Month: March 2024

Source: United States Navy

This is the third time U.S. and Indian forces have come together for Tiger TRIUMPH, which stands for Tri-Services India U.S. Amphibious Exercise. The combined exercise will take place March 18-31 near Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, India.

The opening ceremony was held aboard Austin-class amphibious transport dock INS Jalashwa (L41), the former USS Trenton, where key leaders held a press conference with media to discuss the importance of Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH.

“First and foremost, our message is to one another that we are close friends that think alike, that feel alike; now the question is can we move alike,” said U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti during the press conference. “Can we integrate two different, great militaries to seamlessly, in times of emergency, act hand in hand, join hands together and I think that has deepened since 2019.”

This year’s exercise will focus on advancing large-scale joint and combined interoperability for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, as well as work through standard operating procedures (SOP) between the combined and joint forces. The exercise is scheduled to include a harbor phase followed by a sea phase where U.S. and Indian forces will practice combined operational maneuver, command and control, and joint sustainment operations. Service members will also participate in cultural and athletic events.

“Tiger TRIUMPH provides an opportunity for combined and joint U.S. and Indian forces to deepen our partnership and interoperability to work together in the region,” said Rear Adm. Joaquin Martinez, commander of the U.S. Joint Force for Tiger TRIUMPH. “This is the largest and most complex Tiger TRIUMPH, and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to work with our Indian partners as we continue to build on our relationship in order to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Somerset includes embarked elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and is joined by a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 47. Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) will also participate in the exercise, along with U.S. Army and Air Force assets.

Indian forces include ships, aircraft and personnel for the exercise.

“The command exercise here between the Indian Navy and the U.S. Navy aims to standardize the efforts of both navies in working out the SOPs and share their practices amongst them,” said Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Adm. Rajesh Pendharkar during the opening ceremony press conference.  “We get to learn from each other, as to why they’re doing and what they’re doing and how we can incorporate what they do well into our own procedures and therefore have that collective and better and synergized response to any situation like this.”

Somerset and Halsey are underway conducting routine operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The “Golden Swordsmen” of VP-47, stationed in Whidbey Island, Washington, are currently deployed to Misawa Air Base in Aomori, Japan, as part of Commander Task Force 72.

Throughout the deployment, they will be conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within the 7th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50 to 70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States Navy

These events included identifying vessels suspected in engaging in illicit activity or illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Seychelles’ EEZ, which extends into significant portions of East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. After identification, the U.S. and Seychelles teamed up to intercept vessels of interest to conduct compliant boardings of Seychelles-flagged vessels, ensuring adherence to Seychelles Maritime law.

“Our cooperation on maritime security is a visible sign of our mutual goal of a more secure and prosperous Indian Ocean Region,” said U.S. Embassy Seychelles Chargé d’Affaires, Adham Loutfi. “It gives me enormous satisfaction to know that Seychelles and the United States continue to work side by side—demonstrating great dedication, courage, and sacrifice—to ensure the safety and security of our maritime spaces.”

These bilateral engagements come immediately after the East African maritime exercise Cutlass Express 2024, which was hosted by Djibouti, Kenya and the Seychelles. Cutlass Express focused on a variety of maritime security and stability issues, providing invaluable training and realistic scenarios for partners and Allies that they can then apply in real world operations, as is the case here.

“The 2024 enactment of the U.S.-Seychelles Bilateral agreement is the second major operation performed with our key Indian Ocean partner, Seychelles Coast Guard, since the agreement was signed in 2021,” said Cmdr. Beau Powers, Chief of law enforcement operations at U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. “Seychelles is a distinctly maritime nation, committed to meeting obligations to counter Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing as well as deterring illicit maritime activity. The U.S. Coast Guard is committed to performing combined operations with our highly capable counterparts in the Seychelles Coast Guard to stem such global problems. Training on law enforcement tactics, practicing information exchange, and then working together in operational law enforcement patrols, bolsters maritime security in a perfect demonstration of the U.S. and Seychelles’ commitment to keeping the international rules-based order in this region.”

