O'Bannon Completes Multinational ASW Exercise
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS030610-37
Release Date: 6/10/2003 1:01:00 PM
By Lt. j.g. Ligia Cohen, Commander, U.S. Naval Force Southern Command Public Affairs
CALLAO, Peru (NNS) -- USS O'Bannon (DD 987), Patrol Squadron (VP) 45, Fleet Composite Squadron (VC) 6, and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 46 completed Silent Forces Exercise (SIFOREX) June 10.
SIFOREX is an annual anti-submarine warfare (ASW) intensive training exercise hosted by the Peruvian Navy. This year's three-day exercise also included participation by five Peruvian warships, three submarines, fixed/rotary wing aircraft and a French frigate.
This is the third time U.S. naval forces have joined their Peruvian counterparts in the planning and execution of SIFOREX. The stealth and expertise of the Peruvian submariners provide a rare training opportunity for U.S. Navy forces to engage multiple diesel-electric submarines participating in the exercise.
SIFOREX provided U.S. Navy participants a unique opportunity to operate in the Southern Pacific with both coalition and NATO forces. Multinational naval exercises like SIFOREX increase readiness while developing interoperability and promoting cooperation between the U.S. Navy and its allies.
O'Bannon, with the embarked HSL-46 detachment 5, is currently on a routine deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command area of responsibility. VP-45 is homeported in Brunswick, Maine.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
