By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker, Destroyer Squadron 24 Public Affairs
USS RAMAGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 24, departed Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 23 and is in transit to participate in Exercise Joint Warrior 2009 (EJW09).
EJW09 is a multiwarfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployments.
The exercise, which is scheduled Oct. 3-16, promotes Commander, 2nd Fleet's three focus areas: conducting safe and effective fleet operations to achieve missions, providing ready maritime forces for global assignment and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy.
Ramage will be working alongside the Royal Navy's HMS Illustrious's (R 06) strike group, acting as the air defense commander. The crew's mission in the scenario will be to defend friendly forces against air and missile attacks, as well as to perform maritime security operations and various warfare missions, such as defense against small boat attacks, air defense, anti-submarine warfare and boarding operations.
"Ramage's crew is looking forward to the outstanding training and once-in-a-lifetime, post-exercise liberty opportunities," said Ramage's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Peter Galluch. "The ship will get realistic training with great U.S. and allied forces that will prepare us for our upcoming deployment."
Ramage has prepared for this exercise since returning from deployment in April 2009. Since her return, the ship spent nine weeks in the shipyards, followed by a rigorous training cycle to ensure all equipment and personnel are mission-ready.
DESRON 24 Commodore, Capt. John Kersh, visited Ramage Sept. 25 to thank the crew for all their hard work.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your great work in making this ship so very ready to get underway for Joint Warrior [EJW09]," Kersh said. "You have all had a tough schedule, and I am very proud of you! Thank you for delivering a warship ready for tasking."
EJW09 is held twice a year and serves as a deployment certification for U.S. ships.
Nations participating in EJW09 include Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.
