Essex Departs For Talisman Saber

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson

USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) departed Sasebo, Japan, for exercise Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09) June 12.

The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces and will feature more than 20,000 U.S. and 10,000 Australian personnel.

"This is the third time exercise Talisman Saber has been conducted since exercises Tandem Thrust and Crocodile were combined into a biennial, joint combined exercise with Australian and U. S. forces," said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex' commanding officer. "Essex Sailors are looking forward to the opportunity to work with our Australian counterparts to enhance our warfighting skills."

The exercise will focus on crisis action planning and execution of contingency response operations and is concentrated in the Shoalwater Bay training area near Rockhampton in central Queensland as well as the Townsville field training area. TS09 will provide an opportunity to work in a combined, joint environment and refine procedures and doctrine.

Essex Sailors will be instrumental in accomplishing the primary goal of the exercise, which is to train Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the Australian Deployable Joint Force Headquarters as a designated, combined task force.

"Talisman Saber is a great opportunity for us to enhance our interoperability," said Lt. Cmdr. Ben Sigurdson, Essex' aircraft handler. "It's especially important to what we do on the flight deck. Being familiar and comfortable with the way each other operates is essential to conducting safe, effective operations."

The deployment will also serve as a first opportunity for many Essex Sailors to visit Australia.

"Everyone has heard stories about what a great time it is to visit Australia," said Information Systems Technician Seaman Brett Scott, of Baltimore. "This is going to be my first visit, and I'm definitely excited to check it out for myself. One of the great advantages of being in the forward-deployed Navy is the chance to see great ports like the ones we'll hit on this deployment. It should be pretty cool."

Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. ARG and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Russian aviation crews carry out scheduled patrol missions

Following extract taken from the Russian Ministry of Defence website, date of extract 11 June 2009. Translated by "Old Crow."

Having taken off from Eastern Russia, two Long Range Aviation turbo-prop TU95MS strategic bombers yesterday successfully completed scheduled aerial patrol missions.

The route taken by the two aircraft was over international waters of the Northern Arctic Ocean and the crews developed experience in carrying out flights over featureless terrain. During the mission, the two aircraft were escorted by two NATO F-22 from airfields in Alaska and by two RCAF F-18.The duration of the TU95MS's flight was approximately 15 hours.

Long Range Aviation aircrews regularly carry out aerial patrol missions over neutral waters of the Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific Oceans and the Black Sea, flying from their home airfields and also from operational (deployment) airfields. Their training levels are enhanced by participating in such flights. In the course of the flights, a number of problems are experienced by the aircrews which develops their overall flight training.

All flights by the Air Force are carried out, and will continue to be carried out, with strict observance of the International rules for the use of air space over neutral waters without infringement of another nation's borders.

Hill AFB 2009 Airshow Report

Byron on the SoCalMilcom filed the following report for last weekend's airshow at Hill AFB:

"The Thunderbirds Preformed at Hill AFB Utah last weekend. There seemed to be some new frequencies used. The following frequencies were heard:

141.075 MHz for diamond formation during show and during departure for cross
country Air to Air back to Nellis. (AM)

235.250 MHz Solo aircraft during show (AM)

363.500 MHz was also heard weakly. Maybe announcer?"

As followers of this blog know 141.075 MHz was originally posted here at the beginning of the season. As for the 363.500 MHz frequency, it is a Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) freq: Range Control (Clover): R-6402A/B, DPG, R-6405, R-6406A/B, R-6407, Sevier MOA, Gandy MOA, Gandy ATCAA, AR-642E, AR-659. It is definitely not a TBird assignment.

Remember if you have a report from one of the airshows, we can use your help. Remember, even if we have a freq you heard, pass it along as that verifies and keeps our list up-to-date. Please pass your report along to the email address above and you can remain anonymous if you want or need to.

If you need frequencies remember the 2009 MT Airshow Guide has been posted to the net at http://www.monitoringtimes.com/MT_Air_Show_Guide_2009.pdf.

Also remember to check out the links on the Milcom Blog Guide to Airshows in the strip to the right of this post for late breaking info and frequency updates.

