Four U.S. Ships To Participate In Maritime Exercise In Mediterranean

Apr 08, 2008 -- SOUDA BAY, Crete — Four U.S. Navy ships will participate in Phoenix Express 2008 (PE 08), a U.S. hosted, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional maritime partnerships and foster the ability to operate jointly, from Apr. 8-22.

Two ships from the Nassau Strike Group, the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) and the amphibious transport dock USS Nashville (LPD 13);

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US Navy amphibious ship USS Nashville (LPD 13): Department of Defense file photo

along with the frigate USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) will represent the United States in this two-week exercise. Twelve other nations were also invited to participate or send representatives, to include Spain, Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Italy, France, Malta, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania and Libya.

A comprehensive and robust training agenda will provide participants with numerous opportunities to operate together and develop productive relationships. Exercises like PE 08 enable participants to advance information sharing which is crucial to maintaining a region free from transnational threats, as well as enhance capability to conduct multinational peacekeeping missions.

PE 08 is comprised of two large phases, inport and at sea. The exercise will include communications, maritime interdiction operations (MIO), search-and-rescue operations (SAR), division tactics, medical training and ashore maritime coordination.

Inport events, hosted at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, will focus on medical training, MIO training and combined Maritime Forces will conduct workshops in Helicopter Operations and Safety, Damage Control and Firefighting, Navigation, Deck Seamanship, SAR, Small Boat Operations and a Leadership round table.

Underway events will focus on maritime domain awareness (MDA) and the automatic identification system (AIS) including interaction between forces afloat and a maritime operations center ashore. Combined Maritime Forces will also conduct serials in Force Protection, MIO, SAR, RAS, Towing and Helicopter Operations.

"Phoenix Express 2008 aims to improve maritime security in the Mediterranean Sea through increased interoperability and cooperation among regional allies from the United States, Africa and Europe," said Navy Capt. Robert G. Lineberry, commander, Nassau Strike Group. "PE 08 demonstrates U.S. and partner nations' commitment to regional stability and maritime security. This exercise will allow all participants to become more familiar and continue to build our partnerships."

PE 08 is the third annual exercise in a long-term effort to improve regional cooperation and maritime security. The principal aim is to increase interoperability by developing individual and collective maritime proficiencies of participating nations, as well as promoting friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation.

Source: EUCOM