ADRIATIC SEA (July 10, 2023) F/A-18 Hornets attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 and Italian F-35 Lightning Its fly in formation near the world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), July 10, 2023. CVW-8 is deployed aboard Gerald R. Ford as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG). Gerald R. Ford is the Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale. GRFCSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. GRFCSG is participating in Neptune Strike, a multiyear effort focused on harmonizing U.S. and NATO planning teams to transfer command and control of Allied naval and amphibious forces to STRIKFORNATO, in order to provide assurance, deterrence, and collective defense for the Alliance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer Newsome)