And this weekend the flight demo teams will be performing at the following shows:

USAF Thunderbirds and US Army Golden Knights
June 13-14 Ocean City, MD - OC Air Show http://www.ocairshow.com/

US Navy Blue Angels
June 13-14 Denver, CO - Front Range Air Show '09 http://www.rmrfi.org/airshow.htm

Canadian Forces Snowbirds
June 13-14 CFB Bagotville, PQ - Bagotville International Air Show

Baltops 09 Exercise Update 6/12/2009

The guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) is underway with the Danish Navy corvette HDMS Peter Terdemskiold (F 356) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2009. This is the 37th iteration of BALTOPS and is intended to improve interoperability with partner nations by conducting realistic training at sea with the 12 participating nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Special 2nd Class Michael T. Rumbach/Released)

Thanks to Wolfgang nr. Munich, Germany and UDXF for the update.

Frequencies:

2273.2 kHz Link 11
4152.5 kHz German Navy ship to shore DHJ59 Wilhelmshaven GER Stanag 4285 MRL 59/04
5099.0 kHz Link 11 (may be associated with Baltops exercise)
5102.5 kHz Baltops 2009 Network Coordination
6730.0 kHz Pelican 01 (GER Navy P3C) clg DHJ59 Wilhelmshaven GER Baltops traffic (USB)
6777.2 kHz German Navy ship to shore DHJ59 Wilhelmshaven GER Stanag 4285 MRL 59/06

5102.5 kHz Net Calls:
BF - USS Mount Whitney LCC 20 Link 11 Coordination Net NCS
ELB - FGS Elbe A 511
ESB - HDMS Esbern Snare L17
FSH - USS Forrest Sherman DDG 98
GLM - HDMS Glenten P 557
HAM - FGS Hameln M 1092
KAR or KAS - FGS Karlsruhe F 212
MAK or MKR - HDMS Makrelen P 554
MTW - USS Mount Whitney LCC 20
NER - FGS Nerz P 6124
PET or PTR - HDMS Peter Tordenskhold F 356
PUM - FGS Puma P 6122
STA - HMS St. Albans
THS - HDMS Thetis F 357
ZOB - FGS Zobel P 6125

The guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) is underway with the Danish Navy corvette HDMS Peter Terdemskiold (F 356) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2009. This is the 37th iteration of BALTOPS and is intended to improve interoperability with partner nations by conducting realistic training at sea with the 12 participating nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Special 2nd Class Michael T. Rumbach/Released)

Singapore, U.S. Navies Renew Ties as CARAT Begins

The guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) shown underway with the Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Intrepid (69), while transiting to Singapore for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2009. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Bill Larned, Commander, Task Group 73.5 Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The second phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2009 kicked off in Singapore with an opening ceremony at Changi Naval Base June 8.

Rear Adm. Ng Chee Peng, Royal Singapore Navy (RSN) Fleet commander, ushered in the 15th year of CARAT exercises in Singapore and said the event serves as testimony to the close working relationship enjoyed by the two countries and their armed forces.

"These strong ties and the high levels of mutual understanding and trust that we enjoy today are due to shared strategic perspectives and common interests and are reinforced through many years of interactions in activities and exercises such as exercise CARAT," Ng said.

Task Group 73.5, consisting of the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and guided-missile destroyers USS Chafee (DDG 90) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), arrived at Changi, June 5. The rescue and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) will also participate.

While in Singapore, task group personnel will participate in a series of maritime security exercises and coordinated operations with the Singapore Armed Forces. The intent of the exercises is to increase cooperation, foster the exchange of ideas and knowledge and strengthen the participants' relationships.

"Our nations look to us, the men and women of our navies, to stay one step ahead," said Rear Adm. Nora Tyson, commander, Task Force 73.

"CARAT will continue to build the bonds between our Sailors and enhance our ability to work together at sea," said Capt. William A. Kearns III, commodore of Task Group 73.5.

Prior to the opening ceremony, the Formidable-class frigates RSS Formidable (68), RSS Intrepid (69) and RSS Stalwart (72) conducted an encounter exercise with Task Group 73.5 ships during their transit to Singapore. The at-sea phase of CARAT will bring the ships together for another six days of training.

