US Aircraft Carrier to Visit Oslo

During the visit, several thousand American soldiers will be stationed in Oslo, similar to when her sister ship, USS Gerald R. Ford, visited the Norwegian capital in May 2023.

“This ship will be just as visible and approximately the same size. It’s a tight squeeze through the Drøbak Sound, so this will attract attention,” says Vice Admiral Rune Andersen, Chief of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.

The vessel will arrive in Oslo on Friday. For security reasons, we cannot provide details on positions or how long the aircraft carrier will stay.

Demonstration of Unity and Strength

USS Harry S. Truman and the other vessels have been exercising with the Norwegian Armed Forces outside Norway over the past few weeks. Andersen says the stay in Oslo and Norway highlights the importance of stability and security in Northern Europe for the USA.

“The visit shows that NATO is ready to defend itself, and that we stand together in this. The current security situation will not pass quickly, so we must get used to higher military activity almost continuously. Sometimes it becomes very visible, like when an aircraft carrier comes to Oslo,” he says.

The visit also sends a clear signal to Russia that NATO stands together and is always ready to respond if our security is threatened.

Close Cooperation with Civilian Actors

Receiving allied support is crucial for defending Norway and the Nordic region. The Armed Forces work closely with several actors in the total defence to receive allies. In a crisis situation, the Armed Forces will need civilian support. Therefore, total defence – Norway’s combined civilian and military preparedness resources – is essential.

The Armed Forces work closely with several actors in the total defence to receive allies. The Norwegian Coastal Administration, Civil Aviation Authority, Avinor, the Directorate for Civil Protection, the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority have participated in the planning.

For the visit to Oslo, the Oslo Police District, the County Governor of Oslo and Viken, and Oslo Port have also been involved in the preparations.

Information for the Media

For press inquiries, contact the Armed Forces’ press guard on telephone +47 91 66 99 55 or e-mail: milinfo@fd.dep.no

Information for the Public

Aviation Restrictions

The Civil Aviation Authority will establish an air restriction area in the inner Oslo Fjord based on the Aviation Act. In this restriction area, it is prohibited to operate aircraft – including drones – within 0.5 nautical miles (926 meters) from military vessels. The restriction area also applies up to an altitude of 3000 feet (914.4 meters).

This means that aircraft can operate normally outside the restriction area of 0.5 nautical miles and up to an altitude of 3000 feet.

Sea and Land Restrictions

During entry and exit in the Oslo Fjord, as well as during the stay in Oslo, military vessels and guards will ensure safety. Military prohibition areas will be established to protect both the aircraft carrier and public safety. The Armed Forces will enforce the prohibition areas. Military guards will remove unauthorised persons. Violations will be reported to the police.

• Boat operators must keep a distance of 0.5 nautical miles from the aircraft carrier during entry and exit, as well as when it is anchored.
• Where it is not possible to maintain a distance of one nautical mile, the public should not stay between the aircraft carrier and the escorting vessels and boats.
• The local commander on site will determine the distance to the ship where the prohibition area is enforced.
• Prohibition areas where support vessels are docked are clearly marked both on land and in the harbour basin.