Vice Adm. Thomas E. Ishee, commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, speaks with Operation Specialist 1st Class Spencer Bryant Sailors during a visit to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Sept. 22, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group 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.

Combined U.S. and U.K. forces fired upon and sunk the decommissioned ex-USS Boone (FFG 28), Sept. 7 during Atlantic Thunder 22, a sinking exercise (SINKEX) to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. Prior to being transported for participation in a sinking exercise, each vessel undergoes a rigorous cleaning process for environmental safety. Aligned with U.K. Ministry of Defense environmental policy, robust monitoring was conducted above and below the sea’s surface with trained personnel using specialized equipment to reduce the overall risk of inadvertently impacting the marine environment and marine mammals during the SINKEX. For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. (U.S. Navy courtesy photo)

HMS Westminster launches a AGM-84D harpoon missile during Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2022. Combined U.S. and U.K. forces fired upon and sunk the decommissioned ex-USS Boone (FFG 28), Sept. 7 during Atlantic Thunder 22, a sinking exercise (SINKEX) to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. Prior to being transported for participation in a sinking exercise, each vessel undergoes a rigorous cleaning process for environmental safety. Aligned with U.K. Ministry of Defense environmental policy, robust monitoring was conducted above and below the sea’s surface with trained personnel using specialized equipment to reduce the overall risk of inadvertently impacting the marine environment and marine mammals during the SINKEX. For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. (U.S. Navy courtesy photo)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Elliot Eggert, left, assistant fires and effects coordinator for Task Force 61/2, and U.K. Royal Navy Lt. Cdr. Steve Lovatt communicate within the the QinetiQ range control facility, Sept. 7, 2022, prior to a demonstration during Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2022 in the Hebrides Islands, Scotland. Combined U.S. and U.K. forces fired upon and sunk the decommissioned ex-USS Boone (FFG 28), Sept. 7 during Atlantic Thunder 22, a sinking exercise (SINKEX) to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. Prior to being transported for participation in a sinking exercise, each vessel undergoes a rigorous cleaning process for environmental safety. Aligned with U.K. Ministry of Defense environmental policy, robust monitoring was conducted above and below the sea’s surface with trained personnel using specialized equipment to reduce the overall risk of inadvertently impacting the marine environment and marine mammals during the SINKEX. For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy A. Turner)

U.S. and U.K. government and military leaders visit a QinetiQ range control facility, Sept. 7, 2022, prior to a demonstration during Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2022 in the Hebrides Islands, Scotland. Combined U.S. and U.K. forces fired upon and sunk the decommissioned ex-USS Boone (FFG 28), Sept. 7 during Atlantic Thunder 22, a sinking exercise (SINKEX) to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. Prior to being transported for participation in a sinking exercise, each vessel undergoes a rigorous cleaning process for environmental safety. Aligned with U.K. Ministry of Defense environmental policy, robust monitoring was conducted above and below the sea’s surface with trained personnel using specialized equipment to reduce the overall risk of inadvertently impacting the marine environment and marine mammals during the SINKEX. For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy A. Turner)

U.S. and U.K. government and military leaders visit the QinetiQ Rangehead facility, Sept. 7, 2022, prior to a demonstration during Exercise Atlantic Thunder 2022 in the Hebrides Islands, Scotland. Combined U.S. and U.K. forces fired upon and sunk the decommissioned ex-USS Boone (FFG 28), Sept. 7 during Atlantic Thunder 22, a sinking exercise (SINKEX) to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. Prior to being transported for participation in a sinking exercise, each vessel undergoes a rigorous cleaning process for environmental safety. Aligned with U.K. Ministry of Defense environmental policy, robust monitoring was conducted above and below the sea’s surface with trained personnel using specialized equipment to reduce the overall risk of inadvertently impacting the marine environment and marine mammals during the SINKEX. For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy A. Turner)