newsworld2

UP FOR AIR — The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Hampton surfaced at the North Pole, April 19, 2004. Hampton and the Royal Navy Trafalgar class-attack submarine HMS Tireless took part in Ice Exercise 04, a joint operational exercise beneath the polar ice cap. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Kevin Elliott.

A convoy of Soldiers, left, waves to Polish troops traveling in a vehicle, right, as they pass each other during patrol in the city of Al-Hillah, Iraq. Polish Soldiers perform daily patrols to maintain order and gather intelligence as part of the Coalition's Multinational Division Center-South during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo by Sgt. Jose Hernandez.

Soldiers use MK-2 boats to position and connect an improvised ribbon bridge system on the Imjin River near Camp Casey, Republic of Korea. The Soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division's 50th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge). The Soldiers were participating in Exercise Foal Eagle, an annual U.S. and South Korean exercise. Photo by Spc. Eric Hughes.

GO GET HIM – Ben, a military working dog, leaps out of a security forces vehicle to apprehend a suspect during his training at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, April 13, 2004. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stacia M. Willis.

WILD BLUE YONDER— F/A18 Hornets with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332 head home to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, following an exercise in Australia. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Joshua Kiihne.

Pfc. David Hottinger uses a metal detector to search for weapons and ammunition after a weapons box was found in the area in Ramadi, Iraq. Hottinger is assigned to the 1st Infantry Division's Company B, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Lee Davis.

Aboard USS Stump (DD 978) Oct. 22, 2003 -- A NATO Sparrow surface-to-air missile is launched from the deck of USS Stump (DD 978) as a multinational force formation sails in the background during an anti-air defense evolution conducted as part of UNITAS 45-04 Atlantic Phase. UNITAS provides the participant navies the opportunity to train together and develop interoperability in a highly technical environment. Hosted by Argentina, this year's Atlantic Phase also has the participation of naval forces from Brazil, Peru, Spain, Uruguay and the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Robert Taylor (RELEASED)

AIR FORCE STATION AGRA, India -- Master Sgt. Ermes, 613th Contingency Response Squadron, displays a Global Positioning System to Indian Air Force personnel here during Exercise Cope India. Cope India is a week-long, bilateral exercise between the U.S. Air Force and the Indian Armed Forces to improve interoperablity between the two nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mike Buytas)

NAVAL AIR STATION KEFLAVÍK, Iceland -- Airmen from the 85th Group here remove the tow bar connected to an F-4 Phantom. The aircraft, which has been on display since the early 1990s, was removed from its pedestal in 2002 because of extensive corrosion. It was restored and put on display in front of the command building. (U.S. Navy photo by JO2 Mat Sohl) More

Italian Soldiers Turn Over Afghan Base to U.S. Division
U.S. Army Sgt. Greg Heath / 4th Public Affairs Detachment

Co. B commander Capt. Justin Pelkey, 1st Bn. 87th Inf. Reg, 10th Mtn. Div., stands in formation with his company and soldiers from Italian TF Nibbio during the change of authority ceremony at Salerno FOB. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Greg Heath / 4th Public Affairs Detachment. MORE

LUZON, Philippines -- The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) launches Landing Craft Utilities in the early morning hours to transport personnel and equipment to Ternate Beach. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group is off the coast of the Philippines to participate in Blue/Green Workups, a bi-annual joint training exercise with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit designed to develop joint cooperation and meld the blue/green team into one cohesive fighting force. Conducting the exercise in the Philippine Islands also affords the Sailors and Marines the opportunity to improve their interoperability with their Filipino counterparts. (U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Wes Eplen)

Marines with Mike Company, Task Force Rawhide, paddle to the shore in zodiacs during training with the French Foreign Legion at the French Commando Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti, Sept. 9. Photo by Sgt. Bradly Shaver, USMC

CORAL SEA -- Her Majesty's Australian Ship Success' SK50 Seeking flies above USS Curtis Wilbur during a training exercise code-named 'Exercise Pacific Protector' off Australia's east coast Sept 13. The United States and 11 nations took part in the one-day maneuvers aimed at demonstrating their ability to board ships suspected of smuggling weapons of mass destruction. The exercise is the first in a series of maritime, air and land interdiction training exercises agreed by members of the Proliferation Security Initiative. (Australian Defence Force Photo)

SHOALWATER BAY, Australia -- Australian Lieutenent Nathan Ellis, right, conducts machine gun drills on the forward deck of the HMAS Kanimbla in Queensland. A combined force of about 10,000 Australian and American servicemembers are conducting Exercise Crocodile 2003, a regularly scheduled annual bilateral exerice designed to enhance interoperability between the two nations. (Australian Defence Force Photo)

