Coalition Leadership Meets Aboard John C. Stennis

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) conducts operations in the Arabian Sea. The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is on regularly scheduled deployments in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help set the conditions for security and stability, as well as aid counter-terrorism and security efforts to regional nations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ronald Reeves

Senior leaders from the French Navy Ship (FNS) Charles de Gaulle (R 91) arrived aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) March 16 to establish a foundation for further professional interaction and combined operations between the two navies. Commander Task Force 473 French Rear Adm. Xavier Magne and 15 other French officers from Charles de Gaulle met with their John C. Stennis counterparts for lunch, a tour of the ship, and an opportunity to discuss integration and interoperability between the two carrier groups.

“We are proud that we will have the opportunity to serve side by side with the French navy,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 3 Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn.

Charles de Gaulle, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier built outside the United States, arrived in the North Arabian Sea March 14 with its carrier task force and is conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF). "This is an important day, because it represents our cooperative operations in support of coalition efforts in Afghanistan," said Quinn. French Task Force 473 consists of Charles de Gaulle, flagship of the French navy, FNS Cassard (D 614), FNS Tourville (D 610), FNS Dupleix (D 641) and FNS Marne (A 630).

CCSG 3 consists of USS John C. Stennis, Carrier Air Wing 9, USS Antietam (CG 54), Commander, Destroyer Squadron 21, USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Preble (DDG 88) and USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). “I think it is very fitting that our two navies that have worked so well together for hundreds of years are coming together again to bring stability and security to this region of the world,” said Quinn. “My hope is that with our efforts, the people of Afghanistan will also be able to enjoy a life of 'liberté, égalité, fraternité.'" John C. Stennis and Charles de Gaulle will be operating together in the North Arabian Sea, conducting bilateral exercises and supporting the ground forces operating in Afghanistan.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark Logico, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs