Airmen participate in Unified Engagement 2010

by Capt. Tony Wickman, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

TALLINN, Estonia (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe officials joined representatives from seven other countries here to participate in Unified Engagement 2010, which started June 7 and continues through June 11.

The Unified Engagement seminar is the fourth Building Partnership Seminar USAFE officials have conducted with European partners as a transformation war game to explore future combined warfighting concepts and capabilities.

The U.S. delegation led by Gen. Roger A. Brady, the USAFE commander, is working with counterparts from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden to strengthen relationships, and improve interoperability and future cooperation.

"These meetings have been good for us and our allies and have proven productive and valuable," General Brady said. "These sessions serve as effective discussions and are opportunities to share ideas, and for military professionals, particularly air forces, to share their perspectives."

General Brady said the relationships established and the work accomplished at the seminar will allow everyone to come together quickly in crisis and effectively face the challenge.

"Because of training seminars like Unified Engagement, the U.S. Air Force and our partners worldwide are better prepared for future operational challenges," the general said. "Estonia is a great NATO partner and they are graciously hosting this meeting."

The seminar was an important opportunity to talk about operational endeavors, military advice and skills, said Brig. Gen. Valeri Saar, the Estonian air force commander, and the event co-host along with Maj. Gen. Jack Egginton, the USAFE Director of Air and Space Operations.

"The purpose of the meeting will address what role Estonia's air force should have, how to keep security in our region and how to be good neighbors," General Saar said. "We will also look at new issues such as cyber security and energy, and the threats to them."

An example of working closely with allies for interoperability and future missions is the training between U.S. aircraft and Estonian joint terminal attack controllers.

"We brought in a couple of F-15E Strike Eagles from (Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England) to Estonia to train with Estonian JTACs who are on their way to Afghanistan," General Egginton said. "They are training and using the same procedures as used in Afghanistan that will ultimately protect the Afghan people and NATO troops on the ground."

During the Unified Engagement seminar, participants act in the role of a multinational military staff, and consider possible requirements and concepts for operating together to meet potential future challenges. The participants look through the spectrum of operations from peace enforcement and humanitarian relief situations to cooperative security and stability operations.

CBRNE rapid response teams to be deployed nationwide

“The thing we all worry about is a terrorist with a weapon of mass destruction,” Navy Admiral James Winnefeld Jr., the commander of U.S. Northern and North American Aerospace Defense Commands, told American Forces Press Service. “And, increasingly, we worry about terrorists who are realizing that they don’t need a big boom to make a difference.”

That is why the Pentagon has announced that Ohio and Washington are the first two states to have been selected to host the new National Guard homeland response forces (HRF).

Called for in the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review, the HRF is designed to work in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at the behest of an affected state’s governor, to provide rapid response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-explosive (CBRNE) attacks. The Department of Defense (DoD) plans to establish 10 HRFs, one for each of the 10 FEMA regions across the U.S.

Each HRF will consist of 570 guardsmen that will be able to respond to a CBRNE threat on the ground within six to 12 hours. The team will have 45 medical personnel, 50 search and extraction personnel, 75 decontamination personnel, as well as a 200-member security team and another 200 individuals who will execute command-and-control. When not deployed, the teams will focus on planning, training and exercising at the regional level.

“We would like to see [the HRF] play a very important role at the regional level in terms of helping develop and build regional plans and working with the state emergency managers,” said Christine Wormuth, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and security affairs, at the National Guard Bureau's Domestic Operations Workshop on March 24. "We'd like to see the HRFs, that command and control element inside of the HRFs, really build that connective tissue at the regional level."

DoD hopes to have the first two offices open by the end of the year, with an additional office opening each year over the next eight years.

But there are still aspects of the program that need to be worked out, Wormuth noted. “Do the HRFs have to be focused only on CBRNE events or could they be used for major natural disasters like a major earthquake in California?” she asked. “And if they are going to be available for some natural disasters, how are we going to ensure that they are used prudently?”

But both Wormuth and Winnefeld have faith that the program will succeed.

Northcom has a “good, cooperative effort [with] the National Guard Bureau,” Winnefeld said. “That cooperation is growing tighter every day in terms of making sure we know the roles are standardized, and that the command and control is clean.

“I am optimistic,” Winnefeld continued.

“It’s a team effort,” Wormuth added.

http://www.gsnmagazine.com/article/20844/cbrne_rapid_response_teams_be_deployed_nationwide

Milcom Blog Logs - May 2010 - Central Florida

Here are some blog logs for the month of May from our friend down in Florida - Jack NeSmith.

May was a very busy month in central Florida. Avon Park Range was very busy with F-18's using the "RUSTIC" callsign from VMFA-314. A-10's joined the exercise. Air refueling freqs were almost none stop for the exercise. The freqs I ID'd as AR were used during this exercise.The freqs I have ID'd as "TACTICAL" were used during the exercise at Avon Park Rng. Jack-Deltona, Florida