SHOALWATER BAY, Australia -- Crew members of HMAS Kanimbla closed up at action stations with HMA Ships Melbourne and Tobruk during a simulated minefield transit here as part of Exercise Crocodile 2003. Exercise Crocodile 2003 is a regularly scheduled annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. Pacific Command and Australia Defence Forces. The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between the two forces. (Australian Defence Force Photo)

ZHUKOVSKY, Russia -- Russian air force deputy commander, Gen. Lt. Alexander Nikolaevich Zelin (center), greets Col. Stephen Mueller (right) and Maj. Kevin Thrash at Zhukovsky airfield for the 6th Moscow Aviation and Space Show. Five U.S. Air Force aircraft are on display at the event, a first for the U.S. military. Mueller is the 52nd Fighter Wing commander from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and the U.S. military cadre commander at the show. Thrash is the Russia desk officer for U.S. Air Forces in Europe's plans and programs directorate. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kenneth Fidler)

Marines from Small Craft Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, riding in a Rigid Assault Craft, begin their 90-mile voyage up the River Paraguay with the capital city of Asuncion in the background, June 28, 2003. A multi-national coalition forces from the United States Marine Corps and Marines and sailors form Bolivia and Paraguay will train together in riverine operations during Unitas 44-03 in Puerto Rosario, Paraguay. Photo by: SSgt. Matthew A. Butler.

KRTSANISI, Georgia - Junior Sgt. George Talakhadze, Motor platoon, Headquarters and Support Co., 113th Light Infantry Battalion, gets his sights on his target during a 82 mm mortar live fire exercise. The Georgia Train and Equip Program training is part of an effort to enhance the capability of selected Georgian military units to provide security and stability to the citizens of Georgia and the region. Photo by: Capt. Teresa Ovalle.

Soldiers of the 2nd Forward Support Battalion (FSB), 2nd Infantry Division, shimmy up rope obstacles under the watchful eye of Republic of Korea (ROK) Army Ranger instructors in a South Korean training area. U.S. Army photo by Hu Son Yu.

U.S. Soldiers and Spanish allies serving with NATO's Kosovo Force carry a simulated casualty away from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter ambulance during a recent medical evacuation training event. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nathaniel Nelson.

LUNGI, Sierra Leone -- Airmen unload an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter from a C-5 Galaxy after arriving here July 13 from Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland. They are providing recovery and emergency evacuation support for the humanitarian assistance survey team in Liberia. The HH-60G is deployed from the 56th Rescue Squadron at Keflavik, and the C-5...

Pacific Ocean (July 12, 2003) -- A BQM-74 drone is fired from the fantail of the guided missile frigate USS McInerney (FFG 8) to serve as a target during an anti-air gunnery exercise conducted as part of UNITAS 44-03 Pacific Phase. Naval and Coast Guard Forces from six countries are participating in UNITAS 44-03 Pacific Phase. UNITAS is the premier naval exercise conducted in the Americas designed to build lasting friendships while increasing the capability of U.S. Naval Forces to operate as a multinational coalition. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Marthaellen L. Ball. (RELEASED)

BAHRAIN (NNS) -- (6/25/2003) For the second time in two days, the U.S. Navy and coalition naval forces participated in a search-and-rescue effort in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. At approximately 6 a.m., a vessel named Senator relayed an S-O-S call to German navy supply ship FGS Frankfurt for a disabled ship identified as the Panamanian-flagged ship Abel I. The stricken vessel was located about 90 miles south of Somalia and was allegedly damaged by its own anchor. Two U.S. Navy P-3 Orion maritime reconnaissance patrol aircraft were directed by the Navy’s 5th Fleet to assist in the rescue.

The FGS Frankfurt dispatched its two Sea King helicopters to assist in the rescue effort. One of the helicopters rescued nine mariners from the ship’s only life raft, while the other helicopter searched for the other crewmen who departed the ship. The nine crewmen were transferred aboard the FGS Frankfurt. All were listed in good condition, and one received minor medical treatment. Crew members of the Able I reported that six crewmembers are still missing. The Abel I is listing 60 degrees to its port side and it will most likely sink by nightfall in the 12- to 15-foot seas. The search for the missing six crewmen is still ongoing.

