Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United States Navy

Information and intelligence sharing throughout the five zones of the Yaoundé Code is crucial to the Code’s success in ensuring regional maritime security and stability. Through exercises like Obangame Express, partner nations leverage maritime infrastructure, assigned forces, and technological advancements and innovations to provide a maritime picture that can be easily understood across national and regional boundaries. Key to this understanding is the use of a program called SeaVision.

“SeaVision is the U.S. Navy’s unclassified, web-based maritime situational awareness tool that enables African partners to view and share maritime information to improve operations, increase security, and build partnerships within the maritime community,” said Alvin Yu, a Maritime Intelligence System professional at Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific. “It allows for MOC [Maritime Operations Center] to MOC chat and file sharing and enables national and regional communication.”

Initially developed with African partners by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center in partnership with U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF), SeaVision has been in use in this area for years. It remains an integral component of the NAVAF-facilitated Express series of exercises, as well as daily operations in Africa’s maritime domain.

SeaVision is not only used in Africa, though. Since its inception, SeaVision’s use throughout the world’s oceans and waterways has continued to grow at a blistering pace. It is now used by over 100 countries, including all of this year’s Obangame Express participants. The program remains the primary maritime domain awareness (MDA) tool for collaboration and communication due to its accessibility, ease of use, and collective capability.

“SeaVision enhances MDA by visualizing vessel movement on a common operating picture in near real time,” said Yu. “Monitoring of commercial vessels via the automated identification system (AIS) and vessel detection from satellite imagery increases effective understanding of the maritime domain.”

To spur further developments in SeaVision use and overall MDA efforts by partner and allied nations, Yu and other members of the Obangame Express SeaVision planning team have focused their efforts this year on transitioning partners from operators to analysts, empowering them to use analytical functions within the system itself. This enables end users to see beyond mere dots on the map to analyze information and generate intelligence, according to Yu. Further, the addition of satellite electro-imagery in this year’s iteration of the exercise helps detect “dark” vessels, or those not transmitting on AIS.

The SeaVision output is only as good as the sensor input, though. During Obangame Express 2024, partner and ally surface units across Western Africa will feed information and intelligence into the program, boosting collective awareness and understanding of the critical waterways of Western Africa. This information, once received in partner MOCs, can then be communicated throughout the region via the Yaoundé Code, providing a foundation for shared analysis, prosecution, and, if needed, response.

Multiple partners, from Africa and abroad, providing tracks and targets from their organic surface platforms to a common maritime picture is an unmatched capability Obangame Express brings to the region. As partners and allies continue to bring new and innovative technologies into the fold, the utility and capability of the SeaVision program will only continue to expand.

“Obangame Express exercises African partners on effectively using SeaVision to address illicit maritime activities in their exclusive economic zones. For this exercise, success for SeaVision is enhancing that MOC communication and information sharing in a variety of unique and challenging scenarios,” Yu concluded.

During exercise Obangame Express 2024, the 13th iteration of the exercise, partner and ally forces collaborate to enhance collective maritime law enforcement capabilities, bolster national and regional security in West Africa, and foster greater interoperability among U.S., African, and multinational partners. The U.S. routinely exercises with our partners in Africa to build enduring relationships and combined capacity to ensure the safety and security of the regional maritime environment.

For more information on Obangame Express, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/obangameexpress2024 or https://twitter.com/usnavyEurope/. Please direct any questions or requests to cne_cna_c6fpao@us.navy.mil.

Source: United States Navy

“COMPTUEX is a challenging multi-warfare training opportunity for our team,” said Cole’s Commanding Officer Cmdr. Tim Clark. “Our crew is well trained, and ready for tasking. I am confident that we will meet and exceed all challenges put in front of us.”

COMPTUEXs brings Navy and Joint force trainers and capability together to exercise integrated warfighting at a high level. The exercise represents the Department of the Navy’s commitment to deliver highly-capable, integrated naval forces to deter adversaries, reassure allies, secure the free flow of trade and commerce, and enable U.S. diplomatic engagement.