138.1500 ACTIVE
138.2500 93FS HOMESTEAD ARB
139.0250 ACTIVE
139.7000 A-10 MOODY AFB GA
140.4000 ACTIVE
140.5000 ACTIVE
141.3000 AIR REFUELING
142.3000 PTD
142.5250 ACTIVE
142.7500 ACTIVE
143.1500 ACTIVE
143.6000 ACTIVE
143.7500 A-10 MOODY AFB GA
148.5625 ACTIVE
148.7625 CP. BLANDING RNG CONTROL P-25
149.7500 ACTIVE
150.3000 USCG
150.5000 USCG
225.0500 ACTIVE
225.1750 ACTIVE
225.3500 R-2910 PINECASTLE RNG
225.7250 J-STARS
225.8750 AWACS
226.4250 TACTICAL
227.0000 ACTIVE
227.0750 W-470A
227.4000 KZJX
227.6750 TACTICAL
228.5750 TACTICAL
228.9000 NORAD
229.0750 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
230.1500 TACTICAL
232.8500 ACTIVE
233.2000 ARMY
233.3250 ACTIVE
233.5000 ACTIVE
234.8000 159FS/125FW
235.0500 HAVEQUICK
235.1000 AIR REFUELING
236.0000 SAR TRAINING
236.8500 ACTIVE
237.2000 ARMY
237.7000 LANTCOM
238.1000 NAVY
238.7250 ACTIVE
239.2500 KZMA
239.5500 TACTICAL
239.9500 AWACS
240.3000 J-STARS
241.3250 ACTIVE
241.4000 ACTIVE
244.4000 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
245.2500 TACTICAL
245.5500 ACTIVE
246.1500 ACTIVE
246.7500 ACTIVE
246.8000 NAS JAX ??
250.3000 VMFA-224 MCAS BEAUFORT SC
251.1500 JAX IAP A/D
251.2000 ACTIVE
251.2500 159FS/125FW
251.6000 NAVY
251.9000 SAR TRAINING R-2901 AVON PARK RNG
252.1000 HOMESTEAD ARB
252.8000 920RQW PATRICK AFB
253.7000 159FS/125FW
254.0250 ACTIVE
254.1250 ACTIVE
254.2000 NORAD
254.3250 KZJX
254.7000 ACTIVE
255.4000 FSS
255.5000 920RQW PATRICK AFB
255.8000 ACTIVE
256.8750 KZJX
256.9000 KZJX
257.8000 DAYTONA IAP TOWER
258.2500 ACTIVE
258.9250 VFA-82
259.9000 ACTIVE
260.9000 NORAD
262.0000 ACTIVE
262.7500 ACTIVE
262.9000 NADEP NAS JAX ??
263.1000 KZMA
263.4500 METRO MOODY AFB GA
264.2000 NAS JAX VP-8&16 BASE
264.5000 ACTIVE
264.6250 R-2901 AVON PARK RNG
264.6500 BOEING OPS
264.6750 ACTIVE
265.7500 ACTIVE
265.8000 ACTIVE
266.5000 ACTIVE
266.6000 ACTIVE
267.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
267.8500 NORAD
268.8750 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
269.2500 KZJX
269.3000 KZMA
269.3250 JAX IAP A/D
269.3750 PATRICK AFB TOWER
269.4750 ST AUGUSTINE TOWER
269.6000 KZJX
270.0250 ACTIVE
270.5000 NAVY
270.9500 NORTHCOM
271.5750 ACTIVE
273.3750 TACTICAL
273.5000 PATRICK AFB ATIS
273.5500 KZJX
273.8000 ACTIVE
275.0000 NORTHCOM
276.4000 NAS JAX GCA
276.6000 AVON PARK RNG
277.2000 ACTIVE
277.4000 KZJX
277.8000 FLEET COMMON
278.4000 NORAD
279.2500 ACTIVE
279.6000 TAMPA IAP A/D
281.4250 PATRICK AFB A/D
281.5000 KZMA
282.2000 KZJX
282.7250 ACTIVE
283.2500 AIR FORCE
283.4000 VMFA-122 MCAS BEAUFORT SC
283.7000 MACDILL AFB "BUCANEER OPS" DEPLOYED A/C
283.8500 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
284.0000 KSC TOWER
284.1500 J-STARS
284.2500 BLUE ANGELS
284.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD" 284.7000
285.5000 KZMA
285.6500 KZJX
285.7250 R-2901 AVON PARK RNG
287.3000 ACTIVE
287.4500 ACTIVE
287.7000 ACTIVE
288.4000 NORAD
290.3000 TAMPA IAP A/D
290.4000 KZJX
291.7000 KZJX
292.1250 MCAS BEAUFORT SC A/D
293.2250 KZMA
293.6000 NORAD
294.5250 TACTICAL
294.6000 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
297.3000 ACTIVE
299.2000 FAA
299.5000 NAS NORTH WHITING AREA-3 COMMON
300.1250 ACTIVE
300.2000 ACTIVE
300.7250 ACTIVE
300.7500 ACTIVE
301.0000 MCAS BEAUFORT SC S.TACT RNG 4X "WARLOCK"
301.1250 ACTIVE
301.5500 ACTIVE
301.7500 ACTIVE
303.0000 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
303.2750 HAVEQUICK
305.9000 NAVY
306.0000 NAS JAX VP-30
307.0000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
307.1000 KZMA
307.2000 KZJX
307.2500 KZJX
307.3250 FAA
308.0750 TACTICAL
308.7500 AWACS
310.2000 NAS JAX BASE OPS
311.0000 MACDILL AFB 6ARW CMD POST"LIGHTING OPS"
311.5000 FACSFAC JAX GCI "BRISTOL"
314.2000 159FS/125FW
314.4250 TACTICAL
314.4500 HAVEQUICK
316.2250 TACTICAL
317.5250 KZJX
317.6000 KZMA
317.6000 KZJX
318.6000 NAVY
320.3000 ACTIVE
320.5000 FACSFAC JAX GCI "BRISTOL"
321.0000 920RQW CMD POST PATRICK AFB
322.4000 JAX IAP A/D
322.4750 KZJX
323.0500 KZJX
324.6000 AIR REFUELING
327.1000 KZJX
327.6000 AIR REFUELING
335.5500 KZJX
335.6000 JAX IAP A/D
335.8750 VFA-83
336.4000 NAS JAX GROUND CONTROL
339.7000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
340.2000 NAS JAX TOWER
342.6000 NAVY
343.0000 159FS/125FW
343.2500 AIR REFUELING
343.7000 KZMA
345.0000 USCG
346.2500 KZJX
346.3500 KZJX
348.7000 KZMA
349.0000 KZMA
349.4000 USAF CMD POST
349.5500 TACTICAL
351.8000 JAX IAP A/D
351.9500 DAYTONA IAP A/D
352.0000 KZJX
353.5000 KZJX
353.5750 TAMPA IAP A/D
357.0000 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
360.7000 KZJX
363.3000 NAVY
364.2000 NORAD AICC
369.0250 OPERATIONS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
369.3250 TACTICAL
372.1750 USAF
372.2000 PTD
376.9000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
377.0500 JAX IAP A/D
379.1000 KZJX
379.2500 KZMA
379.9000 JAX IAP A/D
379.9500 DAYTONA IAP A/D
380.3000 KZMA
381.3750 ARMY
381.6000 KZMA
381.6500 SANFORD-ORLANDO IAP TOWER
385.5000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
387.0000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
388.2000 TYNDALL AFB A/D
395.1500 J-STARS

