Klakring Actively Engaged in Loyal Mariner 09

By Ensign Peter Goodman, USS Klakring Public Affairs

USS KLAKRING, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Klakring (FFG 42), currently assigned to Commander, Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, is fully engaged in conducting maritime warfare scenarios as part of NATO's Loyal Mariner (LM) 09 exercise series.

The exercise, which began March 2, has given participating NATO allies the opportunity to strengthen both their interoperability with other navies and each ship's own tactical warfighting skills.

In the waters off the coast of Sardinia, Klakring, along with approximately 28 surface ships, 20 aircraft, and two submarines are conducting real-time surface, air and undersea warfare as well as maritime interdiction operations as part of NATO's robust training scenarios.

"U.S. participation in these exercises reiterates our commitment to our enduring partners throughout Europe who have been and continue to be strong allies," remarked Klakring Commanding Officer Cmdr. Scott M. Smith.

With several days still left in the exercise, Klakring is hoping to gain additional opportunities to flex its command and control systems to prepare for future engagements with NATO ships.

Klakring has been operating with the German ship FGS Emden and the Portuguese ship NRP Alvares Cabral prior to beginning LM 09.

"The NATO alliance is nearing 60 years of providing peace and stability; those aboard Klakring have fathers and grandfathers that have served under that same flag," Smith added.

Klakring and fellow NATO ships continue to build upon that robust heritage every day while operating to promote peace and stability.

Klakring is currently on a scheduled six-month deployment and is assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron 14.

Klakring Teams with French Navy in FANAL 09

US Navy Photo

By Ensign Peter Goodman, USS Klakring Public Affairs

USS KLAKRING, At Sea (NNS) -- While assigned to Commander, Standing Maritime NATO Group (SNMG) 1, USS Klakring (FFG 42) helped prepare the Charles de Gaulle Strike Group (CDGSG) Feb. 24 for her upcoming deployment.

SNMG-1 ships consisting of FGS Emden, NRP Alvares Cabral, and Klakring served as the opposing force while participating in the FANAL 09 exercise.

The CDGSG, comprised of two destroyers, the oiler, FS Meuse, and anchored by the French nuclear aircraft carrier, FS Charles de Gaulle, are in the midst of completing a final multi-warfare training exercise before a scheduled deployment.

The exercise provided Klakring the unique opportunities to conduct maritime interoperability operations with not only other allied navies, but to do so while gaining tactical warfighting experience in a more complex and dynamic maritime environment than she does so regularly.

"As OPFOR, we had the unique opportunity to develop our own strategies to best conduct harassment training scenarios as part of our simulated attacks against the CDGSG," remarked Lt. Michael Beaty, Klakring Combat System's officer. "The exercise has certainly helped strengthen Klakring's own tactical warfighting capabilities."

The performance of the SNMG-1 assets directly helped to sharpen the coordination, communication, and warfare employment skills of the strike group warships and battle staffs.

Klakring's participation in FANAL 09 helps execute the United States' Maritime Strategy as well by both strengthening relations with allied navies and enhancing Allied ability to maintain maritime superiority. "Our ability to work as a team against a superior force and achieve commendable results demonstrates the seamless interoperability that we share with our NATO allies – a vital component in providing global maritime security and preventing conflict. It is exercises like these that strengthen regional maritime partnerships."

Klakring is on a scheduled six month deployment. She is assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron 14 and homeported in Mayport, Fla.

USS Klakring Joins Standing NATO Maritime Group

US Navy File Photo.

By Ensign Peter Goodman, USS Klakring Public Affairs

LISBON, Portugal (NNS) -- USS Klakring (FFG 42) joins the task group of ships comprising Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 after departing Lisbon, Portugual Feb. 16. Klakring is conducting maritime interoperability operations with allied navies after a visit to Lisbon.

Commanded by her new commanding officer, Cmdr. Scott M. Smith, Klakring sailed across the Atlantic reporting to 6th Fleet as the newest U.S. warship assigned to Commander, Standing NATO Maritime Group 1. (CSNMG 1).

The force, a composition of NATO allied warships, fills an integral role in maintaining allied maritime situational awareness in the region. Along with Klakring, German warship FGS Emden (F 210) and Portuguese warship NRP Alvares Cabral (F 331) comprise the task group of ships assigned to CSNMG-1.

SNMG-1 provides the Maritime Component Command of the NATO Response Force a high readiness element able to support various NATO missions, exercises, presence operations, and diplomacy visits. In her role as an asset to SNMG-1, Klakring brings surface, submarine, maritime interdiction, and air warfare mission capabilities.

Klakring, Emden, and Alvares Cabral conducted a recent port visit to Lisbon, where the establishment of the current force was celebrated during a reception held aboard Emden honoring Rear Adm. Pereira de Cunha, Portuguese Navy, CSNMG-1. The event provided Klakring Sailors the opportunity to engage their counterparts from other ships.

In particular, the event afforded Smith the opportunity to both share experiences with foreign counterparts.

"All the COs know that the key to enhancing the coalition and achieving the common interests in the maritime domain is to increase both interoperability and greater understanding. It is the personal relationships that are forged during these events that will ultimately forge the strongest coalitions," remarked Smith.

The port visit provided Klakring's crew an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of Lisbon as well, a city which is famed for being the Gateway to Europe for ships traveling from the Americas.

For Chief Electrician's Mate (SW) Johnny Hill, the visit also provided the opportunity to see the beauty of the Portuguese countryside during a host nation sponsored trip to visit such historic landmarks as the Cathedral at Fatima and the Tomb of Henry the Navigator.

"I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the culture and experience places I had only heard about, commented Hill, "I definitely appreciate the work Portugal did in organizing the tour for us."

Klakring is on a scheduled six month deployment. She is assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron 14 and homeported in Mayport, Fla.

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HSC-22 Vertrep with the Bainbridge

In the MEDITERRANEAN SEA -- An MH-60S Seahawk, assigned to the "Sea Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, Det. 2, transports supplies to the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during a vertical replenishment. Bainbridge is the acting flagship for Rear Adm. Michael K. Mahon, commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1. SNMG1 is one of NATO's four joint maritime task forces. (U.S. Navy photo By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Vincent J. Street)