U.S. AND ALLIED NAVIES CONDUCT EXERCISES SOUTH OF KOREAN PENINSULA

FROM:  U.S. NAVY 

WATERS TO THE SOUTH OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (May 25, 2015) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82), front, conducts a trilateral naval exercise with the Turkish navy frigate FTCD Gediz (F-495) and the Republic of Korea navy destroyers Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (DDG 993) and Gang Gam-chan (DDH 979) in support of theater security operations. Lassen is on routine patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Evan Kenny/Released)

150525-N-ZZ999-006
USS Lassen Conducts Multilateral Exercises with Allied Navies
Story Number: NNS150527-01Release Date: 5/27/2015 9:02:00 AM
From Commander, Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) and ships from the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) conducted separate one-day multilateral naval exercises with France and Turkey in the waters south of the Korean peninsula May 23 and 25.

The exercises, conducted with French frigate FS Aconit (F-713) May 23 and Turkish frigate TCG Gediz (F-495) May 25, were designed to increase maritime interoperability and strengthen long-standing partnerships with these participating United Nations Sending States.

France and Turkey are two of the 17 nations that have reaffirmed their national commitment as Sending States to the United Nations Command with a promise to return to Korea should the armistice agreement fail.

"It is an incredible experience to conduct high-speed tactical drills with the French, Turkish and ROK navies," said Lt. j.g. Gerie Palanca, the signals warfare officer aboard Lassen. "During both exercises, it was obvious that their ship handling skills were flawless and the communication was very professional. We always look forward to interacting with our partners."

The exercises took place in international waters around the Korean peninsula and consisted of tactical maneuvering drills, non-maneuvering voice drills and signal communication training.

"Through multilateral training, the participating navies can improve operational proficiency and integration," said Cmdr. Lee, Jong-Sik, of the Republic of Korea Fleet Headquarters in Busan. "By working with our allied partners, we help ensure the continued peace and stability throughout the region."

Lassen, one of seven destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY

The Military Sealift Command joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV-1) pulls into Naval Station Mayport to be inspected by Rear. Adm. Sinclair M. Harris, the commander of U.S. 4th Fleet. Spearhead is the first of of nine Navy joint high-speed vessels and is designed for rapid intra-theater transport of troops and military equipment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Damian Berg (Released) 130214-N-TC587-016

CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 262 take off from the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, on deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, is taking part in Cobra Gold 2013, a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored multinational joint exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam M. Bennett (Released) 130214-N-SO729-284

EXERCISE COBRA GOLD 2013 GETS UNDERWAY

130114-N-HI414-122 SASEBO, Japan (Jan. 14, 2013) The Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) is underway alongside the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during a sea and anchor evolution. Tortuga is underway in preparation for an amphibious integration training and certification exercise and will participate in the annual multinational joint training exercise Cobra Gold. Tortuga is part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gregory A. Harden II/Released)

 
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Exercise Cobra Gold 2013 Kicks Off in Thailand
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2013 - The commander of U.S. Pacific Command kicked off the longest-running U.S. military exercise in the Pacific in Thailand today, calling the 13,000 multinational participants guardians of future peace and prosperity.

Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III marked the opening of the 32st iteration of Cobra Gold hosted by Thailand and the United States since 1980.

Cobra Gold began as a bilateral U.S.-Thai exercise, but expanded more than a decade ago to include other regional partners to advance their common goals and security commitments in the Asia-Pacific region, officials said.

Cobra Gold 2013, which runs through Feb. 21, brings together the militaries of United States, Thailand and five other Asian countries: Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Twenty additional nations have sent observers, including, for the first time, Burma.

"Whether you are a participant or an observer, or whether you have been here for 32 years or this is your first year, your being here demonstrates your country's resolve to peace and stability in this region and in the world," Locklear said at the opening ceremonies. "It is critical to building our multinational coordination, our interoperability with all of our partners in the region and to allow us to collectively respond to crises and protect the peace and prosperity of all our people."

This year's exercise will be demanding, as it prepares participants "for a broad spectrum of challenges we are going to face together," the admiral said. The ambitious training schedule includes a staff exercise, senior leader engagements and "humanitarian and civic projects we will do together, field training we will do together, [and] live-fire events we will do together," he said.

Highlights will include an amphibious assault demonstration that includes attack jets, helicopters, landing craft and small boats; small-boat and helicopter raids; a multilateral noncombatant evacuation operation; a combined arms live-fire exercise; and jungle warfare and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training.

All are designed, Locklear said, to "replicate the dynamic environment we find ourselves in today and [expect] in the future." He challenged the participants to take advantage of the training opportunities at Cobra Gold to build the bonds and capabilities that ensure they will be prepared.

"Working together, we will meet the challenges and forge a brighter future for the region and the world," he said.

Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force's Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, arrived in Thailand last week to partner with Royal Thai Marines to build a schoolhouse at Ban Nam Chiao Elementary School in Lam Ngob district. Another civic project planned during the exercise is construction of a one-story multipurpose building for the Baan Hua Wang Krang School in Thailand's Muang district.