“The U.S. Navy sails into harm’s way,” Rear Adm. Max McCoy, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4. “We take our training mission very seriously, and we put USS Cole through the most complex training environment to date. Our goal is to build fighting units that think rapidly, operate at the highest readiness level, and integrate with the joint force, partners, and allies to achieve mission when tasked. It is an imperative that our Sailors are ready to fight.”

COMPTUEXs are the joint force’s premiere, multi-domain integrated warfighting exercise, and are a key element of CSG 4’s mission to train, mentor, and assess carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, and independent deployers for global combat against peer competitors.

“All throughout our preparation for deployment, we’ve been plugged into what our friends and shipmates in U.S. Fifth Fleet and Sixth Fleet have been doing, and we’re grateful for the lessons they’ve shared with us,” said Clark. “We also know that the adversary is always evolving, and so we too must learn and adapt at a more rapid pace than they do. While we know challenges lie over the horizon, we are confident that the high end training during COMPTUEX prepared us for what we may see in combat.”

The exercise made full use of Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training to prepare for complex operations. The Navy and Joint Force developed an integrated LVC training environment that enables the services to execute high-end training earlier, using synthetic tools while operating live tactical systems. LVC also allows the force to rapidly explore and develop new multi-domain tactics with near real-time, continuous feedback.

COMPTUEX fostered teamwork among the crew, highlighted ship interoperability with other units, and demonstrate mastery of integrating with warfare commanders. The Cole team completed a variety of events such as live-fire exercises; straits transits; maritime security exercises; multiple opportunities to exercise air, surface, and anti-submarine warfare skills; electronic attack scenarios; flight operations; underway replenishments; visit, board, search and seizure training; damage control training; and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) engagements.

“I was very proud of our crew, and their families and friends can take pride in their Sailors on this ship,” said Command Master Chief Karyn Sigurdsson. “Throughout every challenge they faced during the exercise, they lived up to the spirit and legacy of our ship and our Navy.”

Once certified for deployment, Cole will be worldwide assignable in support of numbered fleet command and combatant commander requirements.

For more information about USS Cole (DDG 67), head to their official webpage at https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/ddg67 or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DDG67).

Source: United States Navy

The Wasp (WSP) ARG-24th MEU are underway completing the final training and certification event prior to a scheduled deployment – Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). They are the first ARG to train with two new medical capabilities: the En-Route Care System (ERCS) and the Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System (ERSS). Both are designed to improve the survivability of personnel across the full spectrum of care, regardless of ship or environment, and may be activated during the 2024 ARG/MEU deployment.

Within the WSP ARG, both ERCS and ERSS are led by Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 4, an embarked medical command-and-control element that delivers care on demand in combat and non-combat situations.

FST 4 is a team of 18 officers and enlisted personnel who provide medical care across the WSP ARG-24th MEU. Specifically, they provide damage control surgery, meaning they can take a patient who is critically injured and stabilize them onboard the USS WASP until they are moved to a facility with more specialized care, such as a shore-based hospital.

“The biggest reason we brought these programs into play is to make [expeditionary medical care] more effective,” said Cmdr. John Saenz, the Officer In Charge of FST 4. “The ERSS is capable of going ashore anywhere, or afloat on any platform; while the ERCS is capable of stabilizing patients with special training and equipment from the point of injury to the ship via helicopter – something that FST 4 didn’t previously have the capability to do without limiting our own capabilities on our medical teams.”

ERCS provides a ready, rapidly deployable and combat effective medical force, consisting of a two-person team with mobile equipment that supports medical care for up to two critically injured or ill patients. They can provide medical care for up to eight hours and can transport patients via a variety of means, such as: rotary wing air craft, tiltrotor aircraft, landing cushion air craft (LCAC), rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), and ground transport.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Elisha Rodgers is a trained Search and Rescue Medical Technician on the ERCS team training with FST 4 aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), the flagship of the WSP ARG-24th MEU. “The En-Route Care System is still in its infancy,” said Rodgers. “Our goal is trying to network with our Sailors and Marines, in order for them to know [members of the ERCS team] are trained and highly capable people who are ready to respond if something happens.”

