191104-N-AS200-0106 GAETA, Italy (Nov. 3, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) poses for a photo with multi-national members participating in exercise Trident Jupiter 2019 while embarked on the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LLC 20) in Gaeta, Italy, Nov. 3, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2018) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jonathan Giguere, right, signals to a CV-22 Osprey, attached to the 352d Special Operations Wing, on the flight deck of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 10. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

180615-N-XT273-1953 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Richard Grenell, U.S. Ambassador to Germany, delivers remarks during a reception aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) June 15, 2018, in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Ensign David Via, from Wilson, North Carolina, right, gives a tour of the auxiliary machinery room to Midshipman 1st Class Thomas Newton, from Mechanicsville, Virginia, aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 June 12. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Sailors fight a simulated fire during a fire drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 June 12. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

191104-N-AS200-0109 GAETA, Italy (Nov. 3, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) addresses multi-national members participating in exercise Trident Jupiter 2019 while embarked on the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LLC 20) in Gaeta, Italy, Nov. 3, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

210223-N-DO281-1119 GAETA, Italy (Feb. 23, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Marcus Annibale, chief of staff, Naval Striking and Support Forces, NATO (STRIKFORNATO), right, speaks with Capt. David Pollard, commanding officer of the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), as he boards the ship, Feb. 23, 2021. Mount Whitney is the U.S. Sixth Fleet and STRIKFORNATO flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/Released)

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KIEL, Germany (June 16, 2018) Lt. Austin Chien, from Naperville, Illinois, gives a tour of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) while in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week 2018, June 16. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert will allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

210225-N-EI510-0019 GAETA, Italy (Feb. 25, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Marcus Annibale, chief of staff, Naval Striking and Support Forces, NATO (STRIKFORNATO), right, speaks with Capt. David Pollard, commanding officer of the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), as he boards the ship, Feb. 25, 2021. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Barnes)

180615-N-XT273-1984 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Members of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe band play during a reception aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) June 15, 2018, in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

191111-N-AS200-0956 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 11, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) addresses the crew of the Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) over the one main circuit (1MC) during Exercise Trident Jupiter 2019, while transiting the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 11, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

A Rafale M fighter landing on carrier Charles de Gaulle’s flight deck.

The French Navy’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle left its home port of Toulon on 24 April to venture in the Mediterranean Sea in preparation for NATO’s multi-domain enhanced Vigilance Activity “Neptune Strike 2024”. Neptune Strike demonstrates the seamless synergy of Alliance’s forces working together in multiple domains, to protect and defend against any threat. On 25 April, the aircraft carrier demonstrated its ability to have jets, air and surface surveillance aircraft and helicopters take off from and land on its flight deck. During the activity, and for the first time, the French Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is under the command of STRIKFORNATO (Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO), showing the Alliance’s strength and unity. Neptune Strike ran from 26 April to 10 May across the Mediterranean Sea.

210607-N-EC031-0002 PUTLOS, Germany (June 7, 2021) Marines assigned to 4th platoon Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization (LEON), 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistical Group, discuss clearing procedures for disposal ordnance response training as part of exercise BALTOPS 50, June 7, 2021. The 50th BALTOPS represents a continuous, steady commitment to reinforcing interoperability in the Alliance and providing collective maritime security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Hurd)

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DANISH STRAITS (June 21, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) transits the Danish Straits June 21, 2018. U Bainbridge, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

210607-N-FV745-0003 PUTLOS, Germany (June 8, 2021) – Marine Master Sgt. Sam McDaniels, assigned to Expeditionary Exploitation Unit One (EXU-1) at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, analyzes a foreign ordnance at a mobile field shop in Putlos, Germany, while participating in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2021, June 8, 2021. The 50th BALTOPS represents a continuous, steady commitment to reinforcing interoperability in the Alliance and providing collective maritime security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel James Lanari)

191111-N-AS200-1174 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov.11, 2019) Royal Navy Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, deputy commander, Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), provides opening remarks during a Veterans Day ceremony aboard in the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), while transiting the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 11, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

