French, US Aviators Conduct Interoperability Exercises: "USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) conducted interoperability exercises with the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R 91) June 4-7.
Some of the exercises the aircraft carriers conducted include carrier qualifications (CQs) and a Rafale F3 jet engine swap-out in Truman's hangar bay.
Charles Rivkin, U.S. ambassador to France, three French rear admirals and media had the opportunity to witness the joint training during a visit to the Truman on June 7. The group observed as F/A-18 Super Hornets and Rafale F3s conducted multiple passes on the Truman flight deck.
It was the ambassador's first experience aboard a U.S. carrier.
'It is truly an honor to be here and to observe the way our two countries work together,' he said. The ambassador looks forward to continuing the French-U.S. relationship during a formal reception on board Truman when the ship moors in Marseille.
Truman Sailors also noticed the similarities between the way the French and U.S. squadrons operate.
'Their aircraft are completely different, but at the same time they're compatible with our systems and way of doing things,' said Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class (Equipment) (AW) David Aponte.
Standardization and similar procedures are what enable the two navies to work closely together, according to Lt. Jeff Burch of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 37, one of the F/A-18 squadrons embarked on board Truman."
