Ford Strengthening NATO Alliances

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Adonica Munoz | Fire Controlman 1st Class Sam Lantinga, left, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) combat systems department, and Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Maria Martinez, center, from Houston, assigned to Ford's operations department, arrive on the Spanish Armada frigate Álvaro de Bazán (F 101), for a crossdeck visit, Nov. 3, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is executing a Sailor-exchange program with Sailors of all ranks across the strike group, spending a day aboard Allied ships to build interoperability and maximize their time with the six Allied ships steaming with GRFCSG. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. NavyÕs commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adonica Munoz)  

U.S. 6TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

11.09.2022

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jackson Adkins  

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)           

NATO alliances have a unique bond that extend past the bulkheads of the ships sailing with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG). The friendship and professionalism between each nation is what amplifies the powerful presence of the GRFCSG and allied ships.

The Sailors serving within the GRFCSG visited their foreign counterparts during a Sailor exchange program, while conducting exercise Silent Wolverine with the Spanish Armada frigate Álvaro de Bazán (F 101) and Dutch frigate HNLMS De Zeven Provincien (F 802).

Ford’s fire marshal, Lt. j.g. Jeremy Luallen, from Lancaster, California, visited the De Zeven Provincien and noted the significance of the Sailor-exchange program and what the evolution was all about.

“We’re all NATO, so it’s critical to keep that bond to make sure that we have a strong alliance,” said Luallen. “I think for Sailors to meet each other and learn about what their respective professions do on a different platform is really rewarding.”

Ford’s chaplain, Cmdr. Genevieve Clark, from McMinnville, Oregon, added why the evolution reaffirmed the alliance between the countries participating in Ford’s deployment.

“If we are truly going to be a global force, we need to understand how others operate and be in sync with them, so that we can support others and they can support us,” said Clark. “It’s easier during peacekeeping to learn and grow than it is when we’re in the fight.”

Clark and Luallen were also able to gain some insight on the personal experiences of all the Sailors from allied ships taking part in the GRFCSG’s mission.

“I just enjoyed getting to hear the stories of the commanding officer, executive officer and the chaplain about their families,” said Clark. “The chaplain was showing me photos of his dog and it just made me realize we are all humans and want to talk about our families, and the love and goodness in the world.”

Luallen experienced similar engagements with the Dutch Sailors as Clark did with the Spanish Sailors.
“It was very interesting to see the use of autonomy on the ship, comradery was huge,” said Luallen. “The crew was great. They were super engaged. It was overall just a good experience.”

Clark noted the positive interactions and experiences she took from the Álvaro de Bazán by observing the Spanish Sailors and U.S. Sailors interacting with each other and how impactful they were to her.

“I enjoyed getting to see from afar, even with language barriers, you quickly realize you have more in common than you do apart from each other.”

Lastly, Luallen noticed how similar the De Zeven Provincien’s ship was to Ford and how both ships operate.
“It’s interesting and insightful to see their systems and how their platforms are run. Their ship was impressively clean and well organized,” said Luallen. “There were a ton of similarities from how we operate.”

The Gerald R. Ford CSG consists of the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). The Gerald R. Ford CSG is conducting their first deployment to the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility to exercise with allies.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

For more information about the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/, and follow along on Facebook @USSGeraldRFord, Instagram @cvn78_grford, Twitter @Warship_78, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/uss-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78/ and DVIDS www.dvids.net/CVN78 .

• Date Taken: 11.09.2022
• Date Posted: 11.14.2022 01:09
• Story ID: 433179
• Location: U.S. 6TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY