USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Deploy

Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) and Ticonderoga-class Cruiser USS Port Royale (CG 73) steam alongside each other during a replenishment at sea. Boxer is currently underway conducting routine training exercises and maintenance in preparation for its upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Craig Z. Rodarte/Released)

From Amphibious Squadron 1 Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 4,500 Sailors and Marines from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed San Diego for a deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations (AOO), Feb. 12.

"The Boxer ARG, 13th MEU team has truly excelled in their preparation for deployment," said Capt. Keith Moore, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1. "The Sailors and Marines of the ARG/MEU team are well trained and ready to deploy in support of all missions."

Before being certified to deploy, the individual ships and units of the ARG/MEU team were required to complete and pass four integrated and advanced training exercises that were designed to test and evaluate their capabilities during battle-force scenarios and real-world situations they may face while deployed.

"I echo the commodore's statements," stated Marine Col. Anthony Henderson, commanding officer, 13th MEU. "Whether a humanitarian assistance mission or combat operations, we are ready. An equally critical contribution to our nation's security is the presence and interaction of America's sons and daughters of this Navy-Marine Corps team around the world as representatives of freedom, liberty, and hope."

U.S. 3rd Fleet and I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) certified Boxer ARG and the 13th MEU to deploy after the ships and units successfully completed PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT), Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Certification Exercise (CERTEX), and Sustainment Exercise (SUSTEX).

The mission of the Boxer ARG is to help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and provide humanitarian assistance/disaster response as well as support the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

The mission of the 13th MEU is to provide a forward deployed, flexible sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations, including enabling the introduction of follow on forces and designated special operations in order to support the theater requirements of Geographic Combatant Commanders.

While deployed, the ARG/MEU team serves as a sea-based, expeditionary crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious missions across the full range of military operations.

Also during deployment Boxer ARG and 13th MEU will participate in the Great Green Fleet, a yearlong initiative highlighting the Navy's efforts to transform its energy use to increase operational capability. Sailors and Marines will use energy efficiency measures, to include technologies and operational procedures, and alternative fuel in the course of its normal operations.

Boxer ARG comprises Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 1 and the 13th MEU. COMPHIBRON 1 is composed of its command ship, amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).

The 13th MEU comprises a ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment; an aviation combat element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 (Reinforced); a logistics combat element, Combat Logistics Battalion 13; and a command element.

The "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 Detachment 1, homeported at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, will conduct flight operations with three MH-60S Knighthawks throughout the deployment. This armed helicopter detachment provides the following missions to the ARG/MEU: day and night defense of the amphibious task force, search and rescue (SAR), Helicopter Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (HVBSS), Special Operations Forces (SOF) support, personnel recovery (PR) missions, and logistics support.

Other elements of the BOXARG include: Fleet Surgical Team 3; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Assault Craft Unit 1; Assault Craft Unit 5, and Beachmaster Unit 1.

For more information on Boxer ARG visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cpr-1/
http://www.facebook.com/amphibioussquadronone/

For more information on the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, visit:
http://www.13thmeu.marines.milhttp://www.facebook.com/13thMEUView/

For more information on USS Boxer (LHD 4) visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lhd4/
https://www.facebook.com/USSBOXER
Ship photo: http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=203080
Navy fact file: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=400&ct=4

For USS New Orleans (LPD 18) visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lpd18/
https://www.facebook.com/bigeasy18/
Ship photo: http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=204902
Navy fact file: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=600&ct=4

For USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lsd49/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/USS.HARPERS.FERRY/
Ship photo: http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=207258
Navy fact file: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1000&ct=4

Task Group Exercise Comes to a Close, Ends with Success

An MV-22 Osprey assigned to the Greyhawks of Marine Medium Tiltroter Squadron (VMM) 161 lifts off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, along with Canadian, Japanese and other U.S. ships is underway conducting a task group exercise (TGEX) to train units that will deploy independently. TGEX improves cooperation, readiness and the capability to respond quickly in various situations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aiyana S. Paschal/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kole E. Carpenter, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Canadian, Japanese and U.S. ships completed a two-week long Task Group Exercise (TGEX) Oct. 31 off the coast of Southern California.
 The exercise, led by U.S. 3rd Fleet gave Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 15 the opportunity to conduct and evaluate training across multiple warfare areas for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), guided-missile cruisers USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and USS Chosin (CG 65), guided-missile destroyers USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Kidd (DDG 100), USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), littoral combat ships USS Independence (LCS 2) and USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigates HMCS Calgary (FFH 335) and HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338), Kingston-class coastal defense vessels HMCS Brandon (MM 710) and HMCS Yellowknife (MM 706), and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JS) Teruzuki (DD 116)

 "The U.S. Navy uses exercises like TGEX to strengthen maritime relationships with partner nations," said Capt. Patrick Keyes, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, assistant chief of staff for plans, policy, training and readiness. "Additionally, TGEX gave four independent deployers the opportunity to be assessed across multiple warfare areas and provided an opportunity for ships not getting certified to get valuable training, necessary during their training cycle."

