Where the French are working with us - CTF 150

Reported as CTF 150 Welcomes Expeditionary Strike Group 8:

French Vice Adm. Jacques Mazars, commander, Task Force (CTF) 150, paid a visit to the Sailors and Marines of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 8 Nov. 29 during the strike groupís transit through CTF 150ís area of operations.

ESG 8 is on a six-month deployment in support of maritime security operations (MSO).

CTF 150, which was established near the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, is comprised of navies from Germany, France, Pakistan and the United States, under the direction of U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Patrick M. Walsh, Combined Maritime Forces Component Commander (CFMCC).

CFMCC oversees MSO in and around the Persian Gulf, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, parts of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.

Mazars was aboard to discuss current operations, as well as the missions and tasking of ESG 8 with Capt. Martin Allard, commander of the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Strike Group, and Marine Col. Frank McKenzie, Commander, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC)).

He viewed AV-8B Harrier II attack jet landings from the shipís flag bridge and toured the Tactical Flag Command Center and Landing Force Operations Center.

Mazars expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome from ESG 8 Sailors and Marines, and said he looks forward to working with the members of the strike group as they conduct MSO in the region.

You may remember that the arrival of the French fleet off Yorktown that helped convince the British to surrender during the American Revolution. Battle of the Capes, anyone?

Photo caption:

Arabian Sea (Nov. 29, 2005) - Commander, Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group, Capt. Martin Allard, center, discusses operations with Commander, Task Force 150, French Vice Adm. Jacques Mazars, during his visit aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4). Nassau and Expeditionary Strike Group Eight are currently on deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Steven Scott Smith