The first ERCS deployed with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of the currently deployed Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG). Despite the protocols existing for more than a decade, ERCS was only recently implemented as a program of record. Working within the ARG-MEU construct will provide new challenges for the team, but it is a natural and needed step in making Navy expeditionary and afloat medicine more capable.

“The reason behind the development of these programs is to better equip the WSP ARG-24th MEU with the capability to move causalities without degrading other teams that are in place, such as the Fleet Surgical Team that is on board,” said Lt. Rebecca Smith, the ERCS critical care nurse assigned to FST 4.

“The goal is for ERCS to be ready for any mission, whether that is pushing forward to provide a more advanced level care closer to point of injury, or providing transport to the next level of care after the casualty has been stabilized on the ship,” said Smith.

Another unique piece of the WSP ARG-24th MEU’s medical readiness is the Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System. The ERSS team, embarked aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21), consists of a seven-person team designed to be scalable and highly mobile. They provide support to missions anywhere and aboard any platform with mobile equipment that supports damage control surgery. In contrast, the ERSS provides damage-control resuscitation and surgery for up to four critically injured or ill patients and six non-critical patients until safe transfer can occur.

Aboard New York, Navy Capt. Sean Conley, the officer in charge of ERSS Alpha, highlights his team’s ability to be flexible no matter what setting they are in.

“We bring subject matter expertise in critical care and prolonged casualty care, “said Conley. “The ability to manage sick or injured patients in remote locations, with limited resources for longer than traditionally intended, is our job.”

The ERSS team aboard New York is a diverse team, including members from various medical commands. Prior to coming aboard New York, they came together for four weeks of training and preparation for anything deployment may throw their way.

“This team is comprised of members from Walter Reed Naval Military Medical Center, Naval Medical Center (NMC) Portsmouth and NMC Camp Lejeune,” explained Conley. “We first came together in January where we spent three weeks out at the [Navy] Trauma Training Center in Los Angeles, followed by a week at the Naval Expeditionary Training Institute at Camp Pendleton. While in LA, we got ‘reps and sets’ on real life trauma patients, and discussed some of the practical aspects and limitations of the equipment and locations we may operate within.”
While Conley admitted he does not know what future tasking may bring, he expressed that his team and their goals will not deviate.

“My three major goals for the team are: One – [to have] a familiarization with the LPD’s mission and medical department, and the ARG-MEU’s mission and capabilities. Two – to determine how and where the ERSS can provide support to those missions; and three – to educate everyone we can on who we are and what the ERSS brings to the table, helping smooth future teams’ integrations and incorporation into mission-planning.”

ERCS and ERSS are both highly capable teams determined to educate the wider Navy and Marine Corps on their capabilities and how they plan to tackle challenges presented to them. These teams are masters in their field, rising to a new standard as they prepare to support the WSP ARG-24th MEU on their upcoming deployment.
As the old phrase says, “train as you fight.” As WSP ARG-24th MEU’s COMPTUEX nears completion, the ERCS and ERSS teams are in their corner, ready to step into the ring.

Wasp and New York are underway in the Atlantic Ocean as part of the WSP ARG-24th MEU completing integrated naval training. For more information on the WSP ARG-24th MEU visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/wasparg24thmeu

The WASP ARG consists of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), Harpers Ferry class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), and embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

The 24th MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with a command element, Aviation Combat Element (Medium Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (reinforced)), Ground Combat Element (Battalion Landing Team 1/8), and Logistics Combat Element (Combat Logistics Battalion 24).

Source: United States Navy

Perry visited the flagship of the Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG) and embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) while the Sailors and Marines were at sea training for a scheduled deployment.

The visit was one in a series of high level visits during the at sea training period. In addition to the fleet commander’s visit, Wasp recently hosted guests from the Senate Appropriations Committee – Defense Sub-Committee and the Offices of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, Personnel and Readiness, and Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation.

