The USS Lincoln and ITS Cavour carrier strike groups engaged in enhanced maritime communication, air warfare and cross-deck flight operations as part of the first MLDE of the two navies in the Indo-Pacific.
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and the ITS Cavour Carrier Strike Group conducted the first-ever bilateral Multi-Large Deck Event (MLDE) held in the Indo-Pacific by the U.S. Navy and Italian Navy on Aug. 9, 2024. The announcement comes as ITS Cavour completed its participation to Exercise Pitch Black 2024 and is enroute to Japan, while the USS Lincoln (CVN-72) is sailing towards the Middle East.
The event was the occasion for the two services to engage in joint operations, including enhanced maritime communication operations, air warfare operations and cross-deck flight operations, to strengthen maritime integrated-at-sea operations and combat readiness.
While the Italian aircraft carrier already integrated with U.S. carriers, including with the USS Eisenhower while on the way to Australia, this is the first time ever in the Indo-Pacific region and as part of a MLDE. This adds to a series of milestones reached during the ITS Cavour’s first deployment to the region.
“This was a great opportunity to operate with our close NATO Ally, Italy, in the Indo-Pacific. Our efforts are critical in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” said Rear Adm. Adan Cruz, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3. “Interoperability does not just happen, it is practiced and rehearsed across our teams to build the relations and connections necessary to successfully conduct an MLDE.”
During the event, Adm. Cruz hosted his Italian counterpart, Rear Adm. Giancarlo Ciappina, aboard USS Lincoln for a visit focused on building interoperability. Notably, both aircraft carriers embarked both 4th and 5th generation aircraft during their deployment, further improving the interoperability thanks to the commonalities of the F-35B and F-35C.
“The activity with CSG 3 at sea is an excellent opportunity to enhance our capabilities in Multi Carrier Operations, demonstrating the interoperability of the NATO Alliance worldwide, strengthening our ability to work together and improving our common resilience,” said Rear Adm. Giancarlo Ciappina, commander, Cavour Carrier Strike Group. “Conducting this type of activity is one of the strategic objectives of our operational deployment, ensuring security at sea and promoting economic prosperity trough a free and open Indo Pacific.”
The MLDE
The U.S. statement provided a breakdown of all assets involved. Participating ships in the MLDE included Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and Italian Frigate ITS Alpino (F 594).
Participating aircraft included MH-60S and MH-60R Sea Hawks, F/A-18E & F Super Hornets, E/A-18G Growlers, F-35C Lightning II, and E-2D Hawkeye, all assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9; and Italian F-35B Lightning II assigned to Cavour Carrier Strike Group. The statement did not mention the Italian AV-8B+ Harrier II and EH-101 and NH-90 helicopters, although the Harriers were shown in the formation flyover to celebrate the event.
Notably, the video shows that both the Italian Navy’s and Air Force’s F-35Bs were on the ITS Cavour and took part to the MLDE’s events. In fact, the ItAF deployed the F-35B on the ITS Cavour after the completion of the Rising Sun 2024 exercise with the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) and the return to Italy of all the remaining aircraft.
In the evening of Aug. 8, before the start of the MLDE’s activities, the two commanding officers conducted a conditions check via virtual teleconference to ensure all participants were ready. The next day, the two carrier strike groups exchanged liaison officers to ensure communication flow across the vessels and visit with crews.
The two services did not provide a break-down of the type of missions performed, however they mentioned the event was focused on enhanced maritime communication operations, air warfare operations and cross-deck flight operations. Both commanding officers were highly satisfied with the outcome of the exercise.
“I wish to truly thank Adm. Cruz and all of the CSG 3 crews for the outstanding professionalism they showed us and for their willingness and commitment in putting our forces together in such an effective and profitable cooperation,” said Rear Adm. Ciappina.
“It is an honor to work with our NATO Allies in the Indo-Pacific,” said Cruz. “I am grateful to Rear Adm. Ciappina and his entire crew for the superb professionalism and coordination in bringing this event to life.”
Cavour’s Indo-Pacific deployment
The Cavour CSG departed Italy in June, shortly after achieving the operational certification at the end of the multi-domain Mare Aperto 2024 exercise. This operational campaign is expected to evaluate and qualify the capabilities of the air component, with the F-35B reaching the Initial Operational Capability by the end of the deployment.
After navigating through the Indian Ocean, the CSG arrived in Australia for one of the main events of the campaign, the biennial Pitch Black exercise. The 2024 edition was the largest in the exercise’s 43-year history, and saw the participation of 21 international participants and over 140 aircraft from around the world, with approximately 4435 personnel participating.
This was also the first time the exercise had a dedicated aircraft carrier, thanks to the participation of the ITS Cavour. The exercise also provided the occasion to cooperate with the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268 (Reinforced) conducting deck landing qualifications with their MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors on the Cavour.
After the completion of the exercise, the Cavour CSG sailed towards Japan, meeting the USS Lincoln for the Multi-Large Deck Event. The CSG later arrived in Guam for a logistics stop, after which the ships will resume their navigation in anticipation of the drills with Japan’s Carrier Aviation Component.
