Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United States Navy

The aircraft are assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU (SOC), which is currently deployed with the U.S. Navy Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). While based at Ronneby Airport, the detachment is capable of self-sustaining and self-deploying in support of various events with NATO Allies during BALTOPS 24.

“Our self-deploying and self-sustaining detachment demonstrates the ARG-MEU’s ability to project force more than 900 nautical miles and establish a forward operating base in the Baltic region,” said Lt. Col. Cory Jobst, commanding officer, VMM-365 (REIN). “This expeditionary advanced base is a historic first with our longstanding partner, and newest NATO Ally, Sweden.”

The USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS New York (LPD 21), with the Wasp ARG and embarked 24th MEU (SOC), are participating in BALTOPS 24. The Wasp ARG-24th MEU (SOC) is deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations to support high-end warfighting exercises while demonstrating speed and agility in a dynamic security environment.

BALTOPS 24 is the premier maritime focused military exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

BALTOPS 24 is also part of the U.S. Department of Defense exercise series, Large Scale Global Exercise (LSGE). LSGE is an umbrella term that incorporates several exercises and military activities, which enable the U.S. Joint Force to train with Allies and partners and improve shared understanding, trust and interoperability on security challenges across the globe.

While the exercise is led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, it will be command-and-controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal.

Details of BALTOPS activities and imagery are available at http://www.c6f.navy.mil. Media interested in covering the exercise should contact the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Public Affairs Office at mail to: cne_cna_c6fpao@us.navy.mil.

Source: United States Navy

Mason entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations on Nov. 4, 2023 for a routine deployment as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG). While operating in the Red Sea, Mason supported maritime security and stability in the Middle East, providing assurance to maritime traffic by deterring threats to the international rules based order and freedom of navigation.

“Mason and the crew demonstrated a remarkable level of operational support in the Red Sea over the past 7 months and I am extremely proud of all their accomplishments,” said Cmdr. Justin B. Smith, commanding officer of Mason. “I am eager for the next chapter of 6th Fleet operations as we continue to demonstrate our proficiency and mission support.”

Mason is deployed as a part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower (IKE) Carrier Strike Group (CSG). IKECSG is operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations to deepen strategic relationships with allies and partners, and to support maritime security and stability.

The strike group is commanded by CSG-2 and comprised of flagship Dwight D. Eisenhower, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 with its nine squadrons, USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 with its guided missile destroyers.

For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our 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. 6th Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Source: United States Navy

The crew of Paul Ignatius is thrilled to be in Cyprus and is looking forward to exploring the beautiful city and island. “We’re all excited to be here in Limassol,” said Ens. Alfred Lin, a sailor onboard the ship. “;We’;ve heard great things about the city and are looking forward to trying
some of the local cuisine and enjoying the various activities available.”

Commanding Officer Cmdr. Corry Lougee expressed his excitement about the port visit. “We’re thrilled to be in Limassol and the crew is looking forward to exploring the city. We’ve planned a range of activities, including visits to local landmarks, cultural events, and recreational activities. Our sailors are excited to experience the rich history and culture of Cyprus and we’re confident that they will have a great time. During its port visit, the crew of Paul Ignatius will have the opportunity to take part in various cultural and recreational activities, including visiting local landmarks such as the Limassol Castle, the Folklore Museum, and the Archeological Museum. They will also have the chance to enjoy water sports and activities at the beach, and take part in cultural events and festivals that showcase the rich history and heritage of Cyprus.

The ship’s arrival in Limassol marks the first time that Paul Ignatius has visited the port city. The port visit is expected to last several days, during which time the crew will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

USS Paul Ignatius, named in honor of Paul Ignatius, a distinguished public servant and World War II Navy veteran who served as the 59th Secretary of the Navy, is equipped with advanced technology and weaponry, enabling it to execute a wide array of missions, including anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare operations. Paul Ignatius is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by the U.S. 6 th Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Source: United States Navy

Ronald Reagan maneuvered alongside U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), surface ships and submarines from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and additional U.S. Navy surface ships. Meanwhile, aircraft from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, U.S. Air Force and embarked Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW 5) flew in formation overhead.

“Today, the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group demonstrated our ability to conduct complex, multi-axis and multi-domain operations with forces from not only across the Indo-Pacific, but across the globe,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander, Carrier Strike Group 5. “Over the coming days, our joint and combined forces will continue to hone our tactics and precise execution of those tactics to increase interoperability and lethality. This exercise expresses the full spectrum of capabilities we can bring to bear in our commitment to global peace and stability.”

In addition to the Ronald Reagan, Carrier Strike Group 5 consists of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Higgins (DDG 76) and USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115).

Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and has been forward deployed since 1979. As the U.S. 7th Fleet’s flagship, it is responsible for patrolling and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific Region.

Joining Carrier Strike Group 5 at the onset of Valiant Shield are the first-in-class JMSDF helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH 183), the Maya-class guided-missile destroyer JS Haguro (DDG 180) and the Taigei-class submarine JS Jingei (SS 515).

Valiant Shield is a biennial, and, for the first time in its history, multinational, joint field training exercise (FTX) focused on integration between U.S. and allied forces. This FTX enables real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking and engaging adversaries at sea, in the air, in space, on land and in cyberspace in response to a range of missions.

“Valiant Shield is an opportunity for the crew of USS Ronald Reagan to demonstrate their warfighting capabilities at scale,” said Capt. Daryle Cardone, commanding officer of Ronald Reagan. “Operating as part of a combined joint force, a team of teams, we value opportunities like this to exercise our ability to our best where it matters most.”

Participants include allied forces and observers, as well as the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

This is the 10th Valiant Shield exercise in the series, which began in 2006.

Ronald Reagan, of Carrier Strike Group 5, is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in persevering a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States Navy

Capt. Tate Robinson will replace Capt. Brandt as commanding officer until a permanent relief arrives. Capt. Brandt will be administratively assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Navy commanding officers are held to high standards of personal and professional conduct. They are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of those standards.

For additional questions, please contact the Naval Surface Force media officer, LT Grace Kording, at grace.kording.mil@us.navy.mil.