• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

USS Nashville Sails into Barbary Thunder Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050628-06
Release Date: 6/28/2005 11:58:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class Sean Spratt, Commander, Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- The amphibious transport ship USS Nashville (LPD 13) joined with allied forces from Britain, Spain, France, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria in joint exercise Barbary Thunder.

The exercise is designed to give the U.S. and allied forces an opportunity to train together and develop productive relationships through diverse maritime training scenarios. It also focuses on developing the collective proficiencies of maritime multinational interoperability, information sharing and promoting friendship.

“It is a great opportunity for us and for all the other countries involved,” said Capt. Donna M. Looney, commander, Task Force 64. “Seeing Navy and Marine Corps professionals from the participating North African countries and NATO countries share their knowledge, ideas, expertise and experience has proven to me that this exercise is tremendously valuable.”

With Nashville as the command ship, the team has coordinated training evolutions to include helicopter operations, search and rescue (SAR) scenarios, maritime interdiction operations, maritime maneuvering, communication exercises and liaison officer exchanges.

“Nashville is out here because the Fleet Response Plan has allowed us to get trained more quickly than normal,” said Capt. Dennis Watson, Nashville commanding officer. “It has been great training for us so far. We went through the basic phase of working with other ships in preparation for this exercise.”

Regional U.S. Navy leaders also point out the benefits of these types of exercises towards enhances security.

"Exercises like Barbary Thunder enable us to be better
prepared to pursue productive theater security cooperation efforts that foster mutual commitments to regional stability, advance multinational interoperability and deter potential adversaries ... all invaluable contributions to the international fight against terrorism," said Vice Adm. J. Boomer Stufflebeem, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.

Nashville’s participation also corresponds with the Navy’s Global War on Terrorism Surge 05. The surge is a demonstration of the Navy’s ability to prepare and provide support to the strategic, regional engagement and operational requirements of combatant commanders.

Delivering scalable naval power and the specific forces necessary to accomplish the mission are all integral parts of the U.S. Navy’s support for the war on terror.