Sixth Fleet JFMCC Ready for Action

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dave Holmes, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

The 6th Fleet flagship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrives in Souda harbor for a brief port visit on Greece's largest island. The Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ship is homeported in Gaeta, Italy. U.S. Navy photo by Mr. Paul Farley

USS MOUNT WHITNEY, At Sea (NNS) -- The U.S. 6th Fleet Joint Forces Maritime Component Command (JFMCC) staff wrapped up a two-week training evolution while embarked aboard USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) Oct. 14.

The purpose of the training was to maintain JFMCC staff proficiency and capability to respond effectively to possible contingencies within the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. The training applies real-time, quick-action scenarios to gauge the teams’ readiness and organization.

JFMCC personnel ran through a myriad of scenarios ranging from an oil spill to an Avian influenza outbreak. The scenarios were designed to force the JFMCC staff to reach beyond their normal comfort zones as military professionals and deal with issues not normally confronted on the traditional battlefield.

“Within this broad range of military operations, we must be prepared to respond effectively to terrorist attacks as well as natural or man-made disasters affecting U.S. forces and interests,” said JFMCC Doctrine, Training and Lessons Learned Cell Chief, Craig Linderman, a retired U.S. Army major.

“Most are no-notice, ‘bolt-out-of-the-blue’ events where hours can make the difference between life and death for those caught in the affected area," said Linderman. "To save lives and mitigate damage, we must act with agility and speed. This doesn’t happen without well thought out plans and lots of practice.”

The JFMCC staff’s training has prepared them for Joint Task Force recertification that will commence next summer with exercise Austere Challenge 2008.

“In order to maintain our sharp edge and readiness to respond in a crisis, we must take the time to train rigorously under realistic conditions. This embarked training period has given us an opportunity to realize this goal and sustain our readiness,” said Linderman.