Global Hawk takes northern route, improves efficiency

by Randy Roughton, Defense Media Activity - San Antonio

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Staff Sgt. Ryan Conversi's eyes
remain focused on a pair of industrial-strength laptop computers as the time
approaches for the next launch of an RQ-4 Global Hawk on the Beale Air Force
Base flightline.

One of the computers is a vehicle test controller and the other contains
Sergeant Conversi's technical orders. Both help the 12th Aircraft
Maintenance Unit crew chief communicate with the operator as he prepares for
the Global Hawk's next journey over Canada on the way to a forward operating
location in Southwest Asia.

Since April, when the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron's Global Hawks began
flying the northern route, maintainers have noticed an ability to get the
aircraft serviced and back into the forward operation location more
efficiently. The aircraft previously flew from Beale AFB to Naval Air
Station Patuxent River, Md., before continuing the route to Southwest Asia.
The aircraft must return to Beale AFB for critical routine maintenance, so
the new route decreases the time required to transport aircraft between the
two locations.

"We're constantly swapping aircraft out for maintenance to provide the
forward operators with fresh aircraft," said Capt. Gary Toroni, the 12th
Operations Support Squadron flight commander. "The ability to fly through
Canada also affords us the opportunity to not only have the aircraft out
there in a short time period, but also bring them back so we can do service
and maintenance and be able to get them forward-deployed."

The 12th AMU is the first of its kind to provide maintenance and generation
capabilities for the remotely piloted aircraft. Sergeant Conversi and Staff
Sgt. William Murray, a 12th AMU avionics specialist, have both noticed a
decrease in manpower needed for maintenance in the first month the Global
Hawk has flown the new route. The aircraft usually can be prepped within
three hours after landing on the Beale AFB flightline.

"As far as flying over Canada to the (area of responsibility) goes, it just
reduces our timetable for getting the jets transferred over there," said
Master Sgt. Edwin Sims, the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production
superintendent. "It's basically more efficient. Otherwise, we have to go to
a staging point in between and have people set up there before the aircraft
even gets there. Now, we prep it to go here and it flies all the way. Now
all we have to worry about are the jets coming back, so it cuts down on our
maintenance."

The Global Hawk's first flight on the northern route to Southwest Asia in
April marked its first over Canada on a non-training mission. The new route
has increased the Global Hawk's efficiency by about 50 percent, Captain
Toroni said.

"Efficiency relates to effectiveness, so if we're able to get the aircraft
operating without the variable of sending it to the East Coast before we
forward deploy it, we've got manpower back here to do other missions,
whether they are for Haiti relief or continental United States missions," he
said.

The Global Hawks are assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing from Beale
AFB and provide a broad spectrum of intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance collection capability to support joint combatant forces in
real-time peacetime, contingency and wartime operations.

Ronald Reagan Begins Flight Deck Certification

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Torrey W. Lee, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 Sailors departed Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) in San Diego June 2 to get underway to conduct carrier flight deck certification.

The first CVW 14 aircraft to land on Ronald Reagan's flight deck were the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4.

Other embarked squadrons include the "Blue Diamonds" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146, the "Argonauts" of VFA 147, the "Black Knights" of VFA 154, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113 and the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 30. The squadrons' arrival marked the first flight operation since Ronald Reagan returned to NASNI following its 2009 deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"It's good to walk before you run," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Daniel Estrada, a member of Ronald Reagan's flight deck crew. "We haven't had any aircraft on board since the October (2009) time frame. In order to get through flight deck certifications, we have to get back into the swing of things. This certification allows us to get back to the basics and get our minds set right for sea."

As part of the ship's final assessment for carrier qualifications, flight deck certifications are required for the ship to deploy. Evaluators from Naval Air Forces Pacific came aboard to review and evaluate the ship's ability to perform flight operations safely. The review includes tests on the arresting gear systems used for aircraft recovery as well as catapult systems that launch aircraft.

The certification will include a full evaluation of both the arresting gear, catapults and flight deck personnel. Ronald Reagan's air department Sailors will be assessed on their ability to maintain a fully operational flight deck and respond to simulated mishaps.

Experience is the key to success, said Lt. David Martinez, Ronald Reagan's flight deck officer. The challenge for Ronald Reagan is to successfully incorporate more than 250 new Sailors into the air department who were not aboard the last time aircraft were launched from the ship's flight deck.

