After taking part in the major Mediterranean Sea exercise Neptune Strike, which gathered three aircraft carriers for maneuvers, US Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) arrived in Split, Croatia, on February 11 for a port visit.
The carrier was accompanied by Royal Norwegian Navy Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F310), which deployed together with the US carrier strike group from Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on December 1, 2021.
After getting underway, the US carrier strike group was put under NATO command for a series of maneuvers designed to demonstrate NATO’s ability to integrate the high-end maritime strike capabilities of an aircraft carrier strike group to support the deterrence and defense of the alliance. USS Harry S. Truman completed participation in the exercise on February 7.
According to the navy, the visit to Croatia was a routine port call, designed to strengthen defense partnerships, and provide an opportunity for sailors to take a break from the demands of being at sea.
The US Navy maintains a close relation with Croatia, and regularly conducts maintenance on it ships at the Viktor Lenac yard in Rijeka. At one point in 2018, the shipyard was conducting maintenance on three US Navy ships simultaneously, the command ship USS Mount Whitney, and expeditionary fast transport ships USNS Carson City and USNS Trenton.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Fridtjof Nansen and Harry S. Truman to get to know the people of Croatia and experience its history and scenic landscape,” said Rear Adm. Curt Renshaw, commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight. “We recently participated alongside our NATO ally Croatia in Neptune Strike 22 and we look forward to spending time ashore with our hosts.”
During their stay in Croatia, sailors will have the opportunity to participate in community relations events with the Children’s Home Maestral Split and to visit various scenic areas in the region through organized tours.
“This port visit will be key to demonstrating yet another unique opportunity for our Sailors to be rewarded with well-deserved liberty while continuing to demonstrate our resolve with US partners and allies in the Adriatic,” said Capt. Gavin Duff, Harry S. Truman’s commanding officer.
According to a Croatian defense ministry statement, the carrier is expected to remain at anchor in Split until February 15.
Truman is the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), which includes USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Cole (DDG 67), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), Norwegian frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen, and Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56).
