Month: May 2023

Source: United States Navy

The biennial IAMD exercise takes place from May 8 to May 26 and involves a series of live-fire events against subsonic and supersonic targets, incorporating multiple Allied ships, aircraft, and ground forces working across battlespaces to deliver effects. It is emblematic of NATO’s unparalleled cohesion and cutting-edge capacity and capability. It also demonstrates NATO members’ combined commitment to the deterrence and defense of the Euro-Atlantic Area (DDA).

“Formidable Shield 2023 demonstrates the incredible teamwork and unmatched expertise of our crews,” Ishee said. “We’ve integrated high-end capacity to simultaneously engage multiple targets and deliver effects in all domains, demonstrating the power and potential of our Alliance.”

Since the start of the exercise on May 8, Allied units and personnel in the air, land, and sea domains have engaged a series of subsonic and supersonic targets, emanating from multiple directions. Formidable Shield has afforded participating units an ideal venue to test and mature individual and combined air-defense capabilities against these targets in a variety of scenarios throughout the North Atlantic Ocean and High North.

Allies have demonstrated innovative approaches and historic engagements, as well. The Italian Air Force conducted the first air-to-air live-fire engagement of the Formidable Shield series at the Hebrides Range, May 11, while allied aircraft, including British Royal Air Force Typhoons and French Navy E-2Cs, collectively tracked a ballistic missile target launched from the Hebrides Range, highlighting the technological advantages Formidable Shield brings to the Alliance.

Meanwhile, integrated and combined operations among Allied surface units and ground forces throughout the High North enhance Allies’ abilities to knit science and technology with warfighter objectives. These objectives, both individually and collectively, continue to challenge and sharpen the skills of the collective team.

“The professionalism, performance, and proficiency of our NATO Allied teams underscores the unparalleled cohesion and capability of our Alliance,” Ishee said. “I look forward to seeing the continued success of our force during Formidable Shield 2023, and in future iterations to come.”

For imagery, press articles, and other products related to Formidable Shield, please visit www.c6f.navy.mil, www.dvidshub.net/feature/FormidableShield2023 and https://www.twitter.com/USNavyEurope.

Source: United States Navy

The U.S.-led multinational partnership, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), established a new task force May 22 that will train partner navies and improve operational capabilities to enhance maritime security in the Middle East.

During a ceremony at U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, leaders commissioned Combined Task Force (CTF) 154. The new staff is CMF’s fifth task force after standing up CTF 153 in April 2022 for maritime security in the Red Sea.

CTF 154 will lead multinational maritime training at locations across the Middle East, enabling more CMF partner-nations to participate in training opportunities without ships or aircraft, particularly during courses that are facilitated ashore.  

“Our navies are at their very best when we train, operate and work together,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and CMF. “Establishing CTF 154 demonstrates our deep commitment to strengthening and expanding partnerships through new training opportunities that will enhance regional maritime security.”

The new task force is commanded by a U.S. Navy captain who will build and lead a multinational staff. Another nation will assume command as early as this fall.

CTF 154’s core staff will be augmented by CMF partners during key training opportunities such as the task force’s inaugural event, Compass Rose. This week, CTF 154 is hosting Compass Rose in the Kingdom of Bahrain. More than 50 participants from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and United States began arriving Sunday to attend courses on first aid and vessel boarding procedures.

“I am excited to lead an international team in this important work,” said Capt. Oliver Herion, CTF 154’s first commander. “Collectively, CMF has tremendous experience and expertise with critical skills, tools and relationships.”

CTF 154 will frequently organize training events around five core areas: maritime awareness, maritime law, maritime interdiction, maritime rescue and assistance, and leadership development. Each training opportunity will be tailored to meet partner requests ranging from basic to advanced levels.

“Focusing our efforts to facilitate training for the multinational partnership will refine our skillsets and reinforce our ability to operate together,” said Herion. “We are ‘Stronger Together’ and ‘Ready Together.’ That is what CMF is all about.”

CMF is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 38 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. 

CMF’s other task forces include CTF 150 that focuses on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean; CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; and CTF 153 in the Red Sea.

Source: United States Navy

The festival commemorated the 170th anniversary of the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan in 1853, a historical event that marked the beginning of diplomacy and trade agreements between the U.S. and Japan.

“The alliance between the U.S. and Japan represents the most significant bond two nations can have,” said Cmdr. Leif Gunderson, Milius’ commanding officer. “Likewise, the relationship between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is one of our strongest bilateral relationships and surface ships like Milius are the basis of this long-standing relationship.”

During the port visit, Milius Sailors participated in a series of community projects, ceremonies, observances and festivities in honor of the shared history and importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

“Friends spend time together and celebrate together,” said Lt. Daniel Lubega, Milius’ command chaplain, who led a team in the planning and execution of multiple community relations events involving more than 200 Sailors and seven local elementary schools during the festival. “The people of Japan are our best friends, and we are here to celebrate the 170th anniversary of when our two nations were first formally introduced, so to speak.”

Operations Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Beavers, from Clare, Michigan, visiting with school children in Shimoda was especially rewarding because he has been stationed in Japan for four years now.

“Ever since I can remember, building things has been a passion of mine,” said Beavers. “The most important things we can build in life are bridges, and building bridges with other nations and their people is vital and necessary. Participating in community relations projects while representing our country is the strongest bridge building I have ever had the privilege of experiencing.”

The festival also included a memorial service at Gyokusenji Temple and an official parade, where Milius Sailors marched from Shimoda Park to Shimoda Courthouse, as well as numerous festivities where Milius Sailors had an opportunity to meet the people of Shimoda.

“It was a great experience to be able to participate in an event with such a long history and tradition,” said Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class Pablo Muniz, who marched in the parade. “It’s also been a wonderful port visit overall. The people of Shimoda are truly some of the friendliest I’ve had the opportunity to meet and I hope I have the opportunity to come back and do this again.”

Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/DESRON 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.