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HMS Ark Royal spearheads task group
US fighter jets have been getting to grips with Portsmouth-based HMS Ark Royal as part of a series of exercises off the eastern coast of America.
US pilots began with deck landings and take-offs but quickly moved on to bombing runs on a target towed behind the aircraft carrier.
One exercise saw the Ark Royal come under attack from 'enemy' ships.
The American jets were launched and successfully defended the British warship.
During the exercise, the pilots from the United States Marine Corps were taking orders from Royal Navy air traffic controllers.
Commander Rocky Salmon, the Royal Navy officer in charge of launching the powerful US jets, said: 'I have been massively impressed by the skill and capability of the United States Marine Corps aviation personnel.
'Since embarking in HMS Ark Royal they, and we, have achieved so much.
'They seem to have adopted the mighty Ark's motto of "Zeal Does Not Rest".'
Last month a crowd of more than 100 crammed on to Portsmouth's Round Tower to see HMS Ark Royal off on her deployment. The aircraft carrier, with her 1,200 ship's company, headed to Scotland before making her way across the Atlantic to take part in the exercises with America and France.
Up to 2,000 UK, US and French servicemen and women are taking part in the exercises.
The aim of Exercise Auriga, which is due to last four months, is to improve the ways in which the countires can fight alongside each other in various forms of combat.
The different countries will be working alongside each other in traditional war fighting areas such as carrier strike, amphibious assault and anti-submarine operations.
Cdr Salmon said: 'It is fantastic we are building up this co-operation of multi-national forces, and proves that the Royal Navy, and indeed HMS Ark Royal, is modern, relevant and highly capable.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
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