Baltic Sea (Jun. 13, 2003) -- A Finish Rauma-class fast patrol boat, steams along side the Aegis class, guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) in the Baltic Sea during the annual maritime exercise Baltic Operations 2003 (BALTOPS). The United States and 12 other nations are participating in this year's exercise. BALTOPS 2003 is intended to improve interoperability between allies and Partnership for Peace countries by conducting support operations at sea including exercises in gunnery, replenishment at sea, undersea warfare, radar tracking, mine countermeasures, seamanship, search and rescue, maritime interdiction operations, and scenarios dealing with potentially real world crises. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg. (RELEASED)

The Pacific Ocean (Jun. 18, 2003) -- A U.K. Royal Marines team, embarked on Chilean ship ACh Ministro Zenteno (PFG 08) board the destroyer USS O'Bannon (DD 987) during a Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) training evolution. O'Bannon and Ministro Zenteno are among 19 ships participating in Teamwork South 2003. Teamwork South is a bi-annual multi-national exercise hosted by the Chilean Navy and conducted in Chilean territorial waters to further bolster a robust relationship and mutual understanding in the region. It offers a unique opportunity to maintain a consistent training environment in the region as well as a continued multi-national commitment to hemispheric defense and coalition. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Marthaellen L. Ball. (RELEASED)

Two Norwegian F16s provide air support over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Defence) Re-published from U.S. Central Command News.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Jun. 11, 2003) -- Russian Adm. Victor Dmitrievich Federov and his entourage are briefed on the deck of the guided missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) during a recent visit. Adm. Federov is the Russian Navy’s Commander Pacific Fleet, and is on an official visit with Adm. Walter F. Doran. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class John Watts. (RELEASED)

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti -- A French soldier targets a French Mirage aircraft with an Anti-Aircraft Missile system called the Mistral during a simulated aerial attack exercise here June 11. This exercise is one example of the cooperative relationship between French garrison forces and Combined Joint Task Force ? Horn of Africa forces in Djibouti. Photo by: Cpl. Matthew J. Apprendi

British explosive ordnance disposal specialists participate in combat training along side their American counterparts during a Phoenix Readiness training course at Fort Dix, N.J. The Air Force Air Mobility Command's Phoenix Readiness combat training has ended and will be replaced in October by the expeditionary combat-support training program, Eagle Flag. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeromy Cross..........

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - A Japan Air Self Defense Force F-15J takes off for a familiarization training mission here May 30. The Pacific Air Forces-sponsored air combat training exercise is set for June 5-20 and represents the first time the JASDF has deployed F-15 aircraft to North America. More than 3,500 people from six countries and NATO will participate at Elmendorf and Eielson Air Force Bases. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Keith Brown)

5/29/2003 - ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- Fighters from the Japanese air self-defense force touched down on North American soil for the first time to take part in an exercise. Cooperative Cope Thunder, a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored air-combat training exercise, is set for June 5 to 20.
“The Japanese involvement is very significant in the fact that of all the foreign participants, they bring the biggest contingent of people and different missions to this exercise,” said Lt. Col. David Ennis, commander of Detachment 1 of the 353rd Combat Training Squadron here.

More than 1,675 people will participate at Alaska’s Elmendorf and Eielson Air Force bases, including approximately 980 U.S. servicemembers and 695 servicemembers from Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, India and NATO. About 275 Japanese will also participate. Japanese Lt. Col. Kazuhiko Murakami said he is looking forward to the exercise.
“Cope Thunder will provide a very good training environment,” said Murakami. “We have a very limited area (in Japan) and here we can conduct more actual training,” referring to Alaska’s vast 66,000 square miles of military airspace.

The Japanese are bringing three separate airframes with three different missions to Elmendorf -- command and control with the E-767, airlift with three C-130s, and defensive counter-air with six F-15Js -- as well as a short-range air defense ground unit to Eielson AFB. Murakami said the experience of deploying and interacting with a U.S. Air Force tanker will be good training.
Ennis echoed the benefits of integrating the two air forces. “All of these platforms will be working hand-in-hand with counterparts from the United States in both the blue (friendly) force and the red (opposition) force roles, so they will be affecting every piece of the exercise -- that is significant,” said Ennis.

Japan will participate together with U.S. forces in “defensive counter-air” missions as a bilateral partner. Japan will not directly participate with forces of other nations, which will all be flying “offensive counter-air” missions during the exercise, according to Ennis. Some of the goals Cope Thunder participants hope to gain include sharpening air combat skills, exchanging air-operations tactics and promoting closer relations among participating countries. The mock battles are taped, and during a daily debriefing, technicians from the 353rd CTS point out tactics the pilots performed well, along with those that could get them killed in a real war. “We give the participants, including the U.S., the opportunity to work together as if a coalition was set up to counter a common threat with a common military objective,” said Ennis. “Any experience gained before having to be tested with real bullets flying is beneficial to all participants.”

