• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Naval Reservists Play Key Roles in Exercise UFL 2003

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030910-12

Release Date: 9/11/2003 7:46:00 AM

By Lt. Keith Taylor, Exercise Ulchi Focus Lens Public Affairs

REPUBLIC OF KOREA (NNS) -- Naval Reservists from around the nation showcased their skills, expertise and teamwork while participating in the largest annual computerized command and control military exercise in the world, Exercise Ulchi Focus Lens (UFL) 2003. The exercise, now in its 27th year, was held in South Korea in late August.

Naval Reservists performed key roles, such as harbor defense, military-sealift operations, naval coordination and protection of shipping, and command and control operations. Several Reservists aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) were instrumental in the success of the exercise.

UFL is an annual exercise undertaken by Republic of Korea (ROK) and U.S. Combined Forces Command, and is designed to evaluate and enhance the capability of repelling a potential attack from North Korea.

"The U.S.-South Korea team performs this exercise annually to make sure that we maintain combat readiness in the event of North Korean aggression on the peninsula. We train hard to ensure that we perform well if called to active duty," said Capt. Ted Miller, commanding officer of Naval Coordination and Protection of Shipping (NCAPS) Det. G in Portland, Ore. Among the 14,500 U.S. personnel participating in the exercise was Electronics Technician 2nd Class Bob Price, a Reservist from NCAPS Det. A in Houston.

"It was really a unique experience, working in a joint-exercise environment with the ROK and United States Forces Korea. The teamwork is critical, and I look forward to learning even more next year," said Price.

Cmdr. Craig Yamashita of Military Sealift Command (MSC) Det. 218 in Kansas City, Mo., said, "This exercise shows the importance of keeping the sea lanes open for the resupply of our troops in the field. MSC plays a substantial role in providing the logistical support necessary to maintain combat operations until the enemy is defeated."

"No one knows what the future holds, but we must work closely with our allies in exercises like UFL, so that we remain militarily strong and highly proficient to protect U.S. interests in the region," said Miller.