US carrier heads to surprise NATO wargames — Analysis
USS Harry S Truman joins Neptune Strike ‘22 wargames in the Mediterranean Sea amid tensions with Russia
Carrier for nuclear-powered fleet aircraft carriers USS Harry S. Truman will take part in next week’s NATO exercise in the Mediterranean Sea dubbed “Neptune Strike ‘22,”The Pentagon announced it.
This 12-day workout begins Monday. “demonstrate NATO’s ability to integrate the high-end maritime strike capabilities of an aircraft carrier strike group to support the deterrence and defense of the alliance,”John Kirby, Pentagon spokesperson, spoke to reporters on Friday.
Although the Truman will remain with its strike force, “under NATO operational control,” the overall command of the exercise will be in the hands of Vice Admiral Eugene H. Black III, who commands the US Navy’s 6th Fleet.
Kirby called Neptune Strike an a “long-planned activity”It has been considered since 2020 but isn’t related to the tensions currently with Russia. “The exercise itself is not designed against the kinds of scenarios that might happen with respect to Ukraine,”Kirby stated, however, that he intended to test “a wide range of maritime capabilities that we want to make sure we continue to improve.”
Kirby reports that the US discussed whether or not to continue with the exercise with NATO allies. “given tensions right now,”But ultimately, they decided to do it.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg “welcomed” the Truman’s participation as “a strong sign of transatlantic unity,”The alliance was further strengthened by the addition of “will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all Allies.”
It is a great thing that the USS Harry S. Truman carrier-strike group will be brought under my roof. #NATO command for exercise Neptune Strike in the Mediterranean – a strong sign of transatlantic unity.NATO will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all Allies.#WeAreNATOpic.twitter.com/q5vzFKW57R
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) January 21, 2022
“Neptune Strike” did not show up on NATO’s list of upcoming exercises, as of Friday afternoon. According to the US mission, NATO had confirmed that the carrier was going to participate in the exercises. “Cold Response,”An exercise in the Arctic Circle, early March
It is also the most expensive @NATOCold Response will be held in the Arctic Circle at the start of March. It is expected that 35,000 troops from 28 countries participate. The exercise will include the participation of U.S.-based aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman. pic.twitter.com/qieTmM1mJ7
— US Mission to NATO (@USNATO) January 19, 2022
Moscow consistently refuted claims by Western media and top officials that Russia plans to invade its neighbour any minute now. According to the Kremlin, this idea is absurd. “fake news,”The Russian military suggested that Washington might have helped Kiev set up a fake flag operation, which would justify a military intervention in the eastern Ukraine.
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