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International Cooperation Shines at KEFTACEX

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030822-25

Release Date: 8/24/2003 9:30:00 PM

By Ensign Adam Clampitt, KEFTACEX Joint Information Bureau Public Affairs

KEFLAVIK, Iceland (NNS) -- The Keflavik Tactical Exchange (KEFTACEX) is the largest anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise in the Atlantic this year, and it fosters a spirit of cooperation and teamwork as seven NATO allies come together to learn and practice ASW skills.

For the rest of the week, Sailors and aviators from Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States will be in Iceland to show the world that the allies are as close as ever.

"Right now, we're engaged in a war on terrorism, we're still engaged in Iraq, and there have been many allies by our side as we have gone through this," said Rear Adm. John Waickwicz, commander, Fleet Air Keflavik. "When you look at all the exercises canceled throughout the world because of wartime operations, it's a testimony to the governments that want this training and this exercise to take place."

The exercise almost didn't happen this year, because worldwide commitments made it difficult to find a submarine with which the aircraft could train. At the last minute, the French donated a nuclear-powered submarine to the exercise. The submarine is a central part of the training, and it is a big reason NATO countries participate in KEFTACEX each year.

"Canada has a responsibility for surveillance in the North Atlantic, but we don't have our own sub," said Major Illo Nero of the Canadian Navy. "We need to rely on other countries' subs for ASW training."

While KEFTACEX represents the strength of the transatlantic relationship between the governments of the United States and of the NATO allies, it is also a great experience for the participants.

"It's an opportunity to socialize, where you can pass on information informally," said Nero. "To have these countries working together is a unique opportunity for us."

Exercises of the scope and size of KEFTACEX are unique in the ASW realm.

"Normally, there are only two countries operating together. We never really see it on this scale anywhere in the North Atlantic," said Lt. Jason Darish, KEFTACEX project officer. "Working with other countries is easy, because we all have a common goal," said Darish, "but we do have subtle differences in our operating procedures, and we see this as an opportunity to learn from each other."

Having many aircraft from numerous countries also gives the crews time to learn about each others' aircraft. Some participants may even have the opportunity to fly with their international counterparts.

"Just to be able to say I've been flying with the French (in the ATL3 Atlantique Maritime Patrol Aircraft) is something exciting," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class (AW/AC) Bart Allgeier from Reserve Patrol Squadron (VP) 66.

When flight operations and submarine tracking conclude, the information exchange begins. The allied crews come together and discuss their successes and failures.

"At the end of the exercise, we debrief with all participating crews, so we can gather a list of lessons learned from the entire week," said Lt. Cmdr. Jelmer Korfmaker of the Dutch Navy.

KEFTACEX is living up to expectations for all those involved.

"We do not see many ASW crews from other countries, so this is an excellent opportunity to meet them, to talk with them, and to fight with them," said Korfmaker.