Secretary Del Toro’s trip included stops in Madrid, Sigonella, Rome, Rota, and London as well as an underway embark aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) currently deployed in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations.
“Our NATO Alliance has never been stronger and never been more important than it is today,” Secretary Del Toro said while aboard the Truman. “Our forward deployed Sailors and Marines are the always present anchor of the most powerful alliance the world has ever seen – rooted in common values, respect for the rules-based international order, and constant vigilance.”
Aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Del Toro observed tri-carrier operations conducted with Italian carrier ITS Conte di Cavour (CVH 550) and French carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R-91) Task Force 473 and discussed naval operations in the region with Adm. Robert Burke, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.
“The convergence of three allied aircraft carrier strike groups really highlight NATO’s ability to integrate high-end maritime warfare,” said Del Toro. “This capability strengthens our interoperability and is a great opportunity to confirm high-level integration of forces with our Allies and partners.”
Del Toro also embarked the French carrier Charles de Gaulle, to present them with a Meritorious Unit Commendation award for their 2021 deployment to the 5th Fleet Area of Operations in support of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).
“I was honored to be able to present this Meritorious Unit Commendation award in person and recognize the extraordinary performance and commitment of the French Navy in support of combined operations in the Middle East,” Del Toro said. “These partnerships are more important than ever and the continued relationship we have with France, is something to be extremely proud of.”
At Naval Station Rota, Spain Del Toro visited the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79 “Griffins”, held crewmember roundtables aboard the forward deployed USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and talked with expeditionary Sailors and Marines assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68.
“I am incredibly proud of all that you do in defense of our country and the sacrifices you and your families make while serving abroad,” Del Toro told the CTF 68 group. “I know it is hard sometimes, but your presence is crucial to the safety and protection of not only our military and national security interests, but to our Allies and partners as well. It is a privilege to be able to meet and personally thank you.”
Del Toro also met U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Security Guard (MSG) detachments at U.S. Embassies in Madrid, Rome, and London. MSGs have the responsibility to safeguard diplomatic personnel and classified information.
“Meeting our forward-deployed Sailors and Marines is always a highlight of my travels,” Del Toro said. “They come from all around the world and conduct a plethora of operations on all fronts – land, sea, and air. Everyday our maritime dominance is strengthened because of the resilience and work these Sailors and Marines put forth.”
While in Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, Del Toro met with several Ministers of Defense and Heads of Navies to discuss Department of the Navy initiatives, operations in the region, and ways to strengthen partnerships and coordination.
"Cooperation between our Navies plays a pivotal role in safeguarding common interests, starting with the protection of security in the Mediterranean,” said Italian Minister of Defense Lorenzo Guerini. “"We all work for an end to the Russian bombing and encourage a diplomatic solution. What is happening puts us in front of unprecedented challenges from the point of view of security. Italy is strongly committed and determined to work to support the decisions taken within the Atlantic Alliance.”
In Spain, Del Toro met with Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy (AJEMA) Admiral Antonio Martorell Lacave; Secretary of State for Defence (SEDEF) Esperanza Casteleiro; Undersecretary of Defense for Political Affairs Juan Martinez Nunez; Admiral Eugenio Diaz del Rio, Fleet Commander; and Rear Adm. Ignacio Villanueva, Chief of Staff of the Fleet. In Italy, in addition to meeting Minister Guerini, Del Toro met with Italian Chief of Defense 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 Staff Admiral Sir Ben Key, Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Timothy Fraser, and Permanent Secretary David Williams.
“The continuing cooperation between NATO partners is crucial in supporting peace in the region and strengthening ties, especially considering the ongoing crisis in Ukraine,” Del Toro said. “It is our enduring alliances with Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and other countries, built on mutual interests, that we are able to reinforce security. We must maintain a competitive advantage against our adversaries, fostering important relationships in the European region and throughout the world. Our alliances and partnerships with like-minded forces will collectively preserve freedom of sea lanes and deter aggression. We absolutely need our European allies in order to accomplish these goals.”
For more information about the Secretary of the Navy, visit: https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Secretary-of-the-Navy/