The world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, docked in Marseille, France, on August 4, 2025, accompanied by the USS Winston S. Churchill destroyer.
The vessels are part of the Carrier Strike Group Twelve, currently operating in the area of the United States 6th Fleet, with the goal of enhancing readiness and naval cooperation with European allies. The visit follows participation in the multinational exercise Neptune Strike 25-2, which brought together naval forces from countries such as Finland, Greece, Italy, and Spain.
The U.S. Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, emphasized that the aircraft carrier’s presence symbolizes the strong Franco-American alliance and represents the excellence of the U.S. defense industry. Rear Admiral Paul Lanzilotta, commander of the strike group, highlighted the importance of the stopover in French territory after intense operations in the Mediterranean, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome from the country.
Before arriving in Marseille, the fleet operated in the Atlantic and crossed the Strait of Gibraltar in cooperation with the navies of Spain and Italy.
During the stay, sailors will visit French cities, including Paris and Monaco, and will host officials aboard the ship. The presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford comes amid NATO discussions on defense spending and agreements, reinforcing the United States’ interest in expanding industrial cooperation with Europe.
The group, which also includes other vessels and air squadrons, has been part of the United States’ strategic network of naval alliances in Europe and Africa for more than eight decades.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @USNavy | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
⚓📰 #USNAVY UPDATE: First-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) arrived in Marseille, France, for a scheduled port visit August 4.
“After a fast-paced and successful Neptune… pic.twitter.com/GqmBQyKgtA
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) August 4, 2025
