Overview

• F/A-18s launched from the North Sea flew roughly 1,600 kilometers to Finland’s Hästö-Busö range, released practice ordnance, and returned to the carrier, according to embedded reporting.
• Air Wing commander Capt. David J. Dartez said F/A-18s can operate beyond 1,000 miles with aerial refueling, emphasizing the ease of reaching targets from the carrier’s operating area.
• Norwegian reporters documented Russian reconnaissance aircraft shadowing the group, with Norwegian F-35s directed to intercept during the mission.
• Carrier commander Capt. David W. Skarosi said U.S., German, and French escorts maintained continuous awareness of submarines and air activity despite fast-changing weather.
• Spanish outlets report the ship is expected to anchor in Palma de Mallorca from 3–8 October, a port visit that has not been independently confirmed.