By Ensign Christine Campbell, USS Samuel B. Roberts Public Affairs
USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) and Chilean Frigate CS Almiranty Latorre (FFG 14) participated in a multinational Passing Exercise (PASSEX) on April 8-9 with Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1 in the Caribbean in support of Partnership of Americas (POA).
Other ships participating in the exercise included the USS Mahan (DDG 72), German Navy Frigate FGS Sachsen (F 219) and British Fast Fleet Tanker RFA Wave Ruler (A 390).
The exercise gave the opportunity to collaborate more closely with different nations and supports the U.S. Navy’s concept of a 1,000-ship navy which brings together maritime services to work toward common objectives of security and to improve overall interoperability.
With two days of continuous operations, the ships conducted a multitude of operations and training.
“The favorite event for Samuel B. Roberts’ bridge watch team was fleet maneuvers or division tactics (DIVTACS), where watchstanders from all ships were able to practice their ship-handling skills,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class Andrew Buckner.
DIVTACS training requires multiple ships underway in close proximity, which can be a rare opportunity.
In addition to ship handling, several exercises in establishing communications, testing reference skills, and passing tactical signals took place. The ships simulated anti-submarine scenarios and anti-air defense operations.
While conducting the anti-submarine operations the “Sammy B” utilized SH-60B helicopters, from Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (Light) 48, based in Mayport, Fla., to drop active and passive sonobouys against training targets.
The exercise culminated with the creation of a difficult formation called a starburst, in which all ships formed an arrowhead at 200-yards spacing from one another, and then broke off to all sides at a high rate of speed.
Ens. Paul O'Daniel, conning officer for the event, said he was impressed with the overall PASSEX.
“This formation was a challenge to accomplish but definitely shows cooperation of the navies during these exercises. The chance to work with the other navies and accomplish operational exercises was great,” said O'Daniel.