"We're always prepared for success; we're true professionals," said Lt. David Martinez. "We have a core group of seasoned veterans. We've added more experience to our team; even our new guys came from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Kitty Hawk (CVN 63). So we think our team is even stronger."

Upon completion of the certification, Ronald Reagan and other 3rd Fleet ships will participate in the International Canadian Fleet Review commemorating the 100th birthday of the Canadian Navy in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

USS Jacksonville Departs for Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region June 2.

"This will be the first western pacific deployment for the USS Jacksonville and a majority of the crew," said Cmdr. Tyler L. Meador, Jacksonville commanding officer.

"The crew has worked extremely hard to prepare for this deployment and ready this warship for sea. It represents an opportunity to display the skills they have developed to accomplish missions critical to the regional commander and for the national security of the United States."

Jacksonville is the 12th Los Angeles-class submarine and first ship to bear the name of the Florida city.

373 TRS readies international aircrew for flight

by 2nd Lt. Susan Carlson, Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. (AFNS) -- Twelve Royal Australian Air Force aircraftsmen deployed to Joint Base Charleston to train with Airmen here for three months.

Airmen from JB Charleston and JB Lewis-McChord, Washington, train foreign nationals from countries that are either buying the C-17 Globemaster III or have some future endeavor working on or with the aircraft, said Tech. Sgt. Bryan Doughty, a training instructor with the 373rd Training Squadron, Det. 5.

U.S. officials require this training for aircrew members from any country purchasing C-17s.

In the case of the Australians, a number of aircrew are sent by the Royal Australian Air Force a few times a year and are trained to work on every system in the C-17, Sergeant Doughty said.

Unlike aircraft maintenance Airmen in the Air Force, the RAAF aircraftsmen must be able to work on every part of the aircraft except the electrical system.

"This is very, very good training, but we are trying to come to grips with a little bit of it, only because unlike the USAF, we don't specialize in particular systems," said Sgt. Glenn King, one of the Australian aircrew members deployed to JB Charleston. "We do it all. Anything that isn't electrical, we look after it."

Before their journey to the U.S., the Australians were given a short pre-training familiarization package in their country. The brief pre-training covers the basics of aircraft maintenance and safety, whereas the greater part of actual hands-on training is done here at JB Charleson and at JB McChord, Sergeant King said.

"We have some training areas up and running in Australia, but (the majority are) here," said Sgt. Craig Fenton, another Australian aircrew member. "The indoor training facility is a much safer environment. You don't have to worry about anyone standing around the plane."

For some of the aircraftsmen, the C-17 is the first aircraft they have worked on, while others, such as Sergeant King and Sergeant Fenton, have been in the RAAF for a number of years working on older airframes. However, when attending this course, they all start at ground zero.

The current class of students is just beginning its fourth week of training, and will be returning home July 23. Upon their return, most will be going back to their respective teams, working on the four C-17s the Australian military owns. These aircraft were purchased by the Australian government approximately four years ago, and are a part of the global C-17 scheme used for airlift in support of joint operations, Sergeant King said.

Before this purchase, the Royal Australian Air Force used C-130 Hercules and DCH-4 Caribous, which have since been retired after 45 years of active-duty service, Sergeant King said.

B-52s head to Guam for continuous bomber presence rotation

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton, 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Six B-52H Stratofortresses and nearly 350 Airmen here left June 1 for Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to start a six-month deployment.

The 5th Bomb Wing's role in U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence mission "is vital to national security," said Col. Charles Patnaude, the 5th Operations Group commander. "Our mission is to deter and assure."

Colonel Patnaude said Minot's Airmen will be there to deter and dissuade potential regional aggressors and to assure U.S. allies of the commitment to the Pacific region.

"This is a great mission for Minot's B-52s because it enables us to demonstrate our broad range of capabilities," he said.

The 5th BW's two B-52 squadrons, the 23rd and 69th Bomb Squadrons, will share the six-month deployment. The 23rd BS will serve the first half of the deployment.

The mission to the island had Airmen's spirits high and eager to get underway.

"I know many of them are excited about this deployment," Colonel Patnaude said. "The training environment is fantastic and basing out of Andersen (AFB) will offer up great opportunities. Our personnel will get to interact with folks from other weapon systems and other services."

Colonel Patnaude said PACOM's continuous bomber presence mission has been ongoing since March 2004 when 5th BW officials first established the operation.

"B-52s, B-1 (Lancers) and B-2 (Spirits) have each taken turns as a continuous sentinel for the Pacific theater," he added. "The 5th BW has been to Guam several times since 2004 and I suspect will continue deploying there until Pacific Command no longer needs us."

PACOM officials said they routinely evaluate the command's readiness and reposition forces as needed to ensure they maintain both the operational and support capabilities necessary to meet the obligations of national defense.

Officials added the bombers serve in a continuous role that is not tied to any specific events in the Pacific.

Maybe the mission of this deployment is significant to send a message to a rogue neighbor in the Pacific neigborhood - North Korea - LVH.

UNITAS 51 Atlantic Phase Comes to a Close

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Michael J. Scott, CTG 40.0 Public Affairs

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Vic Guillory, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet thanked the Argentine navy for introducing another generation of officers and enlisted personnel to Unitas 51 as the Atlantic phase of the exercise came to a close May 26 at the Armada de la Republica Argentina headquarters in Buenos Aires.

