GW Completes Undersea Warfare Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Devon Dow, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in Undersea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) with U.S. and Japanese naval forces in the western Pacific Ocean June 21 to 25.

The exercise was conducted by elements from Commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet (CTF 70), Commander, Patrol & Reconnaissance Force, 7th Fleet (CTF 72), Commander, Submarine Force, 7th Fleet (CTF 74), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and components from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The exercise focused on training and coordination of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) efforts between the maritime partners.

"This year during USWEX we continued to strengthen interoperability between the U.S. Navy and the JMSDF and trained against tactics, techniques and procedures to develop new concepts in ASW," said Lt. Justin Santos, a surface operations officer for DESRON 15. "Throughout this exercise, I believe everyone involved has executed in a professional manner and to the best of their expertise."

During the exercise, GW and JMSDF Sailors, who were embarked aboard GW during USWEX, were tasked with locating, tracking and completing simulated engagements with allied submarines in their vicinity.

Santos said that working with the JMSDF provided unique opportunities for all involved to learn from one another, furthering the U.S.-Japan relationship, and show how they can further their joint operational efforts.

"During USWEX we were afforded the opportunity of working side by side with our JMSDF counterparts on board GW," he said. "They were standing watch during the exercise in the same spaces we were and holding briefs throughout the day alongside us as well. Having them on board was a benefit to the success of this exercise."

Lt. Masanobu Kanamori, Undersea Warfare Staff escort for JMSDF's Flotilla 2, is one of the many JMSDF Sailors who has been on board during the exercise. He said while he was taken back by the enormity of the ship, and the sights and sounds of the flight deck, working, eating, and living on the GW contributed to the overall experience of USWEX.

"This has been a very big exercise and a great experience for me," he said. "I enjoyed being on board GW and working with the U.S. Navy Sailors. I learned a lot."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation. Santos said he is optimistic about the two countries relationship in the present and the future.

"Our alliance with Japan demonstrates the strength in our commitment to one another and our ability to work together," he said. "This exercise is an example of just how strong our alliance really is."

Nimitz Strike Group Prepares to Execute Maritime Strategy

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and the ships of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) conducted flight operations, surface operations and an undersea warfare exercise (USWEX 09) off Hawaiian islands Aug. 11.

The training is designed to test the strike group's ability to combat multiple threats in a dynamic environment. The Hawaiian Operating Area offers unique ranges and operating spaces for the California-based ships, which left their homeport of San Diego last week.

During the USWEX 09 portion of the training, Nimitz and her escorts operated for several days in a simulated submarine threat environment. Conducting air and surface search techniques to prosecute and destroy an array of sub-surface threats. This exercise supports operations in the 7th and 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility as well as the Navy's maritime strategy.

The Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin (CG 55) homeported in Hawaii joins the strike group for this exercise, adding more capability to the mission-tailored force. Chosin will continue on the Nimitiz CSG's Western Pacific deployment.

"Whether it is a power projection mission in support of our troops in contact, whether it is forward presence ensuring security and stability or security cooperation with our coalition partners … this strike group is capable of doing it," said Rear Adm. John W. Miller, commander of the Nimitz strike group.

The multimission capabilities of aircraft carriers enables them to execute the six core capabilities of the maritime strategy: forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Nimitz CSG consists of USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS Sampson (DDG 102) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, USS Chosin (CG 55) from Commander, Naval Surface Group, Mid Pacific, and USS Rentz (FFG 46) from DESRON 1.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 is embarked aboard Nimitz and includes the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, VFA 14, VFA 97, VFA 86, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, Electronic Attack Squadron 135, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117. Detachments from Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, HSL 43, HSL 45 and HSL 49.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10), with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 aboard, also accompany the Nimitz CSG.