Seychelles Special Forces, agents from Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority, the Seychelles Fishery Authority, and the U.S. Coast Guard kicked off the bilateral engagement on March 14. From day one, the team completed joint small boat sorties and maritime operations center communication rehearsals as part of a harmonization period to bring the team together. Once underway aboard the Seychelles Coast Guard ship SAYA DE MALHA, their meticulous planning and pre-underway coordination was evident as their efforts led to eight vessel boardings and over 700 nautical miles steamed throughout the West Indian Ocean.

This also continues a history of maritime cooperation between the United States and the Seychelles, as both nations are committed to preserving peace and stability, upholding freedom of the seas in a manner consistent with international law, maintaining the unimpeded flow of commerce, and opposing any attempt to use coercion or force to settle disputes. In addition to Coast Guard operations and the Cutlass Express series of exercises, the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) conducted a port visit in Victoria in July 2022, and U.S. Navy Divers have collaborated with Seychellois Divers to conduct survey and salvage missions in the Seychelles as recently as January 2023, demonstrating the diversity of cooperation between the two nations in the maritime domain.

The Coast Guard Atlantic Area located in Portsmouth, Virginia, is responsible for overseeing all Coast Guard operations from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf.

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.

Source: United States Navy

Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, assigned to the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, was deployed with a detachment aboard Mason, which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet since November.

Aregbesola, of Florida, joined the Navy in July 2020. He reported to HSM-74 in December 2020.

“Petty Officer Aregbesola fully embodied the selfless character and thoughtful warrior spirit of the United States Navy Sailor,” said Cmdr. Eric Kohut, HSM-74 commanding officer. “His outstanding performance prior to and during deployment went well beyond aircraft maintenance; he truly saw and valued every member of the ship/air team. He will continue on in the heart of every Swamp Fox and our brothers and sisters in the IKE Carrier Strike Group. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with his family.” 

 

Mason and HSM-74 are part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Source: United States Navy

Discussions revolved around various aspects of regional and maritime security, urban development within the Capodichino area, and disaster response preparedness. The meeting resulted in the City of Naples and NSA Naples Capodichino being equally eager to increase coordination on urbanization projects. Vice Mayor Lieto’s visit to Capodichino follows the Mayor of Naples’s visit to Allied Joint Force Command Naples earlier this week.

Vice Mayor Lieto is dual hatted as the Vice Mayor of the Città Metropolitana di Napoli and Councilor for Urban Planning. Her focus is on the urbanization process of Naples as it continues to increase its capacity for tourists while hosting over 2,000 U.S. Navy personnel neighboring the Capodichino airport.

“I am grateful for the hospitality of our Italian hosts and the partnership with Vice Mayor Lieto and the mayoral staff. NSA Naples looks forward to continuing to support the City of Naples in its efforts to urbanize the Capodichino area,” said Capt. Randazzo. “As guests in Naples, we are committed to being the tenant of choice onboard Capodichino while ensuring maximum partnership between us and our Italian hosts.”    

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing optimism about future collaboration and partnership prospects. Vice Mayor Lieto and U.S. Navy leadership affirmed their commitment to working together closely to promote regional security and stability, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation.

“It was a pleasure to host Vice Mayor of Naples, Laura Lieto, at Naval Support Activity Naples Capodichino today. As an urban planner, Vice Mayor Lieto is involved in the metro-area master construction plan,” said NAVEUR/AF Executive Director, Juliet Beyler. “During her visit, we talked about the vital role the U.S. Navy’s headquarters in Europe plays in providing regional security from its strategic location in Naples. Generations of Sailors, Marines, Navy Civilians and families have called this incredible, Neapolitan neighborhood their home and I look forward to working with Vice Mayor Lieto on future projects that benefit all residents.”

The partnership between Naples and the U.S. Navy has existed for over 70 years—almost as long as the NATO alliance. This year NATO will celebrate 75 years of its existence and the cooperative bonds between Italy, the U.S. and members of the alliance. Our partnership stands as a testament to the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation, highlighting the collective determination to ensure a safe, secure and livable urban environment for our Italian and American communities.

NSA Naples is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., Allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed in order to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central areas of operation.
For more news about NSA Naples and the Sailors who serve onboard the installation, please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/NSANaples/.