While underway, the RSN's frigates and tank landing ships will engage in surface and air gunnery drills as well as a replenishment-at-sea exercise. Additionally, helicopters from both countries will conduct deck landing qualifications.

Ashore, Singapore Armed Forces personnel and U.S. Marines from the 24th Marine Regiment will conduct urban warfare training, and a U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team will join RSN forces for security training. Other participants will take part in a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise off Sudong.

In all, more than 1,300 Sailors and Marines will be working afloat and ashore during the course of the exercise.

"Given the wide spectrum of activities planned, I am confident that CARAT 09 will continue to be an enriching and fulfilling experience for all exercise participants," Ng said.

Milair Frequency Changes - 6/11/2009

The cleanout of the 380-400 MHz milair aero service continues to be replaced by LMR services. If you are not familiar with what is happening, I have written about this several times on this blog and in my Monitoring Times Milcom column.

So time again for some more aero frequency changes, updates and corrections from the Milcom MP Quik-Stop . . .

225.4000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Fort Yukon AK RCAG High Altitude, ex-381.6000

239.2500 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Barrow AK RCAG Low/High Altitude Discrete, ex-385.6000

291.1000 Santa Barbara CA Approach/Departure Control Class C IC (350-150)

335.5000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Unalakleet AK RCAG Low/High Altitude, ex-397.9000

363.0250 Denver ARTCC (ZDV) Casper WY RCAG Low Altitude Discrete, 385.6000

363.0250 Denver ARTCC (ZDV) Lusk WY RCAG Low Altitude Discrete, 385.6000

363.0250 Denver ARTCC (ZDV) Sundance WY RCAG Low Altitude Discrete, 385.6000

377.1750 Missoula International MT (KMSO) Tower, ex-387.1000

379.9000 Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) Sparrevohn AK RCAG Low/high Altitude, ex-387.1000

Baltops 2009 Photoex

The amphibious command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) leads an international formation of ships from 12 nations during the first day of the Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise. This is the 37th iteration of BALTOPS and is intended to improve interoperability with partner nations by conducting realistic training at sea with the 12 participating nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Michael Rumbach/Released)

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group 7 Enters 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The six ships of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group crossed the international date line June 9, entering the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

The strike group is made up of the flagship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14; the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62); and the ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7--the guided missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Howard (DDG 83) and the guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). The strike group entered the theatre after successful training in the 3rd Fleet (Eastern Pacific) area of responsibility.

"We are ready for any mission, any tasking," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "Our Sailors are prepared to carry out any mission in this region."

During their last visit to the 7th Fleet AOR, in 2008, the ships and aircraft of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group conducted an eight-day humanitarian assistance mission for the victims of Typhoon Fengshen in the Republic of the Philippines.

The squadrons of CVW-14 include the "Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, the "Fist of the Fleet" of VFA-25, the "Stingers" of VFA-113, the "Eagles" of VFA-115, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30, and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

USS Ronald Reagan was commissioned in July 2003, making it the ninth and newest Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The ship is named after the 40th U.S. president, and carries the motto of "Peace through Strength," a recurrent theme during Reagan's presidency.

George Washington CSG Departs Japan on First Summer Deployment

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- The Carrier Strike Group centered around the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73), departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan for its first annual summer deployment June 10.

Commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin Donegan, the George Washington Carrier Strike Group with more than 5,000 Sailors, is also comprised of 7th Fleet's Forward Deployed Naval Forces veterans: Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5; Destroyer Squadron 15 and the guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).

George Washington, commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, replaced the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) last September as the flagship for the permanently forward deployed carrier strike group.

"This deployment is the culmination of a tremendous team effort that first executed the historic transition to Yokosuka, and then flawlessly completed the four-month selective restricted availability," said Lausman.

George Washington Carrier Strike Group has been underway for most of the past month, completing sea trials, carrier qualifications, and a Combat Operations Efficiency evaluation with embarked CVW 5 following the conclusion of the George Washington's first Japan-based Selective Restricted Availability earlier this year.

