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Task Force 76 Assets to Conduct RSOI/FE in ROK

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060328-08
Release Date: 3/28/2006 3:41:00 PM

From Task Force 76 Public Affairs

USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- Ships and units of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 76 and embarked elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) March 24 to conduct Reception, Staging, Onward-Movement and Integration (RSOI) and Foal Eagle (FE) 2006.

RSOI/FE is one of two annual command post exercises (CPX) held by U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and conducted with the ROK armed forces. RSOI/FE 06 is designed to improve the command's ability to defend the ROK and include a full range of equipment, capabilities and personnel. This year’s exercise will mark the 45th Foal Eagle exercise and the fifth time it’s been combined with RSOI.

Task Force 76 ships involved include ships of the Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready (ARG) consisting of USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Juneau (LPD 10) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 43), along with forward deployed mine sweepers USS Guardian (MCM 5) and USS Patriot (MCM 7). All ships are based in Sasebo, Japan.

“This exercise demonstrates our commitment to the ROK/U.S. alliance and enhances our readiness and interoperability by conducting combined and joint training,” said Capt. Mark E. Donahue, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11, Task Group Commander of the Forward Deployed ARG.

Similar to all Combined Forces Command (CFC) exercises, the week-long RSOI/FE 06 is defense oriented and designed to enhance readiness and ability to defend the ROK against external aggression.

RSOI focuses on initial operational flow of deployed forces to Korean Theater of Opearations (KTO): receiving military unit in Korea (reception); connecting unit with their equipment once in country (staging); moving them into their respective strategic position within the peninsula (onward movement); integrating newly arrived forces with the forces that are already here (integration).

Held concurrently with RSOI and linked with Foal Eagle is a joint and combined field training exercise (FTX) conducted by CFC/USFK components focused on ground maneuver, air, naval, expeditionary and special operations.

“This essential weeklong exercise will train and hone the ROK/U.S. combined forces and provide for a stronger partnership in supporting the mutual defense treaty,” said Donahue.

Task Force 76 is the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force, headquartered in White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.