 Milius, Paul Hamilton and Fort Worth Crews 103 and 104 used TGEX as their final opportunity to certify prior to deployment.

 TGEX was a rare opportunity to cultivate partnerships across Pacific fleets.
 "Our goal was to improve tactical skill," Japanese foreign liaison officer Lt. Cmdr. Kohei Sueki said. "We would also like to enhance regional understanding between the Japanese and the U.S. and Canadian Navies."

 Sueki added that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sought to increase maritime war fighting capability and international relations through their participation in TGEX.
 "Japanese, U.S. and Canadian ships coming together is not something that happens often," Lt. Vincent Pellerin, Canadian foreign liaison officer said. "We hoped to foster better international relationships and learn how to work well with other fleets."
 Joint, inter agency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

Nimitz to Participate Alongside Canadian, Japanese, other US Ships in TG Exercise

An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 launches off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations and training exercises. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelly M. Agee/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelly Agee, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Canadian, Japanese and U.S ships will participate
in a U.S. 3rd Fleet-led Task Group Exercise (TGEX) off the coast of Southern California, Oct. 20-31.

The TGEX will serve to train independently-deploying units in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and maritime-interdiction operations while building cooperative relationships with partner nations.

Units participating include Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 15, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), guided-missile cruisers USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and USS Chosin (CG 65), guided-missile destroyers USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Kidd (DDG 100), USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), and a submarine, Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigates HMCS Calgary (FFH 335) and HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338), Kingston-class coastal defense vessels HMCS Brandon (MM 710) and HMCS Yellowknife (MM 706), and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JS) Teruzuki (DD 116).

Simultaneously, CSG 15 will lead and evaluate training across multiple warfare areas for Milius, Paul Hamilton, Fort Worth and Freedom, as these ships will use TGEX as their final opportunity to certify prior to deployment.

Specific events Nimitz will conduct include: flight operations, tracking different ships, conducting underway replenishments, and communications exercises.

"This is an opportunity to test our ability to work in a coalition environment," said Cmdr. Darrell Lewis, future operations officer for Carrier Strike Group 11. "There are some language barriers, and how we do things is slightly different from how the other nations do things. So, we are taking them into our task group and working with them and proving we can do it."

According to Lewis this exercise will benefit new personnel on Nimitz by giving them the chance to experience a more sophisticated level of operations.

"It is going to be a great opportunity," said Lewis. "Everything you do in these exercises you can learn from. It is a taste what it was like during deployment for those people who haven't seen it."

Joint interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

Carrier Strike Group 9 Completes IDCERTEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bradley J. Gee, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 completed an independent deployer certification exercise (IDCERTEX) in the U.S. Third Fleet Area of Operations (AOR), Nov. 18.

The flagship of CSG 9, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), led the intermediate and advanced training across multiple warfare areas with seven San Diego based ships that included: Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Wayne E. Mayer (DDG 108), USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Pickney (DDG 91), USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Momsen (DDG 92), with Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Gary (FFG 7).

"During our nine days of IDCERTEX, we employ some of our tactical knowledge and get in the rhythm of working with other ships, aircraft and submarines in several warfare areas," said Master Chief Donald Charbonneau, command master chief of Wayne E. Meyer. "Our jobs as destroyers are to protect the aircraft carrier."

IDCERTEX begins with unit-level training specific to the ship that requires training in shipboard firefighting, man overboard drills, visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS), and other ship specific training.

"The goal of this IDCERTEX was to provide a robust certification exercise for multiple independent deployers in an operational carrier strike group setting," said Capt. Stan Chien, CSG 9 operations officer. "Anytime you operate in a multi-ship, multi-staff environment, you add complexity and depth to an operation."

The integrated phase involves training between multiple ships and aircraft and consists of flight operations, submarine tracking, strait transit formations, replenishment-at-sea and other required mission evolutions.