“I am extremely impressed by the amount of teamwork and integration I have seen at every level,” said Perry in a 1MC announcement as he addressed the crew.

“The WASP ARG-24th MEU embodies what it means to be a ‘Team of Teams’, and that will be necessary for the deployment operations you have ahead of you.”

While aboard the ship, Perry recognized Sailors and Marines for their contributions to mission and team readiness. He also took the opportunity to see many of the capabilities within the WSP ARG-24th MEU that make the integrated naval force and amphibious warships in such high-demand by fleet and combatant commanders. Highlights of the trip included the well deck and extensive medical facilities.

“You must continue to train and be at your highest level of performance and competitive advantage every day,” said Perry in a group huddle after recognizing Sailors and Marines in the ship’s well deck.

“While you are deployed, you are going to work extensively with our allies and partners, and your mission focus and leadership is critical. You are the men and women who directly support our national priorities and reinforce the rules based order that is critical to U.S. and Allied security.”

During the tour, Perry was able to meet the people at the tactical edge of the Navy’s newest medical capability. The WSP ARG-24th MEU is the first ARG-MEU team to incorporate into integrated training, and certify with ERCS.

Lt. Rebecca Smith, the En-Route Care System (ERCS) critical care nurse assigned to Fleet Surgical Team 4, provided a live demonstration of the system. ERCS consists of a two-person team with mobile equipment that supports medical care for up to two critically injured or ill patients for up to eight hours.

Before departing, Perry delivered inspirational words to the Blue-Green team aboard Wasp. “Your challenge, your charge, your mission, will be to represent our nation’s interests,” he continued. “I am proud of the hard work each of you has put in to getting the ship where it is, and I look forward to seeing you succeed on deployment… Stingers Up, Wasp!”

Wasp is underway in the Atlantic Ocean completing Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) as the flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 and Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) work together with Joint and Allied teammates during COMPTUEXs to mentor, train, and assess ARGs and MEUs in support of U.S. and Allied economic, security, and defense interests.

The WSP ARG consists of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), Harpers Ferry class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Commands embarked across the ARG include Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 22 Det 1, Fleet Surgical Team 4 and the 24th MEU.

The 24th MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with a command element, Aviation Combat Element (Medium Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced)), Ground Combat Element (Battalion Landing Team 1/8), and Logistics Combat Element (Combat Logistics Battalion 24).

For more information on the WSP ARG-24th MEU, visit our feature page on Defense Visual Information Distribution System (https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/wasparg24thmeu)

Source: United States Navy

Carney conducted a brief stop in Norfolk for logistics before returning home to Naval Station Mayport later this month.

“I could not be more proud of what the Carney team has done since September. Called to action on the very first day that you entered the U.S. 5th Fleet, you conducted 51 engagements in 6 months,” said Franchetti. “You saved lives, ensured the free flow of commerce, and stood up for the rules-based international order and all the values that we hold dear. It has been eye-watering to watch, you are truly America’s Warfighting Navy in action.”

Carney was conducting routine operations in U.S. 6th Fleet when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Carney entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations on Oct. 18, ready to conduct operations in support of maritime stability and security in defense of U.S., Allies, and partner interests.

Throughout the ship’s seven-month deployment, Carney successfully destroyed Houthi-launched weapons, including land attack cruise missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and unmanned systems. Additionally, Carney conducted two defensive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, destroying 20 targets, and successfully destroyed one Iranian-launched medium-range ballistic missile.

During her visit to the ship, CNO recognized 14 Sailors for their outstanding achievements while on deployment.

“As Surface Warriors, we train to this. We train to this level of readiness and boldness, with a clear commitment to the warfighting excellence that you all exhibited on the world stage for everyone to see. You did exactly what you were trained to do,” said Franchetti. “It is absolutely wonderful to be onboard today and have the opportunity to welcome you back and give you a great big Bravo Zulu – for a job incredibly well done.”

Carney departed Naval Station Mayport, September 27, 2023, on a scheduled independent deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. While deployed, Carney predominately operated with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, and initially operated with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group upon arrival to the U.S. 6th Fleet.