Month: July 2022

Source: United States Navy

The purpose of the Symposium is to provide clear commander’s intent, synchronize operational perspectives and expectations, and establish requirements for command and control in order to present a ready and credible force in response to adversary operations in Atlantic maritime avenues of approach.

Vice Adm. Daniel Dwyer, commander U.S. 2nd Fleet, opened the symposium with a discussion of the battle space in the Atlantic Ocean, both above and below the water.

“We are seeing a reemergence of persistent, proximate threats in the Atlantic and this is a critical challenge to our Nation’s homeland defense mission,” said Dwyer. “We must remember that the Atlantic is no longer a sanctuary but a potential attack vector by competitors whose capabilities continue to improve. Our adversary’s capability and capacity to hold North America at-risk is greater now than at any other point in our histories and it is incumbent that we focus on maritime homeland defense in every aspect of our future planning.”

He discussed that while the United States recognizes the right of nations to exercise freedom of navigation around the world, the U.S. Navy and in particular 2nd Fleet, must remain vigilant for competitor actions which may be unpredictable and complex.

Dwyer continued by stating that one area where the U.S. is particularly strong is in the partnerships they hold with NATO Allies and partners. “What will always set us apart and maintain our advantage is our ability to collaborate and interoperate with the militaries of our Allies and partners. Simply put, we are better together. Our robust network is an advantage that our adversaries cannot match and we grow stronger with every opportunity we have to work together.”

All participants were highly encouraged to engage with each other, sharing ideas, communicating and developing best practices for undersea warfare, for the current environment and into the future.

U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. For more information, please visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

Source: United States Navy

Coordinated efforts among USS Gridley (DDG 101), HMS Montrose (F236) and combined air assets led to Royal Navy forces confiscating surface-to-air missiles and cruise-missile rocket engines that originated from Iran, according to a statement released by the United Kingdom, July 7.

Small boats attempting to smuggle the weapons were intercepted by the Royal Navy in January and February. Gridley’s crew deployed an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter during the February interdiction to provide overwatch.

“We have a decades-long strategic relationship with the Royal Navy,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “Our continued collaboration on maritime interdictions in the Middle East reflects our extraordinary partnership and strong commitment to regional security and stability.”

The weapons were seized along routes historically used to traffic weapons unlawfully to Yemen. The direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of weapons to the Houthis in Yemen violates U.N. Security Council Resolution 2216 and international law.

U.S. and UK naval forces regularly conduct regional maritime security operations to disrupt the transport of illicit cargo that can support terrorism and other unlawful activity. U.S. Navy warships operating in the Middle East seized nearly 9,000 illicit weapons in 2021.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and United Kingdom Maritime Component Command are headquartered in Manama, Bahrain. The two commands regularly partner to foster regional maritime cooperation, safeguard key waterways and uphold international rules-based order.

Source: United States Navy

During the visit, Rear Adm. Chase Patrick, director of maritime engagement, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), will meet with Algerian government and military leaders to discuss shared goals of maritime security and regional stability in the Mediterranean Sea region.

“Partnerships are key to stability in Africa and ultimately promote a safer global environment,” said Patrick. “I appreciate the opportunity to meet with Algerian leaders, as we work together, to confront the multitude of security challenges that threaten peace and security in the Mediterranean.”

Algeria is a steady maritime security partner of the United States, and NAVAF and Coast Guard presence in Algiers highlights the importance of the relationship between the two countries. Last month, Algeria participated in the NAVAF-led north African exercise Phoenix Express 2022. Participating nations exchanged information-sharing practices, enhancing efforts to promote safety and security in the Mediterranean Sea and territorial waters of participating North African nations.

This port visit also marks the first stop in Africa for Clarence Sutphin Jr. and John Scheuerman since their commissioning earlier this year. The two cutters are forward-deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa area of operations and assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, while employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet.

“We are excited to strengthen our relations with our counterparts in Algeria and to explore Algiers,” said Lt. David Anderson, commanding officer aboard USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1147). “Interpersonal relations are a cornerstone of allies and partners’ abilities to work together in ensuring security and stability and we look forward to building on our relationships while in port.”

The Sentinel-class fast response cutter is a key component of the Coast Guard’s offshore fleet capable of deploying independently to conduct missions that include port, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; search and rescue; and national defense.

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia, oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf, spanning across five Coast Guard districts and 40 states.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. 

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.