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Coalition Commanders Come Together to Build a Strong Force

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060106-09
1/6/2006

By Lt. Lesley Lykins, Expeditionary Strike Group 8

ABOARD USS NASSAU (LHA 4), At Sea (NNS) -- Royal Netherlands Navy Commodore Hank Ort, Commander Task Force (CTF) 150 and a few key members of his staff met with Capt. Martin Allard, Commander, Nassau Strike Group aboard the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Jan. 5 to become better acquainted and familiarize one another with their capabilities.

The two staffs attended briefs discussing the importance of Maritime Security Operations and Coalition efforts to maintain security and stability in the region. The Royal Netherlands Navy officers were then given a tour of the Nassau’s bridge, combat information center, hangar, medical facilities and Landing Craft, Utilities.

“Our mission demonstrates the importance of an international coalition,” said Commodore Ort. “My visit here today has enabled us to get to know each other better and learn more about each others’ capabilities, making us a more effective force.”

The Coalition Forces also worked together in various other training missions throughout the day, including Maritime Counter Terrorism training and Deck Landing Qualifications for their helicopters.

“The visit today was extremely important because not only are you dealing with different languages but different ways of operating. They could tell us one thing and it would mean something completely different to us,” said Lt. Michael Bahar, the Nassau Strike Group’s Staff Judge Advocate General (JAG). “It is just making sure that they understand what we bring to the fight and we understand what their goals and intentions are and we will be able to interpret their goals and orders in a way that suits the overall mission.”

“Additionally, the more you can attach a name to a face the relationship will be a lot smoother and faster. When you are dealing with something where people’s lives are at stake it makes sense to be absolutely certain what people want in order to have a good working relationship,” said Bahar.

Both Commanders stated that they look forward to working with one another and were well prepared to support each other creating an optimal force to prevent terrorist acts and bring stability and security to the region.

“We had an excellent opportunity to meet face to face,” said Capt. Allard. It was great to be able to invite Commodore Ort and members of his staff aboard. They are very dedicated to the mission and this opportunity puts us all on the same page. I definitely look forward to working for him.”

The USS Nassau deployed Nov. 7 from Norfolk, Va., as the flagship for Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 8. The Nassau is currently supporting Maritime Security Operations in the 5th Fleet Area of Operations. MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. MSO complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.