The U.S. Ambassador to the French Republic and Principality of Monaco, Jamie D. McCourt, joined senior members of the French military during a visit aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) July 3.

"It's always an honor to have our great friends and partners aboard Truman," said Harry S. Truman Commanding Officer, Capt. Nick Dienna. "This visit caps off a phenomenal few weeks operating in Sixth Fleet. Our Sailors were graciously welcomed in Marseille, and we are now working bilaterally with our French counterparts to hone our skills for joint operations whenever, wherever we are needed."

Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) is currently participating in French Air Defense Week, an exercise designed to demonstrate interoperability and increase readiness for participating units. During the exercise, HSTCSG aircraft are integrating with French Navy counterparts to conduct training and simulation maneuvers. The exercise is an opportunity for U.S. and French maritime aviation forces to work together, exchange information and refine tactics, techniques and procedures in order to promote maritime safety and security in the region.

"French fighter jets performing operations on the deck of one of America's great supercarriers is an amazing symbol of the strong partnership between the United States and France," said Ambassador McCourt.

During the group's daylight embark, there was a military staff exchange, a short tour, and observation of touch-and-goes performed by French Dassault Rafale fighters.

Harry S. Truman is deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations supporting maritime security operations and U.S. national security interests.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.