The 337-meter (1,106-foot) nuclear-powered ship with a displacement of more than 100,000 tons sailed under escort into the Oslo Fjord, where it will stay for several days before heading for the Arctic, where military exercises will take place, according to Norwegian media.
“The visit and presence of the warship provides … a unique opportunity to develop our cooperation and work closely with our most important ally, the United States,” the Norwegian military said in a statement.
The much-publicized visit, which comes amid heightened tensions between the West and Russia over the war in Ukraine, was heavily criticized by the Russian embassy.
“There are no problems in the Nordics that require a military solution, nor issues that require outside intervention,” Russian embassy spokesman Timur Chekanov told AFP by email.
“Given that Oslo admits that Russia poses no direct military threat to Norway, such shows of force seem illogical and harmful,” he added.
NATO member Norway shares a land border with Russia in the far north as well as a maritime border in the Barents Sea.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, which can carry up to 90 aircraft and helicopters, is expected to remain moored in the Norwegian capital for several days.
A major airspace and sea ban has been implemented around the vessel.
According to the online daily Barents Observer, the ship is expected to sail for the Arctic in several days, ahead of the May 29 start of the Arctic Challenge Exercise, which brings together 150 aircraft from 14 Western countries.
© 2023 AFP
