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Italian Deputy Commander of Multi-National Division-Southeast in Iraq Visits Reagan

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060331-05
3/31/2006

From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Italian Army Brig. Gen. Alessandro Pompegnani, deputy commander of Multi-National Division Southeast (MND SE) in Iraq, visited USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) March 27 to observe flight operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to see maritime security operations in action.

“Forging personal friendships is an important aspect of coalition operations in Iraq,” said Rear Adm. Michael H. Miller, commander of the Reagan Carrier Strike Group. “With the help of our coalition partners, we are continuing to help bring peace and stability to the region.”

During the time aboard, Pompegnani told Reagan’s leadership the ongoing coalition efforts in Iraq are working. He said the support the Reagan Carrier Strike Group provides help.

“What I can tell you,” said Pompegnani, “is that multi-nationality works well. The example that we have, in terms of not only relationship, but particularly the military relationship is very good. We are moving together in the same direction.”

Like Ronald Reagan and other coalition forces conducting maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf, multinational forces work together at Pompegnani’s command in Basra. Multi-National Division (South-East) includes British, Italian, Romanian, Danish, Dutch, Czech and Lithuanian troops. MND-SE operates in the southern most part of the countries including the cities of Basra, An Nasiriyah, As Samawah, Al Amarah.

At sea in the Persian Gulf, the Reagan Carrier Strike Group has supported missions in Iraq since arriving in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations Feb. 18. Aircraft launched from Reagan have also supported troops on the ground in Iraq.

Reagan, the Navy’s newest Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and has conducted maritime security operations (MSO) in the region.

Maritime security operations set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.