He added that the experience gained working with coalition partners in a training environment would be critical to a successful real-world operation, particularly the logistics involved in deploying to and operating out of a foreign base. Although this exercise marks the first time Japanese fighters have participated, Cope Thunder has been around for several years. It was first held in 1976 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, but moved to Alaska in 1992 when Mount Pinatubo erupted, forcing the closure of Clark. Since then, thousands of people from all four military services, as well as armed services from around the world, have taken part in the training.

CJTF-HOA Helps Mend Rift Between U.S. and Sudan
Story by Cpl. Andrew W. Miller
U.S.M.C. NEWS

KHARTOUM, Sudan — Service members from Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa landed a U.S. military aircraft in Sudan May 17 to receive nine safes intended for the task force. This is the first time a U.S. aircraft has landed in Sudan in 10 years, according to U.S. Army Col. Dennis Giddens, a defense liaison officer. The task force members also delivered a Land Rover from Eritrea to the U.S. Embassy in Sudan. A C130 Hercules airplane transported CJTF- HOA service members to Khartoum International Airport, where they were met by Giddens and a number of Sudanese military officers.

U.S. Soldiers recently conducted a joint presence patrol with members of the Turkish Battalion in the Task Force North Area of Responsibility in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The U.S. Soldiers, assigned to Troop A, 1st Squadron, 167th Cavalry Regiment, are part of NATO’s Stabilization Force - Task Force North. Soldiers from the two countries spent an entire day operating together, conducting mounted and dismounted patrols throughout both rural and urban areas of the northern U.S. sector of Multinational Brigade North. This was the first joint patrol conducted with troops from the Turkish Battalion by the U.S. Soldiers. More

U.S., Italians bring care, comfort to a Khost orphanage by Staff Sgt. Christina Bhatti

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan (Army News Service, May 16, 2003) -- American and Italian doctors from the 946th Forward Surgical Team and the 9th Alpini Regiment brought a little care and comfort to the resident of an orphanage in the town of Khost recently. The orphanage is in the outskirts of Khost and houses approximately 50 children, with more who attended school there during the day. The building was too small to house all of the children who need it, but the teachers and administration work to ensure the children have school and some food. When the doctors arrived, they were greeted with thumbs up and smiles. They made "rounds" to all of the classrooms -- giving the children some attention and sweets. When it was time to see patients, the long line of children patiently waited their turn to be seen. "Most of these children have never seen a doctor," said Maj. Eric Romanucci, commander, 946th FST. Most of the children had common ailments that could be treated with over-the-counter drugs in the States, he said.

According to Romanucci, most of the children complained of dizziness, which is associated with anemia due to the lack of a proper diet. They also complained of non-specific pain or stomach pain that can be attributed to parasites. "Most of these children have no shoes, and walk through garbage in the streets. It makes it easy for worms to get into their systems, but with no medical care, it makes it hard for them to get treated," Romanucci said. The doctors gave out medication ranging from daily vitamins to anti-parasite drugs. "Our goal is to care for them and make sure that they get at least some of the things they need," said Italian Capt. Ferderco Lulardo, 9th Alpini Regiment, Naopli, Italy. Medication and care was the main mission, but as with most other missions in Afghanistan, winning the hearts and minds is also a priority. "These visits give us a chance to get out into the community," Romanucci said. "We get to meet the people, and they get to see us and realize that there is no truth behind the bad stories that have inundated them for so long. They get to see that westerners are good people." (Editor's note: Staff Sgt. Christina Bhatti is a journalist with the 11th Public Affairs Detachment.) VNHD NOTE - For more like this access: People

The Philippine Sea (Apr. 27, 2003) -- Flight deck personnel work to secure Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) aircraft during a rainsquall aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Force is participating in the military training exercise Tandem Thrust ‘03 while operating in the Mariana Island training area. The exercise will focus on crisis action planning and execution of contingency response operations. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Dustin Howell. (RELEASED)

CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii -- Adm. Thomas Fargo, commander, U.S. Pacific Command, welcomes Maj. Gen. Tesvegsurengin Togoo, chief of the General Staff, Mongolian Armed Forces, during an office call here to discuss mutual security interests in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Pacific Command photo by Petty Officer 1st. Class Clinton Beaird)

