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Cowpens, Russian Navy Demonstrate HA/DR Capability

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060408-02
Release Date: 4/8/2006 10:43:00 PM

By Ensign Victoria Tacconelli, USS Cowpens Public Affairs

USS COWPENS (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruisers USS Cowpens (CG 63) and Pearl Harbor-based USS Chosin (CG 65) completed a multinational exercise March 31 with Russian Federation Navy ships RFN Marshal Shaposhnikov (DD 643), RFN Nikolay Korsakov (LST 077), RFN Pechenga (AOR 244) and the ocean-going tug RFN SB-522 (ATA).

The exercise, held off the coast of Guam, followed the Russian ships’ port visit to Guam March 27–30. The exercise focused on demonstrating the interoperability of U.S. and Russian forces for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR).

While in port, Sailors from both navies participated in several social and athletic events, such as soccer and volleyball games. In preparation for the exercise, they also conducted training for HA/DR operations.

After getting underway March 31, units from both navies participated in a personnel exchange and several basic seamanship exercises, including maneuvering and communication drills as well as helicopter operations.
Through establishing several different lines of communication such as line-of-sight radio circuits and semaphore (visual flag signals between ships), the U.S. and Russian navies demonstrated the ability to synchronize future multinational efforts.

“It was a rare and valuable opportunity to establish and maintain radio circuits with our Russian friends. In the event of future joint relief efforts, we’ll be better prepared to communicate effectively,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Michael Wisniewski, of Adrian, Mich.

The exercise culminated with Cowpens, Chosin, Marshal Shaposhnikov, Pechenga and U.S. and Russian helicopters reacting to a simulated disaster. Using remote landing sites on Guam, the ship and helicopters moved medical personnel and humanitarian assistance supplies ashore.

Capt. John Sorce, commanding officer of Cowpens, judged the exercise a success and explained why exercises such as this one are essential for the Navy.

“The success of the exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of a multinational force operating in unison in response to natural disasters around the globe," he said. "As the variety and complexity of potential operations continues to expand for the military, it becomes more critical that U.S. Navy ships prepare to operate as part of a multinational force.”

Cowpens is assigned to Carrier Strike Group 5 and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan.