USS Cole Prepares for Joint Warrior

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker, Destroyer Squadron 24 Public Affairs

ABOARD USS COLE , At Sea (NNS) -- The crew aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) is conducting around-the-clock training to prepare for Exercise Joint Warrior 2009, which will qualify the ship for their next deployment.

Joint Warrior is a U.K.-led multiwarfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployments.

The exercise, which is scheduled from Oct. 3-16, promotes Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet's three focus areas: conducting safe and effective fleet operations to achieve mission, providing ready maritime forces for global assignment, and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy.

Cole has been training since May, initially learning NATO policies and building charts, templates, and overlays for navigation, air space and operation areas. The entire crew is pulling together to ensure the ship is ready to react to whatever scenarios they will encounter during the exercise.

"Right now we are training to become a cohesive team," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Harrold Tejeda, from the Dominican Republic.

"The training we are doing now and the exercise we are preparing for will help us with our upcoming deployment," said Cole's Assistant Operations Officer Chief Warrant Officer Bryan Begley. "We are training on how to react to small attack vessels, conduct boarding operations, defend merchant shipping traffic, and maintain control of the air space in the maritime environment during our real-life operations."

Joint Warrior also allows crew members to earn qualifications before deployment.

"During this exercise there will be a lot of activities going on in such a short amount of time," said Tejeda. "It's a great way for the crew to observe and be involved with these real-life situations."

Tejeda said the junior enlisted crew members are very willing to learn and look forward to taking advantage of all the operations the exercise has to offer.

Destroyer Squadron 24 Commodore Capt. John Kersh addressed the crew to thank them for the effort they have shown in preparation for the exercise.

"You continue to do well as we conduct our trans-Atlantic crossing. The ship has done so well and you have worked so well as a team."