FGS Hessen Detaches from Truman Carrier Strike Group: "German frigate FGS Hessen (F221) detached from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group June 19 following successful operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).
After departing their homeport of Wilhelmshaven, Germany and completing interoperability exercises last fall, Hessen deployed with the Truman Carrier Strike Group May 21 from Norfolk, Va.
'It was a great opportunity to work with Hessen,' said Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. 'The work our Sailors did together will strengthen both the personal and professional bonds between our navies. They are true professionals and take pride in everything they do.'
While in the U.S. 6th Fleet AOR, Hessen participated in a number of exercises, including the 100th anniversary of French naval aviation and a visit from the German minister of Defense.
'In both training ashore and operations at sea, Hessen impressed us with her air defense warfare capability and her superior seamanship and hospitality,' said Lt. Cmdr. J.B. Benson, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 operations officer.
For Lt. Heinz Moeller, the German navy liaison officer to CSG 10, the experience of working with the strike group was a rewarding one.
'I loved being a member of team Truman,' said Moeller. 'I enjoyed talking with Sailors in passageways, on the bridge, during meals everywhere. I felt very welcomed.'
'Hessen was not merely a symbolic addition to an existing U.S. carrier strike group. She was fully integrated, early in the training phase, and she performed superbly,' said Capt. Pete DeMane, deputy commander, DESRON 26. 'It was an honor to sail with such a formidable combatant.'"