Unitas, which is Latin for unity, develops and sustains relationships that improve the interoperability between maritime forces to achieve common goals. Starting in 1959, it is the U.S. Navy's longest-running annual multilateral exercise. Its enduring nature demonstrates the shared values of the Western hemisphere and the nations' commitment to countering regional challenges. The relationships that are formed during the course of the exercises are enduring and allow the maritime forces to grow together.

The Atlantic phase of Unitas 51 was hosted by Argentina and included participants from the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and observers from Canada, Germany, Colombia, Uruguay, and South Africa. This year's exercise was unique in that Unitas included Argentina's Navy Day celebration and the bicentennial of their independence.

Unitas normally lasts about two weeks during which partner nations participate in a variety of professional and personnel exchanges, sporting and social events, and an at-sea phase where units train in a variety of maritime mission areas simulating real word circumstances. Both the in port and at-sea phases of the exercise contribute to and enhance relationships among the partner nations.

"This year built upon the great successes of Unitas Gold [Unitas Gold was the 50th iteration conducted last year]," said Capt. Brian Nickerson, commander, Task Group 40.0 and Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 40. "The relationships that endure, the goodwill that is fostered, and the chance for the naval forces of the Americas – both South and North – to work alongside one another makes this one of the most unique exercises that the U.S. Navy conducts."

For the United States, those fortunate units that participated in Unitas 51 Atlantic phase were Commander, Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 40, USS Klakring (FFG 42) with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 Det. 10, USCGC Spencer (WMEC 905), USS Memphis (SSN 69), and VP-8. Argentina contributed ARA Sarandi (D 13), ARA Robinson (P 45), ARA Patagonia (B-1), ARA Teniente Olivieri (A-2), ARA Suboficial Castillo (A-6), and ARA Salta (S-31) while Brazil sent BNS Constituicao (F-42) and BNS Tikuna (S-34). For Mexico, this year's Unitas presented them the first opportunity for their ship, ARM Baja California (PO 162) to participate.

Besides building cooperation at sea, Sailors got the opportunity to reach across cultures. USS Klakring Sailor Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Andrew Ryland said he really loves the game of soccer, but playing in these kinds of games has given him a new perspective.

"I understand why this game is loved by so many people in the world," said Ryland. "It has a magical quality of bringing everyone together."

Sailors were also treated to an asado -- a traditional Argentine barbecue by their hosts. During the meal, teams intermingled and share stories about their careers and the game.

"We are very honored and pleased to have the U.S. Navy and the other navies visit our ship," said ARA Sarandi's (D 13) acting master chief, Operations Specialist Senior Chief Guillermo Lencina. "It is very important for our navies and sailors to develop closer relationships. If we didn't have these opportunities, we couldn't learn from or about each other."

Relationships are also enhanced by ship exchange programs that allow sailors from different nations to live and interact with each other. Not only do the participants gain an understanding of how another navy conducts its daily operations, but the experience cultivates lifetime friendships and relationships.

"All navies in the Americas do similar jobs," said Sarandi's Commanding Officer Carlos Maria Allievi. "What's most important is meeting the people and getting to know one another. Unitas provides the vehicle for that to happen."

Brazilian helicopter maintenance supervisor Sgt. Jermed Martins of BNS Constituicao (F-42) echoed this sentiment.

"Not only do our ships look the same, but a sailor is a sailor in every navy," said Martins. "We all mirror each other."

At the closing ceremonies, Rear Adm. Pablo Vignolles, commander of the multinational force, talked about the will of countries.

"Our countries came with a will to work together; a will to make friends," said Vignolles. "Two weeks ago, those aboard the ships had never met before."

Klakring, assigned to Task Group 40.0, is on a six-month deployment to South America and the Caribbean as part of Southern Seas 2010 (SS10). Southern Seas is an annual U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)-directed operation implemented by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) and executed by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 as Commander, Task Group 40.0. Southern Seas focuses on conducting a variety of exercises and multinational exchanges to enhance interoperability, increase regional stability, and build and maintain regional relationships with partner nations. SS10 includes the guided-missile frigate, USS Klakring (FFG 42), HSL-42 Det. 10, and DESRON 40 serving as the command element.

USS Chung-Hoon Deploys to Western Pacific

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul Honnick, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for an independent deployment to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility in the western Pacific June 1.

During its four-and-a-half month deployment, Chung-Hoon will perform maritime interdiction operations and provide support for anti-insurgency operations in the Sulu Sea. The ship and its crew will also be working with the forward deployed naval forces conducting freedom of navigation operations.

Additionally, the Hawaii-based warship will participate in the annual Cooperative Afloat Readiness and Training exercise with the Republic of Singapore Navy for the second consecutive year.

"We've got a fantastic crew. We've got 283 Sailors onboard and each one of them is fully trained and ready to do the mission and they're excited to go," said Cmdr. Scott Erb, commanding officer of Chung-Hoon.

Erb that from the time the ship returned from its last deployment in July 2009, the crew has been training hard for the next one.

"Since then we've had a selective restrictive availability, a maintenance availability to help make our ship a better ship materially, we've done quite a bit of training for the crew and we've had the big INSURV inspection this spring which helped prep us both materially and for training," said Erb.

Erb feels his crew is ready for the challenges ahead.

"I am very proud of the crew and the hard work they've put in since we came back from our last deployment." said Erb. "Their professionalism and commitment to [doing] business means we will be ready to accomplish any missions we receive."

Chung-Hoon has embarked Light Helicopter Squadron 37's Detachment 4 as its air department. They will provide aerial support with a SH-60B helicopter.

Guided-missile destroyers are multimission anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare surface combatants. They operate independently for support of carrier and expeditionary strike groups and surface strike groups

USS Columbus Returns to Pearl Harbor

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class fast-attack nuclear powered submarine USS Columbus (SSN 762) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam May 28, following a six-month deployment to the western Pacific region.