180615-N-XT273-207 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrives in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week 2018 June 15. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 11, 2018) Midshipman 1st Class Robert Hall stands watch in the bridge of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) June 11. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

210607-N-FV745-0047 PUTLOS, Germany (June 8, 2021) – Marine Master Sgt. Sam McDaniels, assigned to Expeditionary Exploitation Unit One (EXU-1) at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, analyzes a foreign ordnance at a mobile field shop in Putlos, Germany, while participating in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2021, June 8, 2021. The 50th BALTOPS represents a continuous, steady commitment to reinforcing interoperability in the Alliance and providing collective maritime security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel James Lanari)

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BALTIC SEA (June 6, 2018) Midshipman observe AAV-P7/A1 assault amphibious vehicles approach the the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 6. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

191106-N-AS200-0640 TYRRHENIAN SEA (Nov. 6, 2019) Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Jason Bohm, left, meets with Polish Navy Rear Adm. Krzysztof Jaworski, commander, Maritime Component Command, right, and Rear Adm. E. Andrew Burcher, commander, Submarines NATO, left, aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) while transiting the Tyrrhenian Sea, Nov. 6, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

180615-N-XT273-1968 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Capt. Robert Aguilar, commanding officer of the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), delivers remarks during a reception aboard the ship June 15, 2018, in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

191110-N-AS200-0975 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 10, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) addresses the crew of the Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) over the one main circuit (1MC) during Exercise Trident Jupiter 2019, while transiting the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 10, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

180617-N-XT273-237 KIEL, Germany (June 17, 2018) Musicians assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band pose for a photo, in Kiel, Germany, during Kiel Week 2018, June 17. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, to enable enduring relationships and increase vigilance and resilience in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

191104-N-AS200-0108 GAETA, Italy (Nov. 3, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) addresses multi-national members participating in exercise Trident Jupiter 2019 while embarked on the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LLC20) in Gaeta, Italy, Nov. 3, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

191104-N-AS200-0107 GAETA, Italy (Nov. 3, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) addresses multi-national members participating in exercise Trident Jupiter 2019 while embarked on the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LLC 20) in Gaeta, Italy, Nov. 3, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Nicole Darr, from Cisco, Texas, configures a high frequency transmitter aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 June 12. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Sailors report to a damage control fire station during a fire drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 June 12. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

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LISBON, Portugal (May 29, 2019) Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) delivers remarks at a Distinguished Visitor (DV) event, led by STRIKFORNATO, in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the final event of Formidable Shield 2019, May 29, 2019. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nelson/Released)

180615-N-XT273-757 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Sailors aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) walk in formation after hoisting the colors as the ship arrives in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week 2018 June 15. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

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KIEL, Germany (June 21, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) departs Kiel, Germany, following a scheduled port visit June 21, 2018. Bainbridge, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

191106-N-AS200-0638 TYRRHENIAN SEA (Nov. 6, 2019) Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Jason Bohm, center, meets with Polish Navy Rear Adm. Krzysztof Jaworski, commander, Maritime Component Command, right, and Rear Adm. E. Andrew Burcher, commander, Submarines NATO, left, aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) while transiting the Tyrrhenian Sea, Nov. 6, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 9, 2018) The American flag flies from the mast of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during a photo exercise for exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 9. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

191110-N-AS200-1066 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 10, 2019) The ceremonial rainbow sideboys, await the departure of Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), aboard the Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), while transiting the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 10, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

191110-N-AS200-1088 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 10, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), left, shakes hands with Capt. Cassidy Norman, commanding officer of the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), while preparing to disembark, in the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 10, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), left, and Shawn Crowley, Chargé d'Affaires to Italy, participate in the 79th Allied landing forces ceremony at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, Jan. 24, 2023. The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery is one of 26 American military cemeteries located in foreign countries that is designed, constructed, operated, and maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). The cemetery was established as a temporary site on Jan. 24, 1944, only two days after the Allied landings at Anzio and Nettuno. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Charest)

