By Lt. j.g. Michael P. Quisao, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Ships from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG), assigned to Commander U.S. 6th Fleet, participated in a one-day theater security cooperation (TSC) exercise with units from the South African and French navies while underway in the Indian Ocean Oct. 9.
The Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) (TR) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) operated with three South African ships and one French Navy ship in a variety of tactical exercises aimed at increasing coordination and interoperability.
The TSC exercise consisted of tactical communications, coordinated shiphandling maneuvers and an aerial photo shoot of the ships in formation, highlighting the growing interaction between the U.S. and South African navies.
"It was a pleasure working with the South African Navy during this seamanship exercise. Their skills were superb," said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. "This exercise demonstrates our shared desire for security and stability in the region and is an important step toward strengthening the capabilities needed to achieve those goals."
TR and Monterey were joined by the South African Navy frigate SAS Isandlwana (F146), oiler SAS Drakensburg (A301), patrol boat SAS Isaac Dyobia (P1565), and the French Navy frigate FN Floreal (F730) for the multinational exercise.
This exercise follows TR's historic port visit to Cape Town, marking the first carrier visit to South Africa in more than 40 years. During the port visit, TR and Monterey (CG 61) hosted thousands of visitors, participated in multiple regional security cooperation activities and completed community relations activities.
TRCSG is conducting operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