"This was an incredibly successful deployment with every mission accomplished superbly." said Cmdr. Dave Minyard, commanding officer, Columbus. "The crew's performance was outstanding and they executed exactly as trained."

"This deployment was challenging from beginning to end," said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Hill, executive officer, Columbus. "I am extremely proud of the professionalism the crew demonstrated while conducting missions."

Columbus is the 51st Los Angeles-class submarine and the 12th improved version of this class, which includes a vertical launch system for Tomahawk cruise missiles and an improved hull design for under-ice operations. The ship completed a post shipyard availability in June 1994 in Groton, Conn. after initial construction and shakedown operations. In September 1994, the ship conducted an interfleet transfer to Pearl Harbor and joined the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force.

USS Bonhomme Richard Commences Dawn Blitz 2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Duke Richardson, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departed San Diego June 1 to participate in Exercise Dawn Blitz 2010.

Bonhomme Richard joins other San Diego-based sea commands, as well as Marine Corps units from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in the weeklong exercise which will sharpen the troops' ability to plan and conduct an amphibious assault.

Approximately 4,500 Sailors and Marines are participating in the exercise which will highlight the blue/green partnership, as well as hone skills needed to maintain operational readiness and core competencies.

"Bonhomme Richard is serving as a command and control platform and flagship for Expeditionary Strike Group Three and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force," said Lt. John Naumanuf, Bonhomme Richard's assistant operations officer. "The exercise is designed to plan, execute and evaluate a Marine expeditionary brigade-level amphibious landing. [The benefit of doing an exercise such as Dawn Blitz] is to sustain our already high level of amphibious experience and readiness in a higher OPTEMPO environment."

Utilizing helicopters and jet aircraft, amphibious assault vehicles, hovercraft, and weapons such as field artillery cannons, the troops will stage an amphibious assault operation demonstrating its ability to move units ashore and carry out mission objectives. Together, the Navy and Marine Corps team will show its expeditionary capability to project and sustain combat power ashore in the face of armed opposition.

Dawn Blitz 2010 highlights the Navy and Marine Corps' dedication to remain trained and ready to respond to the nation's call.

USS Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group Enters 7th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Foster Bamford, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG) entered the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Operations May 30 as part of its regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment.

PEL ARG arrived in 7th Fleet with the ability to accomplish a variety of missions outlined in the nation's maritime strategy, including combat missions, humanitarian assistance and promoting peace and stability in the region.

The ready group consists of three ships – amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), amphibious transport dock ship USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), and is led Capt. Dale Fuller, Amphibious Squadron 3 commodore.

"Our Navy, Marine Corps team can offer a full range of operational capabilities," said Fuller. "We are fully ready to meet any tasking required by 7th Fleet."

The ready group's more than 3,000 personnel include nearly 1,800 Sailors and 1,400 embarked Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), led by Col. Roy Osborn.

"The Peleliu and our embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit are fully integrated, fully certified and are fully capable of carrying out the [nation's] maritime strategy," said Capt. David Schnell, Peleliu commanding officer. "We are looking forward to transiting through 7th Fleet and to operating in 7th Fleet, to demonstrate those capabilities both operationally as well as in exercises with other countries and other U.S. forces in the region."

Other elements of the PEL ARG include the command element, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3; Fleet Surgical Team 1; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Detachment Five; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment F; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment B and Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment D.

The 7th Fleet Area of Operations includes more than 52 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean, running from the International Date Line to the eastern coast of Africa, and from the Antarctic to the Kuril Islands, northeast of Japan. It contains more than half of the world's population.

PEL ARG is on a regularly scheduled western Pacific deployment. While in 7th Fleet, PEL ARG reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

Airmen upgrade GPS constellation

by Scott Prater, 50th Space Wing Public Affairs

SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Airmen from the 2nd Space Operations Squadron and from the 19th SOPS took control of the Air Force's newest GPS satellite following its launch into orbit May 28 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The GPS IIF SV-1 satellite represents a substantial upgrade for the GPS constellation. Thanks to improvements with the cesium-based atomic clocks used for timing, the satellite is expected to provide more accurate navigation signals than those of its predecessors.

The new IIF satellite also will broadcast two new signals: a jam resistant military code signal and a third civil signal known as the L5.

This latest addition is part of an ongoing modernization effort for the GPS constellation by Air Force officials.

"We're continuously replacing satellites in the constellation to ensure GPS remains the world's gold standard for position, timing and navigation," said Lt. Col. Mike Manor, the 2nd SOPS director of operations. "The GPS constellation is made up of 24 slots in space surrounding the earth where we place our satellites. This slot scheme and satellite placement ensures GPS users receive the most accurate navigation data at any time, at any place around the entire globe."

With the addition of the IIF SV-1, the GPS constellation now consists of 31 operational satellites. The idea is to keep newer satellites covering the primary slots. As the older satellites age, Air Force operators will move them out of the constellation and replace those primary slots with new vehicles.

"In a way, it's a constant transition as we continue to field newer and more capable vehicles," Colonel Manor said.

That constant transition into newer, more technologically advanced satellites has allowed the GPS wing, 2nd SOPS and 19th SOPS Airmen to exceed the required accuracy performance for GPS.

"We are exceeding the required sub-6 meters at 98 percent accuracy standard," Colonel Manor said. "We advertise that we are sub-3 meters on average, which is the most accurate GPS signal in the history of the program, so we're crushing the sub-6 meter requirement for our global users."