The ship and crew returned to its forward-deployed port of Yokosuka June 5 for a few days of rest after a 17-day at-sea period, and are now operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

"Our main focus for this deployment is enhancing stability throughout the region by our underway presence," said Lausman. "The cornerstone of this is the CNO's [chief of naval operations] Global Maritime Partnerships; throughout this deployment we have the unique opportunity to work closely with many of our Pacific Rim coalition partners where we will put this theory into practice."

CVW 5, commanded by Capt. Michael S. White, includes four F/A-18 Strike Fighter squadrons (VFA): the "Royal Maces" of VFA-27, the "Diamondbacks of VFA-102, the "Golden Dragons" of VFA-192 and the "Dambusters" of VFA-195. It also features Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 "Liberty Bells," Carrier Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 136 "Gauntlets," Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 14 "Chargers," as well as detachments from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 "Providers" and Light Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HSL) 51 "Warlords."

Nimitz and CVW-11 Prepare for WESTPAC Deployment

Sailors scrub the flight deck during a fresh water scrub down aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) after completing flight operations. Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise off the coast of Southern California in preparation for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Amara R. Timberlake/Released)

Joint Crew Aboard Stiletto Deploys to the Caribbean

The Department of Defense high-speed experimental boat Stiletto is shown pierside in Mayport before deploying to the Caribbean basin through the summer. The 88-foot long, 60-ton vessel will deploy under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet under the tactical control of Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S) to conduct counter illicit trafficking operations. Stiletto is manned by a joint Army and Navy crew and includes an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Det. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg/Released)

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- The Department of Defense's high-speed experimental boat Stiletto will depart from Key West, Fla., June 13 to the Caribbean where it will support U.S. and multinational counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) operations and conduct operational testing.

The 88-foot long, 60-ton Stiletto will deploy to the Caribbean basin through the summer under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (USNAVSO) and U.S. 4th Fleet and tactical control of Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S). Stiletto is manned by a joint U.S. Army and U.S. Navy crew and includes an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment.

"A unique aspect of the region, with its proximity to the United States, is our ability to support the testing and evaluation of select new and developing programs and concepts," said Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, commander, NAVSO and U.S. 4th Fleet. "Stiletto is a great example of employing innovative technologies while also executing an important mission. It is manned by a joint and interagency crew, and we work with some of our partners in the Caribbean to counter-illicit trafficking."

Stiletto's innovative hull construction and M-shaped design make it lightweight and easy to maintain, allowing Stiletto to reach speeds of up to 50 knots under calm sea conditions and operate in shallow waters. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art navigation, communications and network interface capabilities, allowing its crew to support a wide range of missions, ranging from mine clearing operations to the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid following natural disasters.

This is Stiletto's second deployment to the USSOUTHCOM's area of focus and the second deployment in direct support of U.S. and international CIT operations.

Stiletto was designed and built under a contract by the Pentagon's Office of Force Transformation (OFT). OFT accepted delivery of Stiletto in May 2006, and Stiletto has undergone testing by the Department of Defense for its usefulness in littoral operations and interoperable environments.

USNAVSO is the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) naval component command. U.S. 4th Fleet is the numbered fleet assigned to USNAVSO.

JIATF-S is the USSOUTHCOM component that oversees U.S. military support to regional CIT operations.

Space Shuttle Milsat Launch Support Net Up

Nils in Germany has reported via the Hearsat newsgroup that the NASA Space Shuttle Launch Support Net is up on Milsat on 261.700 MHz getting ready to support the STS-127 (Endeavor) launch on Saturday. They are using the same frequency that was used during the last mission to service the Hubble telescope.

Herky 251/252 have been heard working Wolf Den (JPRC Ramstein, Germany). JPRC stands for Joint Personnel Recovery Center.

You can read more about this group and their operations in an article that appeared back on May 12 regarding their support of the Atlantis mission to work on Hubble.

See http://www.ang.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123149326

Navy Makes Decision on Cherry Point Range Complex

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The assistant secretary of the Navy for installations and environment has signed the record of decision (ROD) for the Navy Cherry Point Range Complex Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS), which evaluated potential environmental effects associated with training and research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) activities.

