Secretary Del Toro’s journey included stops in Madrid, Sigonella, Rome, Rota, and London in addition to an underway embark aboard the united statesHarry S. Truman (CVN 75) at the moment deployed within the U.S. Sixth Fleet space of operations.
“Our NATO Alliance has by no means been stronger and by no means been extra vital than it’s at present,” Secretary Del Toro mentioned whereas aboard the Truman. “Our ahead deployed Sailors and Marines are the all the time current anchor of essentially the most highly effective alliance the world has ever seen – rooted in widespread values, respect for the rules-based worldwide order, and fixed vigilance.”
Aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Del Toro noticed tri-carrier operations performed with Italian provider ITS Conte di Cavour (CVH 550) and French provider FS Charles de Gaulle (R-91) Job Pressure 473 and mentioned naval operations within the area with Adm. Robert Burke, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.
“The convergence of three allied plane provider strike teams actually spotlight NATO’s means to combine high-end maritime warfare,” mentioned Del Toro. “This functionality strengthens our interoperability and is a superb alternative to substantiate high-level integration of forces with our Allies and companions.”
Del Toro additionally embarked the French provider Charles de Gaulle, to current them with a Meritorious Unit Commendation award for his or her 2021 deployment to the 5th Fleet Space of Operations in assist of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).
“I used to be honored to have the ability to current this Meritorious Unit Commendation award in individual and acknowledge the extraordinary efficiency and dedication of the French Navy in assist of mixed operations within the Center East,” Del Toro mentioned. “These partnerships are extra vital than ever and the continued relationship we have now with France, is one thing to be extraordinarily happy with.”
At Naval Station Rota, Spain Del Toro visited the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79 “Griffins”, held crewmember roundtables aboard the ahead deployed USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and talked with expeditionary Sailors and Marines assigned to Commander, Job Pressure (CTF) 68.
“I’m extremely happy with all that you just do in protection of our nation and the sacrifices you and your households make whereas serving overseas,” Del Toro instructed the CTF 68 group. “I do know it’s onerous generally, however your presence is essential to the security and safety of not solely our army and nationwide safety pursuits, however to our Allies and companions as properly. It’s a privilege to have the ability to meet and personally thanks.”
Del Toro additionally met U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Safety Guard (MSG) detachments at U.S. Embassies in Madrid, Rome, and London. MSGs have the duty to safeguard diplomatic personnel and categorised info.
“Assembly our forward-deployed Sailors and Marines is all the time a spotlight of my travels,” Del Toro mentioned. “They arrive from all all over the world and conduct a plethora of operations on all fronts – land, sea, and air. On a regular basis our maritime dominance is strengthened due to the resilience and work these Sailors and Marines put forth.”
Whereas in Spain, Italy, and the UK, Del Toro met with a number of Ministers of Protection and Heads of Navies to debate Division of the Navy initiatives, operations within the area, and methods to strengthen partnerships and coordination.
“Cooperation between our Navies performs a pivotal function in safeguarding widespread pursuits, beginning with the safety of safety within the Mediterranean,” mentioned Italian Minister of Protection Lorenzo Guerini. “”All of us work for an finish to the Russian bombing and encourage a diplomatic answer. What is occurring places us in entrance of unprecedented challenges from the perspective of safety. Italy is strongly dedicated and decided to work to assist the selections taken inside the Atlantic Alliance.”
In Spain, Del Toro met with Chief of Employees of the Spanish Navy (AJEMA) Admiral Antonio Martorell Lacave; Secretary of State for Defence (SEDEF) Esperanza Casteleiro; Undersecretary of Protection for Political Affairs Juan Martinez Nunez; Admiral Eugenio Diaz del Rio, Fleet Commander; and Rear Adm. Ignacio Villanueva, Chief of Employees of the Fleet. In Italy, along with assembly Minister Guerini, Del Toro met with Italian Chief of Protection Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Vice Admiral Aurelio De Carolis, Commander in Chief of the Italian Fleet, and in London he met with United Kingdom Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Employees Admiral Sir Ben Key, Vice-Chief of the Defence Employees Admiral Sir Timothy Fraser, and Everlasting Secretary David Williams.
“The persevering with cooperation between NATO companions is essential in supporting peace within the area and strengthening ties, particularly contemplating the continued disaster in Ukraine,” Del Toro mentioned. “It’s our enduring alliances with Spain, Italy, the UK, and different international locations, constructed on mutual pursuits, that we’re in a position to reinforce safety. We should keep a aggressive benefit towards our adversaries, fostering vital relationships within the European area and all through the world. Our alliances and partnerships with like-minded forces will collectively protect freedom of sea lanes and deter aggression. We completely want our European allies so as to accomplish these objectives.”
For extra details about the Secretary of the Navy, go to: https://www.navy.mil/Management/Secretary-of-the-Navy/