It's important to note the system's improving performance because military and civilian users worldwide have come to rely heavily on GPS.

Not since the invention of the radio has a free utility affected so many people on such a wide and varied scale. GPS service initially was designed and used for military purposes, but its civilian uses and popularity have brought the Air Force into an increasingly public arena.

GPS satellites provide combat capability for military applications, as well as ground vehicle and aircraft navigation aids. Civilians also use GPS as timing and navigation aids, plus they rely on GPS for power-grid management, banking, stock market transactions and cell-phone service.

Airmen in the GPS Operations Center receive 75 to 100 requests each week for various levels of support. Their primary mission is to support military users, providing them with information to take full advantage of the modernized utility of the GPS signal.

"Any time a civil user of GPS reports a loss of GPS signal, we provide a current status of the GPS constellation and provide additional information to help them determine the cause of their outage," said 1st Lt. Caitlyn Diffley, a 2nd SOPS payload systems operator. "The vast majority of the time, I'd say 99 percent, the outage is related to some issue with the receiver unit, such as software glitches or installation issues."

Colonel Manor said in this most recent case, the issue involved a decryption problem with a specific vendor, which affected a specific military-use receiver.

The most recent launch of the new IIF satellite represents the first of 12 IIF satellites scheduled for launch in the next few years.

After a 3 to 4 month checkout of the new satellite, the vehicle will enter the operational constellation and begin broadcasting its navigation signal to users. The next IIF launch is anticipated for November.

USS New Mexico Arrives at New Homeport in Groton, Conn

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) made her way up the Thames River June 1 and arrived at her new homeport, Naval Submarine Base New London.

New Mexico joins Submarine Squadron 4 to further train and test the crew.

The submarine made the transition from a shipyard project to a fully operational, combat-ready vessel when she officially joined the fleet on March 27 during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk.

New Mexico is named in recognition of the people of the "Land of Enchantment." The battleship New Mexico (BB-40) (1918-1946), the only other ship named after the 47th state, earned six battle stars for World War II service, which included providing shore bombardment support for landings in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Guam, Tinian, Saipan, the Philippines, and Okinawa.

Northrop Grumman Corporation delivered the sixth submarine of the Virginia class to the U.S. Navy in December, four months ahead of schedule. New Mexico's 70-month construction period represents the shortest overall construction time to date of any Virginia-class submarine.

New Mexico is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; battle group support; and mine warfare missions. By doing so, New Mexico will directly enable five of the six Navy Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

The 7,800-ton New Mexico was built under a unique teaming arrangement between Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat. She is 377-feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. New Mexico is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship - reducing life-cycle costs while increasing underway time.

The keel for New Mexico was authenticated April 12, 2008, and the ship was christened Dec. 13, 2008. New Mexico is the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, providing undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.

Multiple Enterprise Strike Group Ships Operate Together for First Time

By Ensign Michael Hatfield, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Several Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ENTSG) ships operated together at sea for the first time May 27 in a display of operational prowess not usually occurring until later in a strike group's training cycle.

The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), assigned to Destroyer Squadron 2 performed maneuvers as Enterprise launched sorties from the flight deck.

The destroyers took turns behind the carrier in the 'plane guard' position which allows the carrier to continue launching aircraft during wartime even if a plane goes down, because the destroyer acting in that capacity will lead the recovery effort.

"There is a steep learning curve and little margin for error while maneuvering so close to a carrier," said Lt. Cmdr. Eric Moyer, anti-air warfare officer for ENTSG assigned to Carrier Strike Group 12. "It is outstanding that we have the opportunity to conduct integrated seamanship operations this early in the training cycle."

The destroyers also operated in the 'screen' position which is in charge of protecting the aircraft carrier itself. Carriers are considered a high-value target for enemies due to their ability to launch overwhelming air power rapidly, and deep inland, for sustained periods.

Stout, Mason and Bulkeley took turns in each position throughout the day.

The interoperability of U.S. ships is a key component to its decisive naval superiority and allows crews to develop their skills in their assigned warfare areas to the benefit of the entire strike group.

Instead of one ship trying to do everything, warfare tasks, including their command and control requirements, are divided amongst the ships and staff best equipped and trained to cover that core function.

This means that a guided missile destroyer, whose abilities include anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range strike and anti-surface warfare, can be assigned one of these areas to focus on for the entire strike group. This allows others to focus on different assigned warfare areas, and this division of labor makes the strike group more effective than the sum of their individual parts.

"During the training cycle and on deployment, these ships will defend Enterprise and other ships in the strike group from enemy submarines, ships and aircraft," said Lt. Cmdr. John Bartak, ENTSG Tomahawk land attack missile officer assigned to Carrier Strike Group 12. "They also bring another strike capability to our group because they carry Tomahawk cruise missiles."

The cooperative maneuvering followed a day after Enterprise completed her first at-sea ammunition on-load in more than two years.

Pilots from the 'Dragonslayers' of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 11 and the 'Chargers' of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 flew more than 1,400 lifts during the two-day event. The two squadrons are attached to Carrier Air Wing 1 which provides the air capability for the strike group.

ENTSG will continually increase its interoperability and cooperative training until all of its ships and squadrons are ready for deployment.

USS Ardent Returns to Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Jason T. Poplin, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Following a three-month stay in a floating dry dock at the Mina Salman Pier, USS Ardent (MCM 12) returned to sea May 23.

USS Ardent's dry dock period was part of a routine service restricted availability that occurs approximately every 60 months in the life of Avenger-class ships.

"She's coming out of dry dock looking really good," said Lt. Cmdr. Jose Roman, USS Ardent's commanding officer. "A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into the ship to bring it to the state that it is in right now."

