NATO showcases joint Mediterranean exercises
NATO is showing off its strength in military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean led by the US aircraft carrier USS Truman as part of the NATO Neptune Strike 22 activity. Although these exercises were already planned before the Russian invasion, they are intended to continue to contribute to one of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's main objectives, namely deterrence and defence, at a time when Russia's invasion of Ukraine threatens to destabilise world order and security.
This is confirmed in a press release issued by the Organisation, explaining that these exercises are being conducted to "consolidate the ability to seamlessly integrate [the Alliance's] maritime competencies in a manner that aids deterrence and defence".
Most NATO countries, including Spain, are participating in these exercises. In fact, on the last day, representatives of the US crew of the aircraft carrier USS Truman paid a visit to the Navy's Juan Carlos I aircraft carrier because NATO is carrying out surveillance activities that constitute "high-end maritime expeditionary strike capabilities", in addition to fighter aircraft.
To publicise them, several media outlets have been invited to attend the exercises, which are expected to conclude on 31 May. These surveillance activities began on 24 January in the Adriatic Sea through maritime and air missions and were carried out throughout most of Europe in support of both Allied Joint Forces Command Naples and Brunssum Command.
On the occasion of these exercises, Rear Admiral Curt Renshaw said that the aim of these exercises was to be "as prepared as possible". He added that they were watching "Russian capabilities and looking at our own capabilities and then training ourselves to be able to counter, so that we can defend ourselves and our allies".
Alongside him, British Royal Navy pilot Rory Cheyne, attached to the USS Truman, said these manoeuvres were "planned well in advance" and that "this heightened surveillance activity is put in a different context. We are here to work closely with our allies and be prepared for any eventuality".
For her part, Lieutenant Commander Jeannette Lazzaro, who is responsible for planning operations, especially those related to flight plans, says that the war in Ukraine "has not had a direct impact on what we do (...) but it weighs on our minds", although she confesses that "we are constantly training to be ready for anything we are asked to do, we are ready for anything".
In addition to deploying forces in the Mediterranean, 'Neptune's Shield 2022' is also deploying in the Baltic Sea, another hotspot since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
