170714-N-SJ730-058 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 14, 2017) Rear Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, left, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, speaks with Capt. Hugues Laine, commanding officer of the French navy frigate FS Chevalier Paul (D621), aboard Chevalier Paul. The visit, held on Bastille Day, promotes interoperability and the U.S.-French commitment to stability in the Europe and Africa regions. The carrier strike group is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hank Gettys/Released)