The Navy Cherry Point Range Complex is one of several range complexes on the east coast.

Signing of the ROD marks the Navy's completion of the Navy Cherry Point EIS/OEIS process. The Navy Cherry Point Range Complex Final EIS/OEIS provides the results of environmental analysis associated with Navy's Atlantic Fleet and U.S. Marine Corps training; RDT&E activities; and associated range capabilities enhancements (including infrastructure improvements) within the existing Navy Cherry Point Range Complex.

The EIS/OEIS evaluated the potential environmental impacts of three alternatives. The ROD reflects the Navy's decision to implement Alternative 2, which will increase operational training, expand warfare missions, accommodate force structure changes (including training resulting from the introduction of new platforms) and implement enhancements.

Alternative 2 also includes the designation of two mine warfare training areas in Onslow Bay for enhanced mine countermeasures and neutralization training.

In addition, the Navy will eliminate the use of bombs with explosive (live) warheads during at-sea bombing exercise training events.

The Navy Cherry Point Range Complex Final EIS/OEIS is one of the environmental documents the Navy has prepared for its range complexes. These documents are part of a $100 million environmental compliance effort begun in 2004 to ensure the Navy has the training ranges it needs to provide combat-capable forces ready to deploy worldwide in America's defense and that the valuable natural resources on these ranges are afforded protection.

The Navy trains its deploying forces in the most realistic manner possible. This record of decision will allow the Navy to continue giving Sailors the skills they need to be effective in combat.

The ROD, as well as the EIS/OEIS and supporting documents, are available to the public online at http://www.navycherrypointrangecomplexeis.com.

Red Arrows Airshow Freq Confirmed

I have received a report that the UK Red Arrows used 243.450 MHz for their team communications in the last few days in the UK. This confirms a frequency that I had posted in my annual airshow guide. Thanks to my anonymous source for passing that along.

USS Ohio Crew Readies for Multimission Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chantel M. Clayton, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- With a major maintenance period completed, the men of the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) (Blue) crew are ready to take their boat, June 9, and head back out to sea later this month.

Ohio class guided-missile submarines (SSGN) provide the Navy with an unprecedented combination of strike and special operation mission capability within a stealthy, clandestine platform. Armed with tactical missiles and equipped with superior communications capabilities, SSGNs are capable of directly supporting dozens of special operations forces (SOF).

According to Capt. Murray Gero, Ohio Blue crew commanding officer, the crew is ready to get the boat out to sea and complete missions that she is capable of doing.

"They're excited," said Gero, of the 160-man crew. "The missions that we do are very exciting and challenging. They are very complex, and they involve very close coordination with several outside agencies, including SEALS. They've been home from deployment for almost ten months now, and I think most of us have sea legs that have been screaming to get back to sea."

Ohio has the capability of performing multiple missions, making it a valuable asset to the Navy.

"The ship is capable of as many as five different submarine war missions simultaneously, including surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship undersea warfare, and we also do strike missions and special operations," said Gero.

"We carry the capability of carrying two dry deck shelters, which house the SEAL delivery vehicles, and they enable us to deploy and retrieve special ops forces from off-shore."

The boat's capability to carry a heavy load of missiles also makes them a go-to asset for fleet commanders.

"We typically go to sea with over 100 tomahawk missiles, and that basically replaces a tomahawk missile inventory of three surface warships," added Gero.

"This increases the flexibility of the surface fleet, because we basically allow them to reassign those three ships as soon as we get into our operating theater."

Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, said in a recent podcast that the silent service is a method of leveraging the undersea domain.

"We pride ourselves in having the quietest, most efficient, most technologically advanced submarines anywhere; they're expensive, and we never have enough of them," said Willard. "So we in the Pacific Fleet strategically emplace our submarine forces in order to maintain a continuum of operations and give us the capability to surge those submarine forces forward whenever we need them."

Ohio recently completed a major maintenance period (MMP), one month ahead of schedule. Ohio's Gold crew, commanded by Capt. Dennis Carpenter, leveraged the early completion to conduct training out at sea, which was welcomed by the crew.