Source: United States Navy

Two of the ARG ships, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), returned to Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek in Virginia.

“It is great to be home,” said Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 8 Commodore, Capt. Martin Robertson. “I’m proud of the Sailors and Marines of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group who return home today knowing that for eight and a half months, they were the nation’s rapid response force.”

The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) is expected to return to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, in the coming days. Most of the Marines assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) departed the ARG ships and returned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina earlier this week.

While in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, the Bataan ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team supported a wide range of interoperability opportunities and exercises across the North Atlantic, Eastern Mediterranean, Baltic region, Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, increasing combat readiness and crisis response capabilities while strengthening relationships with both Allies and partners.

“These young men and women were called into action from the start to help stop the spread of wildfires in Southern Europe, to deter Iran from seizing U.S.-flagged merchant vessels in the Middle East, and they reacted swiftly at the onset of the crisis in the Bab-El Mandeb to ensure merchant shipping access to the Red Sea,” Robertson said. “Your sons and daughters stood ready to assist American citizens in countries impacted by the Israel-Hamas conflict, and their efforts directly prevented the conflict from expanding to other nations in the region. Simultaneously, we operated close to Russia in the high north and Baltic regions, reinforcing America’s commitment to the NATO alliance, emphasizing the importance of regional peace and security. Thank you to our families and friends. Your love and support made all our successes possible.”

In July 2023, following the wildfires in Greece, the Bataan ARG disaggregated, with Mesa Verde remaining in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations supporting Allies and partners through various bilateral exercises and operations across the theater. Mesa Verde and the embarked Marines visited Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom. Additionally, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited Mesa Verde while the ship was in Dublin, Ireland, for the U.S. Naval Academy versus University of Notre Dame football game, Aug. 26, 2023.

Bataan and Carter Hall transited the Suez Canal and operated in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations for more than four months, ensuring the free flow of navigation and regional stability. Following the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas, both ships participated in Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea to deter further escalation and protect open sea lanes.

“It’s been a challenging deployment, but we have accomplished a lot, and I am extremely proud of the hard work and resilience of every member of the Bataan team,” said Capt. Paul Burkhart, Bataan’s commanding officer. “Throughout the past eight months, we have really shown what it means to be ‘Bataan tough.’ We were able to showcase our amphibious capabilities throughout three Navy fleets, deter aggression through our presence and were able to create and share countless memories that will last a lifetime.”

Notable visitors to the Bataan and Carter Hall included commanders and staff of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. 6th Fleet, U.S 5th Fleet, U.S. Central Command, Task Force 61/2, Task Force 51/5, French, Italian and Turkish navies, along with distinguished guests from the Kingdom of Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and U.K.

The ARG/MEU presence overseas supported strategic interests and contributed to regional security and stability and reassured U.S. commitment to multiple regions. The blue-green team provided operational flexibility to combatant commanders by providing a versatile contingency response force using sea, air, land and logistical assets. The versatility inherent to the amphibious force allowed for flexible and mission-tailored forces, while representing our nation’s strength, capability and resolve to partners and Allies and deterring potential adversaries.

“History has proven the necessity of having forward-deployed Marines, embarked aboard amphibious ships. Over the past eight months, the Marines and Sailors of the 26th MEU(SOC) have showcased the value, utility and unique all-domain operational capabilities you only find in a marine expeditionary unit,” said Col. Dennis Sampson, commanding officer of the 26th MEU(SOC). “When coupled together, the ARG and the MEU(SOC) form a flexible naval expeditionary force capable of reassuring our Allies and partners of our commitment to maritime security and capable of dominating within the littorals against any adversary in any clime or place.”

The Bataan ARG is comprised of the Bataan, Mesa Verde, and Carter Hall. Embarked commands include CPR 8, Fleet Surgical Team 8, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Assault Craft Unit 4, Beach Master Unit 2 and the 26th MEU(SOC).

The 26th MEU(SOC) consists of the Command Element; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced); Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team 1/6; and Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22.

For more information, please contact Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs Team, CPR8PAO@lhd5.navy.mil.