Hi-Resolution

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar — ANZAC Day, April 25, is probably Australia’s most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they soon took in that name endures to this day. Australians recognize April 25 as an occasion of national commemoration. Commemorative services were held here that day at dawn, the time of the original landing. More

Photo Credit: Coalition service members from Australia and the United States enjoy a game of "Two Up," an Australian tradition. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Corey Dembeck

STRIKE EAGLES — Two F-15E Strike Eagles from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing fly in formation over the desert in Southwest Asia. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ron Przysucha

JOLO, Republic of Philippines -- PRO-BALIKATAN: A Filipino marine stands guard as demonstrators calling for the holding of RP-US war games in Sulu march on the streets of the capital of Jolo yesterday. (Philippine Star photo by Charlie Saceda)

Hi-Resolution

BASARAH, IRAQ - APRIL 6, 2003 - UK security personnel, guide Iraqi civilians away from a Coalition base camp on the outskirts of Basarah. The Brittish soldiers are part of the coalition that continue to seize the Southern Iraqi city. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David K. Dismukes/CFLCC Public Affairs

ZAMBOANGA, Republic of the Philippines -- An Armed Forces of the Philippines soldier dons camouflage in preparation for a live-fire exercise during Security Assistance Training from a U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force. The training is designed to assist and advise Philippine forces in order to refine their counter-terrorism capabilities. (U.S. Navy Photo by Petty Officer First Class (PH1) Edward G. Martens)

Italians Concentrate on Force Protection
By U.S. Army Maj. William Mott -- 11th Public Affairs Detachment

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - The U.S. shock and awe campaign has increased security operations throughout the world. Our coalition partners here are just as concerned about their soldiers’ security as the Americans.

Working as a liaison officer between the Combined Joint Task Force-180 Joint Operations Center and the Nibbio Task Force, 1st Lt. Emiliano Mosca attends all Dragon Base briefings and relays the latest information on intelligence and threat conditions to his task force.

“I am confident in the security of the compound,” Mosca said. "The exchange of information between the American and coalition forces strengthens Bagram Air Base. The directives I get from the JOC are immediately implemented on our new compound.” Cont...

Preparing for military action against Iraq, Australian soldiers from the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) use state-of-the-art night vision equipment to conduct a night patrol in mid-March on a remote range. The soldiers are a critical part of the Special Forces Task Group deployed to the Middle East. Australian Defence Force photo by Darren Hilder....operiraq1.jpg (45506 bytes)

COALITION — Gurka soldiers of the British Army hoist their squadron's flag in preparation for a group photo at Camp Fox, Kuwait. The 70th Gurka Field Support Squadron of the Corps of Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers is currently attached to A (11) Squadron 4, General Support Medical Regiment, which is currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kyran V. Adams
Re-published Defend America Web Site News from DoD......

Re-published from U.S.M.C. News
Submitted by: MCAS Iwakuni
Story Identification Number: 200331213316
Story by Lance Cpl. Ben Slack

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan(March 7, 2003) -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 is playing a vital role in the multilateral Exercise Cope Tiger 2003 in Korat, Thailand. The squadron has taken to the skies against United States, Thai and Singapore Air Forces in a barrage of simulated war games. According to Lt. Col. James Bright, VMFA-212 commanding officer, the pilots have received important training and will have the opportunity to learn how other aircraft maneuver.
"We know what our planes are capable of, so it is easy for us to go up and fly against each other," said Bright. "Flying against aircraft that we don't see every day is a great way for us to learn how to adapt to enemy planes." The Lancers will be flying simulated air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions against opposing forces. They will also play the defensive role and try to stop their opponents from completing their mission.

"During the air-to-air combat training we will go head to head with other pilots. In the air-to-ground combat missions we will be given a target to destroy and will have to fly through enemy forces to complete the objective," said Bright. "Throughout the training evolution we will be increasing the difficulty by sending up more and more planes, and by the second week we should have all of our birds in the air." Also training with the Lancers are the Marine Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 `Moondogs' from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, until August. The Moondogs and their EA-6B Prowlers have very unique capabilities which will benefit the Lancers in their training. "Our planes are designed to disrupt enemy radar and communications in a war time environment allowing other planes to fly through enemy lines and accomplish their mission," said Capt. Tim Davis, VMAQ-3 electronics counter measures officer. According to Bright, while the Lancer pilots are perfecting their skills the rest of the Marines will be working hard to ensure that their pilots are able to complete their mission. "It has been a lot of work getting our planes ready over the past couple months," said Cpl. Joshua Denz,

VMFA-212 ordnance technician. "Even though we have a lot of work to do it will be well worth it because it's going to give our pilots a lot of experience flying against planes that they're not use to, and we're here to assist them with anything that they need." After completing Exercise Cope Tiger 2003 the Marines and Sailors of VMFA-212 and VMAQ-3 will be more experienced and better prepared for actual air contingency operations.