"The ship has been out of the yards for over a month. Working closely with Captain Carpenter and the Gold crew, we were able to complete the MMP, and that enabled the Gold crew to have the ship and conduct training and midshipmen operations in San Diego for about three weeks," said Gero.

Both the Gold and Blue Ohio crews worked together to ensure the ship successfully completed the MMP, while ensuring the work being done to the ship was completed successfully and correctly.

"We (the Blue crew) took the boat out for about six days in late December so we could get some proficiency and make sure we were able to operate the boat safely," explained Gero. "We started the MMP and spent about seven or eight weeks there, taking apart some of the systems, making some of the repairs and generally trying to oversee the shipyard's repair and installation processes.

"Once we identified that all of the equipment was operating normally, the Gold crew was able to take about two and a half weeks of additional operational time, which is a great training opportunity for them, as well as a great show and tell opportunity for us during the midshipmen training period."

While the Gold crew utilized underway training time, the Blue crew also took advantage of the time available to ensure they were trained by honing in on the skills they need.

"While the Gold crew was working hard to get the ship ready for sea again at the end of MMP, and during midshipmen operations in San Diego the last three weeks, my crew was hard at work here," said Gero. "We just finished a very comprehensive and very challenging command training exercise, or CTE, which is overseen by Submarine Squadron 19 and [Trident Training Facility], where they observed us go through our paces, and our crew came out with flying colors."

Romanian Forces End Mission in Iraq

By Army Sgt. Mark Miranda, Special to American Forces Press Service

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Military operations in Iraq formally ended for Romanian forces June 4, as one of America's coalition allies prepared to ship out some of its remaining troops with an end-of-mission ceremony held by Romania's 26th Infantry "Red Scorpions" Battalion.

The Romanian flag was lowered over the 26th's compound here, affectionately known as "Camp Dracula," in a ceremony following a memorial for the Romanian military personnel who died in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ceremony was held just an hour before the U.S. Army 1st Armored Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team conducted a relief-in-place, transfer-of-authority ceremony with the outgoing 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division.

Romanian President Traian Basescu, who is the supreme commander of Romanian armed forces during wartime, was on hand.

Romanian Lt. Col. Gabriel Toma, commander of the 26th Infantry Battalion, received the U.S. Bronze Star Medal from Army Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., commander of Multinational Corps Iraq.

"It's hard to say farewell to a trusted partner," Jacoby said. "Few have been as committed to freedom of the Iraqi people as the Romanians, and I extend my thanks, as it's been an honor to serve with them here in Iraq."

Jacoby praised the Romanians as a dedicated and capable force, and expressed condolences for their lost soldiers.

Since August 2003, Romania has deployed more than 5,200 troops to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Assigned to two different multinational divisions, Romanian forces have provided intelligence support to Multinational Division South by conducting reconnaissance and surveillance missions and operating unmanned aerial vehicle platforms. Romanian forces also provided base security, supply-route security and quick-reaction forces in Basra, and conducted training and monitoring of Iraqi army units, culminating with the May 23 graduation of Iraqi commandos on Camp Ur.

FEMA National Level Exercise 2009 (NLE 09)

A big U.S. federal government exercise sponsored by FEMA is scheduled for the end of July. It may offer some interesting monitoring opportunties nationwide throughout the radio spectrum. I have complete details on our sister blog, the BTown Monitoring Post at
http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/2009/06/fema-national-level-exercise-2009-nle.html.

Baltops 09 Kicks Off Today

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

KARLSKRONA, Sweden (NNS) -- Maritime forces from 12 countries will participate in the largest multinational naval exercise this year in the Baltic Sea June 8-19.

The Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise is an annual event aimed at improving interoperability and cooperation among regional allies.

"During the exercise, Sailors will work side-by-side with other personnel from partner nations while they are in port and underway," said Rear Adm. John N. Christenson, commander, Carrier Strike Group 12, embarked aboard USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) during a press conference on board the ship.

"They will become familiar with the other militaries' operations, procedures and practices."