"With the primary focus being certification of the cruisers and destroyers, each individual ship was challenged in multiple simultaneous warfare areas and they performed well," said Chien. "Beyond that, the ships effectively interacted with strike group warfare commanders, the carrier strike group staff and in some areas, simulated fleet staffs through reporting and submission of products. This IDCERTEX was successful on multiple levels."

USS Howard is scheduled to depart Naval Base San Diego in December on an independent deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean.

U.S. Third Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.

U.S. Coast Guard Integrates with USS Gary, 3rd Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek Stroop, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment Team (LEDET) 101 embarked and integrated with Sailors on the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Gary (FFG 51) for training and anti-drug smuggling operations off the California coast, Aug. 26 - 29.

"We are currently supporting counter-smuggling operations by providing law enforcement capabilities to Third Fleet Navy platforms in known drug and migrant transit corridors," said Coast Guard Chief Maritime Enforcement Specialist Chris Sinclair, officer-in-charge of LEDET 101, assigned to Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) San Diego.

The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard team participated in joint training evolutions including communications troubleshooting and small boat operations.

During small boat operations, Gary Sailors manned and lowered a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) alongside the ship. There, members of the LEDET embarked the RHIB, where they performed communication checks and evasive maneuvers.

"Our evolutions went great," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Isaac Abakah. "There were no problems integrating deck department personnel with the [Coast Guardsmen]."

The current underway aboard Gary is not the first operation where a LEDET has embarked a 3rd Fleet ship.

"In June, the Coast Guard came out to the Gary to participate in integrated training with our visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team," said Lt. Cmdr. Bob Jones, executive officer of Gary. "The training and integration between both branches was successful."

The deployment of LEDETs on naval vessels has become more and more prevalent in recent decades.

"We do integrated training as often as we can," said Sinclair. "I have been on three frigates and the USNS Joint High Speed Vessel Swift performing anti-piracy and anti-drug trafficking missions."

TACLETS are designed to be able to conduct a variety of joint missions to safeguard the public by enforcing U.S. laws across a full spectrum of maritime response situations in support of Coast Guard, National Security and law enforcement operations.

According to Sinclair, federal law requires a LEDET to embark Navy ships when participating in a law enforcement role. The Navy vessel, then, becomes a Coast Guard asset once law enforcement operations take place.

"[The Coast Guardsmen] are experts in law enforcement," said Jones. "We coordinated beneficial training, and we will continue our proficiency in working with the U.S. Coast Guard and Third Fleet assets."

Joint interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

US 3rd Fleet Wraps Up Participation in Talisman Saber 2013

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet completed biennial joint-training exercise Talisman Saber 2013 (TS13) July 28.

The two-week exercise is the second largest maritime exercise in the world jointly led by U.S. Pacific Command and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Military assets from both nations conducted various types of training at sea, ashore and in the air off the Australian coast and in the United States 7th and 3rd Fleet areas of responsibility based on a simulated mid-intensity war environment.

Third Fleet served as Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) for the exercise. In the joint-task force construct, CFMCC is one of four functional components: Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander, Combined Forces Air Component Commander, Combined Forces Land Component Commander and Combined Forces Special Operations Component Commander.

"Talisman Saber 2013 provided a great training experience for our team here at Third Fleet, which included a contingent of outstanding professionals from the Royal Australian Navy led by Cdre. Greg Sammut," said Vice Adm. Kenneth Floyd, Commander U.S. 3rd Fleet. "We had the chance to exercise command and control with U.S. and Australian ships halfway around the world in realistic and relevant scenarios. Just as importantly, we strengthened key joint and international partnerships that we rely on every day."

All component commanders reported to 7th Fleet, who served as Commander of the Combined Task Force (CCTF). The exercise served as 7th Fleet's Joint Task Force (JTF) certification.

"TS13 is a bilateral exercise between the Australian navy and the U.S. Navy, and this year it's grown to include U.S. Army First Corps and some U.S. Air Force components," said Capt. Jay Mills, deputy director Maritime Operations Center for CFMCC during TS13. "CFMCC is in command of all maritime forces that may be used to respond in the event of a crisis. Practicing our role of CFMCC allows us to utilize the tactics, techniques and procedures we would use as a combined force."

