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Both Pages: Rear Admiral Stephen Evans commander of Carrier Strike Group 2 answer questions from reporters covering the French Navy's visit.
Senior officials from both the US and French Navies were aboard CVN-77 for the exercise, including Rear Admiral Stephen Evans, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 2. The Commander of the French Air Wing, Commander Marc (the French officers only provide their first names for security reasons), and the French E-2C Hawkeye squadron commander, Commander Stephan, both spoke about how the cooperation and hospitality from the US Navy would help them immensely once their carrier was ready for sea. For instance, when the French Hawkeye was down for maintenance, the French pilots were able to fly in one of VAW-124's Hawkeyes to maintain their operational pace. According to Commander Stephan, himself an E-2C NFO/WSO, it was "the first time for training that we used that" and it spoke to the "wonderful support we have from the [US Navy] squadrons."