Re-published from U.S. Navy News
Story Number: NNS030305-11
Release Date: 3/6/2003 2:25:00 AM

By Lt. j.g. Ligia Cohen,
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

ABOARD USS O'BANNON (NNS) -- The ships participating in UNITAS 44-03 Caribbean phase just finished an intense work-up phase that started immediately after leaving Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, Feb. 18. During their first week at sea, the Navy and Coast Guard units from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Peru, the Netherlands, Venezuela and the United States completed more than 150 training events, including refueling at sea, gunnery exercises, quick reaction and communications drills, maritime interdiction operations, torpedo and missile launches, and undersea warfare exercises.

“Much has been accomplished, but we are only half done,” said Capt. Bernard Jackson, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 14 and UNITAS Caribbean Phase Task Group Commander. “We just completed the work-up phase of the exercise, which is designed to fine tune the ships’ ability to operate as part of a multinational force and prepare them for the final battle problem.” As one cornerstone of the multinational training operations, tactical maneuvers generated a great deal of activity in the pilothouses of USS O'Bannon (DD 987) and USS Boone (FFG 28). During these type of events, the ships position in close formations to conduct a variety of operations, including evasion maneuvers, search and rescue missions, and air defense.

“Tactical maneuvers are like synchronized swimming,” said Chief Gunner's Mate (SW) Ralph Moore, O’Bannon's conning officer. “You have to know at all times where you are and where the other ships are. It takes a lot of coordination and a concerted team effort.” The level of coordination required for the safe performance of each evolution is achieved during UNITAS by linking all participating units through a high-tech secure communications system installed and operated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO).

“We have a communications assistance team embarked on all the participating ships,” said Senior Chief Interior Communications Electrician Jeff Couick, COMUSNAVSO communications supervisor. “They maintain a real-time tactical data sharing system that provides each participant an up-to-the minute picture of the battle space.” Even with advanced technology, the traditional means of communication and navigation are still necessary, and the role played by visual communications is as important as ever. “Signalmen are the expert lookouts of the ship. If the radio goes dead, all messages will come from us,” said Signalman 1st Class (SW) Bryan Campkin, leading petty officer of the navigation division aboard Boone. “As for the (quartermaster) side of the house, they plot the courses, get bearings and can do celestial navigation.”

Because the ships are operating at close distances, sometimes as little as 250 yards, monitoring safety is a constant activity during the operations. On the ships’ bridges, officers of the deck, junior officers of the deck, conning officers, helmsmen and boatswain’s mates of the watch are always looking after each other, double-checking contact information and plotting the course of each participant. UNITAS’ schedule stretches working days into late nights. Moonless nights have only added to the challenging anti-submarine warfare training opportunities presented by USS Springfield (SSN 761) and Colombian submarine ARC Tayrona. The crews on participating surface combatants, P-3C Orion aircraft and SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters are tasked to detect and neutralize the submarines.

Since 1959, UNITAS has presented an unequaled opportunity to improve the operational readiness and interoperability of U.S. and Latin American partner naval forces, while enhancing hemispheric security and professionalism. After completing the work-up phase, the 10 ships, two submarines and several aircraft participating in UNITAS Caribbean Phase moved on to the final battle problem. This phase is designed as a final realistic opportunity for the ships to demonstrate their interoperability while prioritizing missions and executing no-notice tasks.

KORAT AIR BASE, Thailand -- Feet are all that show as an airman from the 12th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, inspects his F-15E Strike Eagle jet during Cope Tiger 2003. The unit is in Thailand for the annual exercise that gives servicemembers from eight different U.S. bases and two other countries an opportunity to hone their deployment and employment skills and improve air-combat techniques while building stronger relationships. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.)

LOOK OUT BELOW — Spanish Marines observe the impacts of rounds fired Jan. 19, 2003, from the USS Briscoe (DD 977) during naval surface fire support training at Godoria Range, Djibouti. Forces from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and coalition partners practiced coordinating maritime strike assets in a simulated mission environment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Will Klumpp.