Saturday, October 20, 2018

Harry S. Truman Strike Group Enters Arctic Circle, Prepares for NATO Exercise

From Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs


ARCTIC CIRCLE (NNS) -- For the first time in nearly 30 years, a U.S. aircraft carrier 
entered the Arctic Circle Oct. 19 to conduct operations in the Norwegian Sea.

Accompanied by select ships from Carrier Strike Group Eight (CSG-8), the Nimitz-
class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) traveled north to demonstrate  
the flexibility and toughness of U.S. naval forces through high-end warfare training 
with regional allies and partners.  USS America (CV 66) was the last ship to operate 
in the area, participating in NATO exercise North Star in September 1991.

“We are unbelievably excited to be operating in the Norwegian Sea,” said Harry S. 
Truman Commanding Officer, Capt. Nick Dienna. “It has been over three decades 
since carrier aviation has been tested by this environment, and, despite the arduous 
weather and sea conditions, these men and women are demonstrating this ship can 
bring a full-spectrum of capabilities to bear anywhere in the world.”

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) will expand its compliment 
of capabilities off the coast of Norway, performing air, surface and subsurface 
operations while being confronted by the trio of freezing temperatures, fierce 
winds, and unpredictable seas.   After honing its skills independently, HSTCSG 
will join 30 NATO allies and partner nations to participate in Trident Juncture 2018.

“Trident Juncture represents the best of NATO – a coalition of allies and partners 
working toward the shared interests of lasting peace and economic prosperity in the 
European region,” said Carrier Strike Group Eight Commander, Rear Adm. Gene 
Black. “This exercise is also a fantastic opportunity to learn from our Allies on their 
home turf.” 

Trident Juncture will take place in Norway and the surrounding areas of the North 
Atlantic and the Baltic Sea, including Iceland and the airspace of Finland and Sweden 
from Oct. 25 to Nov. 23. More than 50,000 participants – including 14,000 U.S. 
service members – are expected to participate, utilizing approximately 150 aircraft, 
65 ships and more than 10,000 vehicles in support of the exercise.

“The combined and bilateral operations we have conducted in the region over the 
last several months embody the U.S.’s commitment to our NATO allies and partners,” 
added Black. “Together, our maritime partnership creates a global network of navies 
capable of uniting against any potential threat.”  

Currently operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, Harry S. Truman will 
continue to foster cooperation with regional allies and partners, strengthen regional 
stability, and remain vigilant, agile and dynamic.