The Italian Navy Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) detached from the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG), March 17, 2023, following integrated operations since March 3.
This marks the fifth time an Italian ship has joined the strike group since the start of its scheduled deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations demonstrating the versatility and interchangeability of the two NATO allies.
“Working with our allies in the Bush Carrier Strike Group displayed the breadth of our capabilities and the ease with which we can integrate into one warfighting team,” said Italian Navy Cmdr. Fabio Casamassima, commanding officer of Fasan. “We look forward to future opportunities to train and operate together.”
Casamassima also visited with Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and Striking and Support Forces NATO, and Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, deputy commander, U.S. European Command (EUCOM), during a key leader engagement hosted by CSG-10 aboard George H.W. Bush on March 8.
“It has been our unique pleasure to work extensively with our Italian allies throughout our time in theater,” said Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG. “We‘ve built upon the already robust relationship between the U.S. and Italy to deliver interchangeability among the NATO alliance for security and prosperity.”
Fasan accompanied George H.W. Bush during its scheduled port visit in Souda Bay, Crete, further demonstrating the depth of the NATO alliance.