191110-N-AS200-1041 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 10, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), awards command coins to participants of Exercise Trident Jupiter 2019, aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), while transiting the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 10, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

180615-N-XT273-567 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Sailors aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) man the rails while arriving in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week 2018 June 15. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

191110-N-AS200-1027 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 10, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), awards command coins to participants of Exercise Trident Jupiter 2019, aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), while transiting the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 10, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 6, 2018) Engineman 2nd Class Johnathan Oppermann stands aboard Landing Craft Utility 1656 as it departs the well deck of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 6. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

180906-N-WO404-001 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Sept. 6, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, center, poses with members of both staffs during staff integration talks at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, Sept. 6, 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nelson/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 13, 2018) Lt. Jason Torres, from Patuxent River, Maryland, stands watch in the Recovery Assist Secure and Traverse (RAST) control room aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 13. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 6, 2018) Chief Boatswain's Mate Jeremy Allan, left, speaks with Midshipman 3rd Class Patrick Bishop, a native of Toledo, Ohio, aboard Landing Craft Utility 1656 during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 6. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

191110-N-AS200-1096 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 10, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), left, speaks with Capt. Cassidy Norman, commanding officer of the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), while preparing to disembark, in the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 10, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

191110-N-AS200-1089 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 10, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), left, shakes hands with Capt. Cassidy Norman, commanding officer of the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), while preparing to disembark, in the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 10, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

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DANISH STRAITS (June 21, 2018) Lt. j.g. Christopher Hein, stands watch on the bridge of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) as the ship transits the Danish Straits June 21, 2018. Bainbridge, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

191110-N-AS200-4297 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 10, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), center, discusses operations with Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, deputy commander STRIKFORNATO, left, and Brig. Gen. Jason Bohm, chief of staff, STRIKFORNATO, right, during Exercise Trident Jupiter 2019, while transiting the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 10, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

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ROTA, Spain (July 8, 2021) Brigadier General Marcus Annibale, Chief of Staff to Naval Striking and Support Forces, NATO (STRIKFORNATO), walks through the side boys after receiving a tour aboard the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) in the Atlantic Ocean, July 8, 2021. Hershel “Woody” Williams is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national interests and security in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Coffer/Released)

210607-N-EC031-0011 PUTLOS, Germany (June 7, 2021) Marine Sgt. Jasper Gomez, assigned to 4th platoon Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization (LEON), 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistical Group, sweeps the perimeter of a building during disposal ordnance response training as part of exercise BALTOPS 50, June 7, 2021. The 50th BALTOPS represents a continuous, steady commitment to reinforcing interoperability in the Alliance and providing collective maritime security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Hurd)

801 Photographic Section LA (PHOT) Bunting.

09/10/2004 801 Naval Air Squadron photographic section, LA(Phot) Billy Bunting.

HMS Invincible the flag ship for Destined Glory 04 began this exercise on 2nd October 2004. It will be a live-fire training exercise including forces from Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the United States along with Maritime and Amphibious forces affiliated with STRIKFORNATO. The exercise will also be the first test of the Nato Response Force (NRF) and will involve more than 10,500 personnel, over 50 ships and 50 aircraft from 11 NATO nations. INVINCIBLE and her air group will make a vital contribution to this force.

This will be INVINCIBLE's third major deployment this year. A particularly busy one which has seen her exercising of the coast of Norway as an Amphibious Carrier; re-roling as a Strike Carrier to deploy to the US coast and now acting as the Flagship for this trip to the Mediterranean. In this role she will be embarking several senior Force Commanders and their battle staffs as well as her usual complement of Harrier aircraft from 801 Squadron based at Yeovilton and Sea King helicopters from 849 and 771 Squadrons based at Culdrose. The deployment will include several port visits, including Barcelona, and will last until early November.

Rear Admiral Charles Style CBE will be embarked on board Invincible to overview the exercise and to visit participating ships and units.

Pictured here 801 Naval Air Squadron FA2 Sea harriers from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, conducting deck operations in preparation for an Air Defence role.