“What we’re doing is a building block on the last three years of our U.S. Carrier Strike Groups’ work off the coast of Norway and in the High North seas with the Royal Norwegian Navy,” said Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve. “Our mutual understanding of each other’s naval priorities, perspectives, and methods ensures efficient and effective work whenever we operate together. We are extremely fortunate to continue to build on this steadfast U.S.-Norwegian naval relationship to defend against threats to maritime security.”
A surface action group led by USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Mahan (DDG 72) operated with Royal Norwegian Navy frigate HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F 314), French Navy FS Aquitaine (D 650), and FGS Hamburg (F220) from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1. Their operations southeast of Svalbard were supported by coalition auxiliary ships USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), HNoMS Maud (A 530) and FS Somme (A 631).
“We are thrilled to work alongside our friends and Allies as we take on the challenge of ensuring peace and freedom are shared by all traversing our waterways,” said Royal Norwegian Navy Cmdr. Lars Ole Hoknes, commander of Thor Heyerdahl. “The Norwegian Sea and the areas surrounding it must remain free, no matter the cost.”
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) also carried out flight operations and strike exercises in the Norwegian Sea with the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The mission reinforced U.S. commitments outlined in the 2024 Department of Defense Arctic Strategy to secure the Arctic as a stable region in line with broader U.S. national security frameworks.
The GRF CSG continues to operate under U.S. 6th Fleet in support of maritime security, deterrence, and theatre cooperation with NATO Allies. Carrier Strike Group Twelve is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to strengthen readiness, defend U.S. and Allied interests, and reinforce long-standing partnerships across Europe and Africa.