U.S. 3rd Fleet staff managed a combined force of geographically dispersed Australian and U.S. ships that showed the fleet's ability to manage multinational assets from 3rd Fleet headquarters in San Diego, which added to the realistic, relevant training that is necessary for an effective global Navy.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for the staff in terms of operating as a maritime operations center and exercising those cross-functional teams that make it possible," said Mills. "When we go to a contingency operation or major combat operations as we simulate this exercise, we stand up a maritime operations center, which has a different construct, and we have what are called bureaus, boards, cells and working groups."

Joint interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

Carl Vinson Returns to 3rd Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Byron C. Linder, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 returned to the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) May 11.

Vinson is currently transiting to her homeport in San Diego following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East areas supporting maritime theater security operations in the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleets.

"The dedication demonstrated by every Sailor up and down the chain of command was the key factor in accomplishing every mission objective for our time in the 5th and 7th Fleets," said Vinson's Commanding Officer Capt. Kent D. Whalen. "With our return to 3rd Fleet, our focus may have changed but our mission-ready mindset continues."

Vinson serves as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, led by Rear Adm. T.K. Shannon, which also consists of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1 guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97), guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and CVW-17.

CVW-17 encompasses the "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, the "Stingers" of VFA 113, the "Redcocks" of VFA 22, the "Fists of the Fleet" of VFA 25, the "Garudas" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134, the "Tiger Tails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 and the "Red Lions" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15.

In addition to supporting its primary mission throughout the deployment, Carl Vinson completed the following:

- From Jan. 9 to March 24, flew 1,085 Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) missions, totaling 6,600 total flight hours. This included close air support missions, support for coalition ground forces, airborne electronic warfare missions and airborne command and control missions.

- Deployed 7,283 pounds of ordnance and expended 1,717 rounds of 20mm ammunition in support of OEF.
Conducted exercises with coalition countries and other nations, including Singapore, Britain, India and Australia.

- Made port visits and conducted community service projects in Hong Kong, Jebel Ali, India, and Australia.

- Earned the 2011 Commander Naval Air Forces Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") award for West Coast-based aircraft carriers.

- Hosted former CBS Evening News anchor and 60 Minutes correspondent Dan Rather for a three-day visit as the subject of a segment for television news magazine Dan Rather Reports.

- Sailed over 53,200 nautical miles.

Third Fleet leads naval forces in the eastern Pacific from the west coast of North America to the international date line.

USS Freedom to Enter 3rd Fleet

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Freedom (LCS 1) will reach its latest significant milestone when she enters the 3rd Fleet Area of Responsibility April 4.

"We are excited to have USS Freedom join the 3rd Fleet team," said Commander, 3rd Fleet, Vice Adm. Richard Hunt. "The Littoral Combat Ship class provides a transformational capability to theater naval commanders which will enhance support for the war on terrorism, theater security cooperation (TSC) with partner nations, and emerging operational requirements."

After entering 3rd Fleet, Freedom will conduct TSC engagements with partner nations, conduct routine training at sea, officially arrive in San Diego in late April, and then participate in the International Fleet Review in Canada commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy and the 22nd Rim of the Pacific exercise in Hawaii, both being conducted this Summer.

Prior to arriving, Freedom conducted counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) operations in the Caribbean Sea and off the coasts of Central and South America under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet.

In less than three weeks of CIT operations in the Caribbean, Freedom made three drug seizures, recovering more than three tons of cocaine and capturing one vessel and five suspected drug smugglers.

"During its deployment, Freedom has demonstrated that its class will become a key component of the 21st century Navy," said Hunt. "We look forward to employing Freedom to help us meet the challenges of operating in the littorals. The LCS-class brings unique capabilities, exponentially expanding the ability of 3rd Fleet and the Navy to execute the maritime strategy."

Embarked aboard Freedom are Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Detachment 2, based in Norfolk; the first tailored LCS Surface Warfare Mission Package, based in San Diego; and a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment.

The first ship in the revolutionary littoral combat ship class, Freedom is a fast, agile, maneuverable, and networked surface modular ship designed to complement the Navy's larger multi-mission surface combatants in select mission areas, including combating submarines, mines, and fast-attack craft threats in the littorals.

Freedom began its maiden deployment Feb. 16, more than two years ahead of schedule, and will complete the deployment when it arrives in its homeport of San Diego in late April.

From 3rd Fleet to 6th Fleet, USS Higgins Provides Seamless Performance

The guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) steams into position for a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3). Higgins is deployed with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, operating as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John Wagner (Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) David Holmes, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- San Diego-based destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) is currently deployed in the 6th Fleet area of operations and is a real-world application of the collaborative approach by fleet commanders for supporting global mission requirements.

