The German air defense frigate will become an integral part of the group, which includes several warships and support ships, with the US s newest aircraft carrier. The primary task of the "Hessen" will be the association s air defence, so it serves to protect all ships and especially the "Gerald R. Ford" against potential enemy guided missiles, fighter-bombers or bombers. The focus of the coming weeks in the North Atlantic will be multinational operational cooperation and targeted operational training based on various threat scenarios.