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVYAn EA-18G Growler from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 returns from a mission and taxis on the Naval Air Facility Misawa flight line. VAQ-132 is deployed to northern Japan supporting U.S. 7th Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Alfredo Rosado (Released) 130107-N-ZV190-006

130103-N-AF626-001 SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras (Jan. 3, 2013) Builder 2nd Class Brandon Smith, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 27, constructs formwork in preparation for a concrete pour at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. Smith is part of a team of Seabees supporting construction operations for the base and U.S. Special Operations Command South. The Seabees from NMCB-27 are forward deployed throughout South and Central America in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. 4th Fleet multinational partnership and humanitarian assistance missions. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Teresa Bustamante/Released)

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY, USS BREMERTON

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) prepares to moor alongside the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). Bremerton is on a deployment tot he western Pacific and emory S. Land is undergoing repairs in the Philippines while conducting coordinated tending moorings and afloat maintenance in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jared Aldape (Released) 121229-N-IN807-018

121229-N-IN807-122 SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines (Dec. 29, 2012) The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) maneuvers alongside the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). Bremerton is on a deployment to the western Pacific. emory S. Land is undergoing repairs in the Philippines while conducting coordinated tending moorings and afloat maintenance in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jared Aldape/Released)

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

 

FROM: U.S. NAVY

Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Kenia Palacio, from El Paso, Texas, assigned to the line division of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132, signal to the aircrew of an EA-18G Growler as it taxis off the flight line at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa. VAQ-132 is on a six-month deployment at NAF Misawa supporting U.S. 7th Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth G. Takada (Released) 121228-N-VZ328-038

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) moors alongside the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40). Frank Cable conducts maintenance and support for submarines and surface vessels deployed in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ricardo Danan (Released) 121222-N-BE353-038

 

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY, MARK 48 ADCAP TORPEDO
Sailors from the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) remove a Mark 48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) torpedo from the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723). Frank Cable conducts maintenance and support of submarine and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ricardo Danan (Released) 121115-N-BE353-009

Twenty-six ships from the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, including ships from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, transit together at the conclusion of exercise Keen Sword 2013. Keen Sword 2013 is a biannual exercise held to enable the United States and Japan to train in coordination procedures and heighten interoperability needed to effectively defend or respond to a crisis in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. Navy is constantly deployed to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression through forward presence. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jennifer A. Villalovos (Released) 121116-N-WW409-533

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
Flight deck crewmen remove chock and chains from a Brazilian navy MK.21A Super Lynx helicopter on the flight deck of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) during UNITAS Atlantic 2012. UNITAS is an annual multi-national exercise that involves naval forces from 13 partner nations to promote interoperability and cooperation with each other and is hosted by U.S. Fourth Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Frank J. Pikul (Released) 120925-N-ZE938-041

Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 10, bottom, assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, passes by LCAC 9 during well deck operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group and is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Russell (Released) 120925-N-KB563-060

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
Sailors man the rails aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as the ship gets underway. John C. Stennis is returning to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility four months ahead of schedule in order to maintain combatant commander requirements for the presence in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate (Released) 120901-N-OY799-020　

　

　

　

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Josiah Jackson loads rounds into the close-in weapons system (CIWS) aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94). Nitze is deployed as part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton (Released) 120829-N-AP176-068

SEA HAWK HELICOPTER AT DUSK

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Warlords of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HSL) 51 sits chocked and chained on the flight deck of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG-63) at dusk. Cowpens is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan and is underway in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Kelly (Released) 120707-N-TX154-291

GUIDED-MISSILE DESTROYER USS MCCAMPBELL, FIRES GUN.

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell, fires the Mark 45 five-inch gun during a naval surface fire support exercise. McCampbell is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan and is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Declan Barnes (Released) 120525-N-TG831-417

USS BLUE RIDGE CREW MEMBERS SERVE AS GOODWILL AMBASSADORS

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Indonesia (May 14, 2012) Sailors assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) carry tools and supplies at Yayasan Pendidikan Banglin school during a community service event in Jakarta, Indonesia. These port visits represent an opportunity for U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge crewmembers to serve as goodwill ambassadors of the U.S., promoting peace and stability in the region and to demonstrate their commitment to regional partnerships and foster relations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mel Orr/Released)




Blue Ridge Builds Friendship with Indonesia 
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Norman, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs
JAKARTA, Indonesia (NNS) -- Sailors aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), embarked 7th Fleet staff and Marines assigned to Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific departed Jakarta, Indonesia May 15, after a four-day port visit strengthening bonds between the U.S. and Indonesian navies.

Blue Ridge Sailors participated in a community service event that gave them the opportunity to demonstrate the Navy's dedication to fostering positive relations with countries in the Asian-Pacific region.

They participated in sporting events with Indonesian nationals and interacted with the community through an outreach project involving a children's school. Sailors volunteered their time at the Yayasan Pendidikan Bangun School to help create a soccer field for the children.

"Giving my time to create a soccer field for the children at the school was a very fulfilling and rewarding experience," said Ensign Wanda Colon, Blue Ridge stock control officer. "The work we did at the school was hard labor, but the children made it all worth while. You could tell the children really wanted us there."

For one Sailor, the port visit was much more personal.

"I was glad to have this opportunity to come back to Indonesia after being a part of the relief efforts for the 2004 tsunami," said U.S. 7th Fleet Staff member Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Philip Keehn. "It was enlightening knowing I helped Indonesia get back on its feet when I was assigned to the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) in 2004. I never thought I'd be back to Indonesia to see how the Navy's hard work paid off."

I SAW THREE SHIPS A SALING

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), left, the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) transit the Indian Ocean. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Lill (Released) 120508-N-KD852-128