U.S. Fleet Forces and U.S. Pacific Fleet utilize standardized practices, certifications and Navy resources to most effectively meet combatant commander requirements and address global contingencies wherever they may arise.

"USS Higgins' current operations are a perfect example of our 'One Fleet' approach to meeting global requirements," said Adm. J. C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces. "Our common training standards and common operating principles mean that we can fully integrate any ship to support our missions, regardless of homeport. We will see more of this in our future, particularly in Navy ballistic missile defense (BMD) operations."

Higgins reported on station in the Mediterranean Sea, Sept. 1, following completion of a normal Western transit, which included consecutive operations in the 3rd, 7th, and 5th Fleets. The ship is currently participating in the multinational exercise Jackal Stone 2009 with nine other partner nations. Jackal Stone promotes cooperation and interoperability between special operations forces.

"Having recently served on the Naval Surface Forces staff, I know how closely the Atlantic and Pacific type commander organizations in Norfolk and San Diego work to build and maintain one standard of naval capability across the entire fleet," said Higgins' commanding officer Cmdr. Carl Meuser. "That close cooperation has translated for us into a smooth transition from 3rd Fleet to 7th Fleet, to 5th Fleet to 6th Fleet. We train to the same standard and to the same mission areas as a ship from Norfolk."

With this uniform approach, a Pacific Fleet ship, for example, has the ability to transit into an area of operation traditionally supported by Atlantic Fleet ships and seamlessly perform across the full range of military operations.

With a complement of more than 270 Sailors and multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, Higgins is a ready force providing regional security. Throughout this deployment, the Aegis destroyer and crew will conduct various engagements to develop enduring international military partnerships while representing Navy BMD for the United States and its allies.

U.S. 3rd Fleet Joins Global Operations Network

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Krishna Jackson, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet received official notification of its preliminary accreditation as a maritime operations center (MOC) by U.S. Fleet Forces Command June 1 after successfully completing its accreditation exercise, Terminal Fury May 21.

"Each and every one of you, from the most junior Sailor to the top of the MOC echelon played a key role in the success of Third Fleet achieving its accreditation and I'm proud of all of you for your professionalism and dedication," said Vice Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, 3rd Fleet commander, during a post-exercise commander's call.

The accreditation took place in two phases. The first phase consisted of the accreditation team observing how the staff operates on a day-to-day basis and comparing 3rd Fleet's organizational elements, equipment and training to established MOC requirements when not responding to contingencies.

Terminal Fury was the second phase and tested the 3rd Fleet staff's ability to execute core tasks during a major exercise designed to test their ability to respond and successfully manage multiple simultaneous events.

"We can now conduct centralized planning and decentralized execution and the last time we did that was when Admiral Halsey was here. We're more focused now on the operational level of war," said 3rd Fleet MOC Deputy Director, Capt. Kevin J. Baum.

"This is a big step toward completing a globally networked Navy that now has the ability to decisively and expeditiously respond to disaster relief, contingencies and operations around the world."

Third Fleet is now aligned with already accredited MOCs at Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; 2nd Fleet; 5th Fleet; 6th Fleet and 7th Fleet. Commander, 4th Fleet will be the last of the numbered fleets to be accredited during the annual multinational exercise PANAMAX 09 in August.

The MOC concept establishes an integrated global network of operations centers that are designed to deliver widespread maritime capability to a broad spectrum of operations. They enhance the Navy's command and control of forces at the operational level via headquarters manned by qualified personnel who specialize in global interoperability and the systems necessary to conduct those operations.

For example, collaboration as a MOC would enable 3rd Fleet to request and receive augmentation from 2nd Fleet if a natural disaster such as an earthquake were to hit Southern California. In such a situation, 3rd Fleet could then coordinate disaster relief efforts and still be able to support operations off the coast and in forward deployed areas of operation.

The accreditation team reported 3rd Fleet's ability to operate as a MOC including planning processes and coordination was the best observed, so far.

"Just a couple years ago we were not prepared to operate as a maritime operations center, and now we are recognized as the top performing maritime operation center in the Navy, so far, and it's because of people like you who are experts at what you do that made this possible," said Locklear while addressing his staff at an awards ceremony.

While following standardized processes, MOCs are flexible, scalable and can be tailored to support the execution of core capabilities of the maritime strategy.