Month: June 2024

Source: United States Navy

 

The MCA demonstrates our collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in the maritime domain.

The MCA featured the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH 336), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Kirisame (DD 104), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17). The MCA involved a series of activities and maritime maneuvers to test and validate the interoperability of our armed forces’ doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures. It also provided an opportunity to demonstrate professional interactions among naval and air forces rooted in long-standing military traditions and customs. These exercises were conducted in accordance with international law, ensuring the safety of civil maritime navigation and the protection of the marine environment.

The U.S. Navy regularly operates alongside our allies in the Indo-Pacific region as a demonstration of our shared commitment to the rules-based international order. Cooperation like this represents the centerpiece of our approach to a secure and prosperous region where aircraft and ships of all nations may fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows.

Ralph Johnson is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest 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.

Source: United States Navy

The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk cargo carrier M/V Tutor was struck by an Iranian-back Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) while sailing in the international waters of the Southern Red Sea, June 12. The attack caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room. One civilian mariner remains missing.

A helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 airlifted 24 civilian mariners from Tutor to Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). From there, helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 transported the group to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). After being medically checked on IKE, the mariners were flown ashore for follow-on care.

“It’s humbling to watch the Strike Group provide assistance and rescue the crew of M/V Tutor,” said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, IKECSG, Carrier Strike Group 2. “We are always prepared to help; it is the right thing to do.”

“Despite these senseless attacks on innocent mariners just doing their job, the Philippine Sea crew stand ready to help preserve safety of life at sea, always,” said Capt. Steven Liberty, Philippine Sea’s commanding officer.

On June 13, HSM-74 aircraft from Philippine Sea medically evacuated a severely injured civilian mariner from M/V Verbena to a nearby partner force ship for medical attention. Palau-flagged, Ukrainian-owned Verbena was sailing in the Gulf of Aden when it was struck by two anti-ship cruise missiles fired from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen.

IKECSG is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security in the Middle East region.

Source: United States Navy

Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of services and with our allies to conduct precise, overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The maneuvering exercise demonstrates partnership capabilities using operational and tactical procedures. These exercises require cooperation, communication, and interoperability between two or more navies affording the opportunity to develop greater trust and understanding.

“Sailing alongside our nation’s oldest friend and ally while underway together in the Western Pacific is a testament to our strong and lasting partnership with the French Navy,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet.  It was great to see FS Bretagne and USS Blue Ridge operating together and no matter where we are, our allies and partners are with us, demonstrating the power of presence and teamwork in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The exercise also afforded the opportunity for cross-deck tours. Sailors aboard the Blue Ridge were able to go aboard Bretagne for a tour, as well as host a lunch for Bretagne’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Gwenegan Le Bourhis.

“Nation of the Pacific, France regularly deploys Navy assets in the region. By sending a first-class destroyer last year and this year alongside its allies and partners, France Illustrates its attachment to a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific,” said Bourhis. “This combined maneuvering exercise increases significantly our high-end interoperability and contributes directly to building up mutual knowledge, camaraderie and finally confidence between both our navies.”

Named after the region of Brittany in France, Bretagne is forward deployed to the Indo-Pacific.

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

Source: United States Navy

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina– Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro continued his visit to South America with a series of engagements in Buenos Aires, Argentina, meeting with service members and Argentine civilian and military leadership June 13-14. 

Del Toro met with staff at the U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires where he performed a reenlistment ceremony for a Sailor and greeted U.S. service members. Secretary Del Toro then met with civilian and military experts to discuss the Embassy’s work in Buenos Aires and priorities for enhancing naval partnerships with the Government of Argentina. Secretary Del Toro expressed his appreciation for the Embassy’s recent work supporting Argentine engagement with USS George Washington (CVN 73) carrier strike group as part of Southern Seas 2024 and for their expertise and collaboration that assisted with other recent advances in the bilateral military relationship. 

On Friday, the Secretary met with the Argentine Chief of the Joint Staff, General Xavier Isaac. During the meeting, Secretary Del Toro highlighted Argentina’s longstanding and valued partnership and recent concrete steps taken by Argentina to support international military cooperation.     

Del Toro also met with Secretary of Defense for External Affairs Juan Battaleme. Secretary Del Toro reinforced his commitment to strengthening U.S.-Argentine maritime partnerships and finding creative ways to support Argentina’s interest in expanding its naval role in the world.

Del Toro ended his visit by meeting with Argentine Chief of the Navy Rear Admiral Carlos Allievi to discuss priorities for enhancing capabilities and opportunities to work together to do so.  

“I am deeply appreciative of the partnership with Argentina,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Our two countries maintain a bilateral relationship based on our economic ties and shared interests, including democracy, human rights, and enduring ties to the sea as exemplified by our dependence on seaborne trade.” 

The Department of the Navy collaborates closely with U.S. Southern Command to fortify our already strong bilateral military cooperation with the Argentine Navy.

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Source: United States Navy

Freedman’s visit highlighted the importance of the Fisher Houses in easing the burden on families of wounded, injured, or ill service members and veterans receiving treatment at nearby military hospitals.

“Family readiness equals force readiness,” said Freedman. “It’s important to know, it goes beyond houses and buildings. What Fisher House does, is it creates that sense of caring, of community, of trust and bond. It is incredible and unlike anywhere else.”

Joining them were Dave Coker, the president of Fisher House Foundation, and Capt. Alan Christian, commander of NSA Bethesda.

“The highlight of my job is getting to come out and meet the people who serve,” stated Coker. “When a family walks through our doors, we want you to know that your service is appreciated, and honored and that there are people out there that want to support you in your time of need.”

Since 1990, more than 50,000 families have utilized the five houses at Bethesda, and over 500,000 families worldwide.

“When I first started here, we had many people injured in the war. My job was to make them, and their families feel at home,” explained Michael Ybarra, Fisher House general manager of NSA Bethesda. “We are here to help so the service member can focus on recovery.”

The U.S. Navy’s connection to the Fisher Houses started with an observation made on the grounds of National Naval Medical Center Bethesda by Ms. Pauline Trost – the wife of the 23rdChief of Naval Operations, Adm. Carlisle Trost. The first Fisher House was dedicated at Bethesda in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush.

During the visit, The Walt Disney Company distributed special care packages filled with Disney-themed goodies to families staying at Fisher House. The initiative is part of Disney’s enduring admiration for U. S. military service members, their families and veterans that includes the company fostering relationships with organizations like Fisher House Foundation.

Throughout June, Disney will spread joy and a touch of magic to military and veteran families nationwide and overseas by delivering similar care packages to all 97 Fisher Houses.

“My wife and daughter’s favorite characters are Mickey and Minnie Mouse, them being here is a pleasant surprise for me and my family,” said Cpl. Emmanuel Patterson, Georgia National Guard. “I was deployed on my third deployment when I got sick and had to be transferred to the area. The Fisher House made it possible for my family to be here with me during my treatment.”

“In Navy Medicine, we have a sacred covenant. Our mission is to care for the most deserving men and women in the world,” concluded Freedman. “It’s those who will and have worn the cloth of our nation and our families who support them. There can be no higher calling.”

Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.