A Royal Air Force P-8 Poseidon from RAF Lossiemouth based CXX Squadron has taken part in exercises with the American Aircraft Carrier, USS Gerald R Ford off the Norwegian coast.
The exercise formed part of a series of training activities being carried out by the US Navy Carrier Strike Group being led by the USS Gerald R Ford, that also involved the Royal Navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy. These exercises are designed to enhance combined interoperability and develop the ability to maintain agile, capable and expeditionary forces with the ability to flexibly operate within the High North region.
Wing Commander Ben Livesey the Officer Commanding CXX Squadron said:
This sortie provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen our alliance with NATO and JEF partners. The ability to interoperate with each other is essential to improve the effectiveness of the capabilities we provide to the defence of the Alliance in terms of collective defence.
Routinely working with both Norway and the US, our combined efforts of surface ships and Maritime Patrol Aircraft allow us to deter and defend against threats to NATO security. Our seas and interests have been challenged in recent months by an aggressive and expansionist Russia, and it is important we continue to demonstrate our resolve to counter such threats and deliver support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The USN Carrier Strike Group on arrival in European waters came under the authority of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO). Rear Admiral Erik Eslich USN, Commander, GRFCSG, Carrier Strike Group 12, said:
Conducting integrated and high-intensity activities with our Allies and partners in various maritime environments is what keeps our carrier strike group well prepared, ready and postured to collectively deter threats and defend the Alliance.
The RAF Lossiemouth Poseidon squadrons continue to work towards full operational capability, which includes completion of training to support NATO MARCOM (Maritime Command) and associated units, with a focus on interoperability training between Allied Maritime Patrol Aircraft and warships from the NATO Alliance including Task Forces such as the USS Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group on their first combat deployment.