GW Carrier Strike Group Completes Bilateral Exercises with Colombia
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060513-04
Release Date: 5/13/2006 10:29:00 PM
By Chief Journalist (SW/AW/IUSS) Henry W. Rice, USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted members from the Colombian military and the U.S. mission to Colombia May 11-12 during “Partnership of the Americas.”
The purpose of the visit was to conduct bilateral training with the Colombian military, and provide the guests with an orientation for operations at sea on both an aircraft carrier and surface combatants.
Commander, Colombian navy, Adm. Mauricio Alfonso Soto was joined by U.S. Ambassador to Colombia William Wood and other military and state department officials during the overnight embark on GW.
The embark was a scheduled event of “Partnership of the Americas,” a U.S. Southern Command sponsored deployment of exercises and port visits designed to strengthen ties with Latin American countries around the Caribbean Sea.
“The interaction and operations we have had with the Colombian navy has been unprecedented,” said Capt. Garry R. White, GW commanding officer. “We have had an extremely productive bilateral exercise with our Columbian allies that was of great benefit to both countries. We look forward to building and expanding upon the solid base of interoperability that has been established with Colombia, and all the countries in this region.”
During their visit, Soto was given a general tour of GW and witnessed some of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group’s (GWCSG) capabilities. There was an air power demonstration performed by aircraft from GW’s embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17.
After watching the demonstration from the flight deck, the guests joined Rear Adm. Joseph Kilkenny, the commander of GWCSG, on the flag bridge to watch as ships assigned to the strike group came close to GW for a sea power demonstration. USS Monterey (CG 61) and USS Underwood (FF 36), both ships of GWCSG and Destroyer Squadron 40, were operating with GW and ships of the Colombian navy during the bilateral exercises. Two Colombian ships, ARC Antioquia (FM 53) and ARC Republica Colombia Caldas (FM 52), which were participating in the bilateral exercises, also pulled along side GW for the sea power demonstration and a pass in review of GW.
“Working with the Colombian navy the last couple of days has been beneficial for both parties,” said Kilkenny. “Even after such a short bilateral interaction, we feel comfortable with Colombia’s capabilities. Their Navy is extremely professional and proficient. They are great sailors, and we are glad to have them as allies.”
Soto was also aboard for a fast rope exercise on GW’s flight deck, and an air defense exercise that the Colombian navy and air force took part in with GWCSG assets. The aircraft from CVW-17 squadrons Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, VFA-81, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, and Sea Control Squadron (VS) 22, participated in the air defense exercise with the KFIR, Mirage V and A-37 aircraft from the Colombian air force.
After his 25-hour visit aboard GW, Soto said he was satisfied with the bilateral exercises and grateful for the opportunity to work with the U.S. Navy.
“On behalf of the Colombian navy, I would like to say thank you for this opportunity to work with not only the U.S. Navy, but with the greatest ship in their fleet,” he said.
GWCSG, which includes GW, Monterey, Underwood and USS Stout (DDG 55), has been participating in “Partnership of the Americas” since early April. During their time in the Caribbean, the ships have conducted unit-level training, bilateral exercises, counter-narcotic interdiction operations and community relations projects throughout the region. All the ships are scheduled to return to their homeports later this spring.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
