NATO kicks off large naval exercise in Mediterranean amid tensions with Russia

NATO kicked off a naval exercise Monday with an American carrier strike group along with forces from other NATO allies practicing coordinated maneuvers in the Mediterranean Sea. 

The exercise, called Neptune Strike '22, has been in the works since 2020 and is not designed to test any potential scenarios related to Ukraine, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Friday. 

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that "this exercise will help demonstrate the unity, capability, and strength of the transatlantic alliance."