DESRON 26, US Ships Begin Joint Warrior 12-1

Blog Editor Note: Reported frequencies for Exercise Joint Warrior 12-1 include (USB): 3101.0 3277.0 3303.0 4092.0 4138.0 4141.0 4278.0 4433.0 4484.0 4581.0 4620.0 4706.0 4731.0 4744.5 4760.0 4833.0 5291.0 5310.0 5436.0 5725.0 6607.0 6690.0 6697.0 6775.0 7520.0 and Link 11 freqs: 4760.0 5471.0

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael W. Martin Destroyer Squadron 26 Public Affairs

FASLANE, Scotland (NNS) -- Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Norfolk-based guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195) are participating in a multinational exercise off the coast of Scotland.

Exercise Joint Warrior 12-1, which runs April 14 through April 27, is the largest concentration of coalition assets in one integrated training event addressing the full spectrum of maritime and joint warfare mission areas. It is intended to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participants for a possible role in a joint maritime environment during deployments. Joint Warrior is the United Kingdom's advanced certification course and is on par with a U.S. Joint Task Force Exercise, which certifies U.S. ships for deployment.

"Interoperability is not just the ability of networks and information systems to exchange data automatically. The cornerstone of interoperability is for our US Sailors, with our international partners, to establish a common language with proven tactics, techniques and procedures during exercises like Joint Warrior that enables future coalition and joint missions from the sea ensuring the stability of the maritime commons that maintain freedom of the seas," said Capt. Nelson Castro, commander, DESRON 26.

Nations participating in the exercise include Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States.

Commanded by Cmdr. Luis Sanchez Jr., Forrest Sherman and crew completed the Royal Navy's flag officer sea training March 26 - April 5.