Christenson, the officer in tactical command for the exercise, was joined Swedish Rear Adm. Anders Grenstad at the press conference. Grenstad is the Royal Swedish Navy chief of staff and commander, Maritime Component Command. He is the Swedish equivalent of the U.S. Navy's chief of naval operations.

"BALTOPS provides the opportunity for personnel of all participating nations to engage in realistic and challenging maritime training to build experience, cooperation and teamwork," said Christenson.

Sweden is hosting the in-port final planning phase and has organized various official and unofficial activities ranging from a harbor celebration to sporting events. The goal is to get Sailors from different nations together to form strong bonds before the exercise begins.

"The interaction of our forces recreationally is essential for interaction professionally, tearing down barriers between cultures," Grenstad said. "The personal relationships developed at these events allow our Sailors to really understand one another. This translates directly to our operational capability when we are underway together."

Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States are participating in the exercise. The U.S. participants believe this is an example of how teamwork among different nations helps to increase stability, diminish threats to peace and strengthens relationships between nations.

"The Baltic Sea provides a unique training opportunity due to heavy commercial shipping traffic and the inherently unpredictable nature of the sea itself," Grenstad said.

"It's vital for our Sailors to conduct realistic training in unfamiliar waters, and it provides an important opportunity for them to see the world. This greatly affects their quality of life," Christenson added.

This is the 37th iteration of BALTOPS, intended to improve interoperability with partner nations by conducting peace support operations at sea, including gunnery exercises, replenishments at sea, undersea warfare, radar tracking, mine countermeasures, seamanship, search and rescue, maritime interdiction operations and scenarios dealing with potential real-world crises and maritime security.

MILITARY EXERCISE BALTOPS 09

Exercise areas. Exercise areas.
Area A Area A
543000N 0155000E-543000N 0154000E-543702N 0141906E- 543000N 0155000E-543000N 0154000E-543702N 0141906E -
545000N 0134000E-551200N 0134000E-553000N 0144500E- 545000N 0134000E-551200N 0134000E-553000N 0144500E -
553000N 0151500E-560000N 0170000E-560000N 0183000E- 553000N 0151500E-560000N 0170000E-560000N 0183000E -
550500N 0183000E-550500N 0162000E-545000N 0155000E- 550500N 0183000E-550500N 0162000E-545000N 0155000E -
543000N 0155000E 543000N 0155000E 543000N 0155000E 543000N 0155000E
Vertical limits FL195 Vertical limits FL195

Area B Area B
562100N 0150734E-561332N 0150552E-560716N 0150654E- 562100N 0150734E-561332N 0150552E-560716N 0150654E -
560617N 0151955E-561208N 0152453E-562016N 0153755E- 560617N 0151955E-561208N 0152453E-562016N 0153755E -
561000N 0163000E-560000N 0170000E-553000N 0151500E- 561000N 0163000E-560000N 0170000E-553000N 0151500E -
553000N 0144500E-553000N 0143000E-554350N 0140830E- 553000N 0144500E-553000N 0143000E-554350N 0140830E -
555438N 0141600E-560730N 0141435E-561255N 0142349E- 555438N 0141600E-560730N 0141435E-561255N 0142349E -
562100N 0150734E 562100N 0150734E 562100N 0150734E 562100N 0150734E
Vertical limits FL95 Vertical limits FL95

Area C Area C
545000N 0134000E-545000N 0132000E-544000N 0125000E- 545000N 0134000E-545000N 0132000E-544000N 0125000E -
544000N 0123000E-550000N 0124000E-551000N 0131000E- 544000N 0123000E-550000N 0124000E-551000N 0131000E -
551200N 0134000E-54500N 0134000E 551200N 0134000E-54500N 0134000E

Participants in the exercise:

SNMCMG1
HDMS Thetis F 357
HNLMS Makkum M 857
HMS Brocklesby M 33
BNS Bellis M 916
FGS Sulzbach-Rosenber M 1062

USS Mount Whitney LCC 20
USS Forrest Sherman DDG 98

FGS Karlsruhe F 212
FGS Hameln M 1092
FGS Seehund 01
FGS Seehund 03
FGS Puma P 6122
FGS Nerz P 6124
FGS Zobel P 6125
FGS Elbe A 511

HMS St Albans

HNLMS Mercuur A 900
HNLMS Maasluis M 856
HNLMS Haarlem M 853
HNLMS Van Kinsbergen A 902

HDMS Ebsern Snare L 17
HDMS Peter Tordenskhold F 356
HDMS Havkatten P 552
HDMS Makrelen P 554
HDMS Glenten P 557

BALTRON BALTRON
LVS Virsaitis A 53
LTNS ???
ENS ???

