US Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean Sea on April 27.
“I’m proud of the professional seamanship our sailors showcased as we transited through one of the busiest sea lanes in the world,” Truman’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Nicholas Dienna, said.
Along with Truman, the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) made the journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea through the second busiest waterway in the world.
This event served as a strategic step for the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG).
“Entering the Western Mediterranean enhances our ability to support national and regional missions in the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility. This includes working with our NATO Allies as well as European and African partners to maintain the right presence when and where it’s needed,” Dienna added.
Just prior to entering the Strait of Gibraltar, HSTCSG completed Lightning Handshake 2018 with its long-time African partner Morocco. During the week-long exercise, US and Morocco reinforced its ability to operate together in a wide spectrum of missions, including maritime security operations.
With Truman as the flagship, HSTCSG is comprised of the ships, aircraft and sailors of Carrier Strike Group Eight (CSG 8), Destroyer Squadron Two Eight (DESRON 28), Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) and Sachsen-class German frigate FGS Hessen (F 221).