USS Ardent is one of four mine countermeasures ships forward-deployed in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). The ship and its crew of 83 personnel report to Mine Counter Measures Squadron (MCM) 5 in support of theater security cooperation events, survey operations and mine warfare exercises and operations in the area.

The ship went into dry dock February 17 to be renovated from top to bottom, inside and out.

"The ship was lifted out of the water, and we did a lot of preservation and maintenance on the hull, props, rudders, suction and overboard discharges," Roman said.

The ship also received maintenance, preservation and refurbishment to its crew quarters, galley, engineering plant and radars.

"Without material readiness, we can't support operational readiness," added Roman.

'Wild Cards' Deploy with USS Peleliu

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the "Wild Cards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, Detachment 5 departed for a regularly scheduled deployment aboard amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) May 22.

The Wild Cards' maintainers and aircrew have been working around-the-clock for months to implement a new helicopter weapons system package in their MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters.

"Both the aircrews and maintainers had to work extremely hard to learn how to use and upkeep the new system," said Lt. j.g. Stephen Whiteway, HSC-23 pilot. "It is a true testament to the skill and stamina of our Sailors that they were able to prepare the helos in such a short timeframe."

Other squadrons have made this transition with a year or more of preparation. Det. 5 had less than six months from receipt of the new aircraft until they were scheduled to get underway to have the arming completed.

According to Whiteway, the armed helo weapons system is designed to provide anti-surface warfare capability for the MH-60S. The system includes a targeting system that provides a long-range detection capability in both visible light and infrared.

Prior to the installation, the Knighthawk's sole purpose was to transport cargo and personnel and perform search and rescue missions with limited defense capabilities. With the new weapons system they are able to work in an offensive strike and a force protection role.

The new capabilities of the aircraft include eight Hellfire air-to-ground (AGM)-114 laser guided-missiles, infrared detection systems, infrared and radar countermeasures, .50 caliber machine guns mounted in the cabin doors and a tactical data exchange network known as Link 16.

Link 16 is an important part of the squadron's new mission because it allows them to transmit and receive real-time information from any other ship or aircraft in the fleet, greatly increasing awareness of their surroundings and making them an integral part of any fleet protection activities.

"This will be the first time that an amphib ship will have Navy helicopters with these capabilities deployed aboard," said Whiteway. "The new weapons and sensor systems will be a huge help to the [Amphibious Ready Group] as is it conducts various missions during the deployment including counterpiracy and counterterrorism operations."

"This integration will establish a precedence of Navy and Marine Corps cooperation in the future and fulfill such missions as visit, board, search and seizure," said Lt. Diego Lucero, a HSC 23 pilot. "Det. 5 will be the first HSC expeditionary squadron on the West Coast to break new ground of this concept aboard Peleliu."

Peleliu Deploys to Western Pacific

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class R. David Valdez, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) left San Diego May 22 for a scheduled seven-month western Pacific deployment.

"It was very difficult to leave my wife and child," said Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Brian Barr. "Nobody really wants to leave their family, friends, or the comforts of home, but we have a mission to carry out with the Marines. My family understands that I have to go, and they support me when I'm at home and when I'm away."

Peleliu, also known as the "Iron Nickel," is following the other two ships in the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG), amphibious transport dock USS Dubuque (LPD 8), which deployed May 18, and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), which deployed May 20.

Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are embarked aboard Peleliu to conduct flight operations or amphibious landing operations anywhere within the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Other elements of PEL ARG include Fleet Surgical Team 1; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Detachment 5; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment F; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment B and Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment D.

"I was nervous about deploying, but I was excited at the same time," Yeoman Seaman Apprentice Lauren Rohan said. "It was a really weird feeling, but I liked it. I've never done this before, but even though we'll be very busy, I'm going to get to see the world. That's part of why I joined the Navy."

This deployment follows three work-up periods which allowed the different elements of PEL ARG an opportunity to earn required qualifications and familiarize themselves with each other. It is the first Western Pacific deployment for Peleliu since 2008.

Phoenix Express 2010 Gets Underway

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Electa Berassa, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe -U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

USS GUNSTON HALL, At Sea (NNS) -- The second phase of exercise Phoenix Express 2010 (PE10) began after the successful completion of the in-port segment of the exercise in Souda Bay, Greece, May 24.

Participants from 17 countries, including Morocco, Turkey, Algeria, Senegal, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy and the United States, are taking part in both phases of PE10.

The reason for the at-sea portion is to provide trainees the opportunity to test their skills, which were developed during the in-port section of the exercise, in a real-time environment.

"The in-port portion was the training phase," said Lt. William Phillips, 6th Fleet's assessment analyst for PE10. "The at-sea portion is the execution part."

Maritime interdiction operations will be a large focus of the at-sea exercise. Forces from the different countries will also conduct search and rescue, medical, Maritime Domain Awareness and Automatic Identification System drills.

Participants will also enhance their techniques, tactics and procedures during visit, board, search and seizure drills.

A combined effort from the coalition of maritime forces will enable members to work together on various exercises designed to enhance security in the region.

These exercises allow foreign militaries the opportunity to become more acclimated in conducting boardings on their own more efficiently.

"The purpose is to apprehend would-be illicit traffickers while they're at sea before they reach their intended destination," said Phillips.

The training among partners from Africa, Europe and the United States allows for an increased interoperability between forces to keep the region safe, said Phillips.

PE10 is a two-week exercise designed to strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance stability in the region through increased interoperability and cooperation among partners from Africa, Europe and United States.