H(SW)MS Visborg M 03
H(SW)MS Vinga M 75
H(SW)MS Sturkö M 14

FS Pegase M 644
FS Sagittaire M 650

FNS Hamina 80
FNS Hanko 82

Frequencies:

2273.2 kHz Link 11
5102.5 kHz Baltops 2009 Network Coordination

Net Calls:

S=STA
K=KAR
E=ESB

BF - USS Mount Whitney CP Management Link 11
KAR - Karlsruhe
PUM - Puma
ESB - Esbern Snare
ELB - Elbe
ZOB - Zobel
FSH - USS Forrest Sherman
HAM - Hamelin
PET or PTR - Peter Tordenskiold
MAK or MKR - Makrelen
STA - ST Albans
MTW - Mount Whitney
THS - Thetis
NER - Nerz

Oak Hill Begins Deployment With Partner Nation Liaison Officers

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Hendrick L. Dickson, Oak Hill Southern Partnership Station ‘09 Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS Oak Hill departed her homeport at the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek Va., June 3, for Southern Partnership Station (SPS) '09, with nearly 20 foreign liaison naval officers (LNOs) embarked with its crew.

The officers are embarked in support of the Navy's effort to engage with partner nations to create and maintain a safe maritime environment for use by all nations.

The LNOs represent maritime forces from the countries of Brazil, Peru and Uruguay and are working side-by-side with Oak Hill crew members seeing firsthand how U.S. Sailors operate and sharing their own ideas and experiences.

"One of the goals for this deployment is to bolster regional maritime safety and security," said Capt. Brad Williamson, Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 and Oak Hill – SPS '09 mission commander.

"The cooperation and collaboration we build with our partner nations will help serve to strengthen our ties and improve our ability to work together in the future. Having our Sailors and partner nations here in a joint environment where they can train and operate together is beneficial for all."

The goals expressed by Williamson are shared by many of the LNOs as well.

"We get to find out how to work toward common goals and how each other operate in real world situations," said Uruguayan Navy Lt. Gabriel Calimaris. "We learn to communicate with each other better and are building camaraderie through partnership."

The LNOs have been given tours throughout the ship and have participated and observed various ship evolutions, including landing craft unit (LCU) and amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) operations and fire drills.

"We need to know how to work together so if anything happens, we can reduce mistakes. Partnership, cooperation, sharing -- those words require a joint effort from all involved," said Peruvian Navy 1st Lt. Patricio Negron.

Oak Hill–SPS '09 is scheduled to continue throughout July, which gives participants time to build upon the early success and further enhance the partnerships between the nations.

NORAD Flight Exercises Planned for Washington Area

WASHINGTON - The Defense Department will conduct two training exercises involving aircraft here tomorrow.

The first exercise by the North American Aerospace Defense Command and its regional component will occur between midnight and 6 a.m. EDT, followed by another exercise between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The exercises comprise a series of training flights held in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Capital Region Command Center, the Joint Air Defense Operations Center, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region, Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard and CONR's Northeast Air Defense Sector.

Both the early morning exercise Falcon Virgo and the daytime Amalgam Arrow are designed to hone NORAD's intercept and identification operations, as well as procedural tests of the NCR Visual Warning System, officials said.

Exercise Falcon Virgo will include two Civil Air Patrol Cessna aircraft, two Air Force F-16s and a Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter. Residents may see these aircraft approaching and flying in the vicinity during the late-night and early morning hours.

Aircraft participating in Exercise Amalgam Arrow include a C-21 Lear 35, a C-172 Cessna and an Air Force F-16. Residents may also see these aircraft approaching and flying in the vicinity of the nation's capital.