visit for our sailors.”

The Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group consists of carrier strike group (CSG) 10, carrier air wing (CVW) 3, destroyer squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).