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Release
Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary Carter's Visit to France's Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle and Call with French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian

Dec. 19, 2015
Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter visited France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Arabian Gulf. The French flagship currently commands U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's Task Force 50, which is conducting coalition naval strike operations against ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

While on board, Secretary Carter called French Minister of Defense Jean Yves Le Drian to express his admiration for the professionalism and readiness of the French sailors and appreciation for France's significant military contributions in the fight to defeat ISIL. The two talked about Minister Le Drian's upcoming trip to Russia, and the importance of Russia shifting their focus in Syria to the Counter-ISIL fight. They also discussed the importance of continuing to deter Iranian aggression. They agreed to continue to remain in close contact.