The U.S. Navy’s Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and the Italian Navy’s Cavour Carrier Strike Group have successfully concluded the first-ever bilateral Multi-Large Deck Event (MLDE) in the Indo-Pacific region on August 9. This groundbreaking exercise brought together over 7,500 personnel from both navies, showcasing advanced maritime integration and combat readiness.
The MLDE focused on enhancing interoperability through joint operations, including maritime communication, air warfare, and cross-deck flight operations. Rear Adm. Adan Cruz, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, emphasized the critical nature of these exercises in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Participating vessels included the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), alongside the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and frigate ITS Alpino (F 594).
The air component featured an impressive array of aircraft, including F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, E/A-18G Growlers, F-35C Lightning II, and E-2D Hawkeye from Carrier Air Wing 9, as well as Italian F-35B Lightning II jets from the Cavour Carrier Strike Group.
Operations commenced with a liaison officer exchange, followed by coordinated flight operations and ship maneuvers. This exercise marks a significant milestone in U.S.-Italian naval cooperation in the Indo-Pacific theater, building upon Carrier Strike Group 3’s previous MLDE experience in the South China Sea in January 2022.
Rear Adm. Giancarlo Ciappina, commander of the Cavour Carrier Strike Group, highlighted the event’s strategic importance in demonstrating NATO Alliance capabilities on a global scale. The successful completion of this MLDE underscores the commitment of both nations to maritime security and the principles of free navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
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