Updated

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter has met with naval commanders on U.S. and French warships in the Persian Gulf — and he's promising there's more to come in the battle against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

Carter visited the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which is expected to begin launching airstrikes against IS from the Gulf soon.

He also talked to American troops on the USS Kearsarge, an amphibious assault ship that's been supporting coalition missions in Iraq and Syria.

Carter's visit to Charles de Gaulle underscores the increased participation of France in the fight, in the wake of the Paris attacks last month.

IS militants claimed responsibility for the Nov. 13 attacks that killed 130 people and wounded hundreds.