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African, European, U.S. Naval Officers Man Fusion Cell on Saipan

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060605-03
Release Date: 6/5/2006 8:45:00 AM

By Lt. Enid Wilson, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- Naval representatives from five countries are working side by side in the fusion cell on board USS Saipan (LHA 2) while participating in exercise Phoenix Express 2006.

Speaking in English, French, Spanish and Arabic, the Naval Liaison Officers who make up the fusion cell manage to get their message across to one another and effectively solve ship communication challenges in order to accomplish the exercise's objectives.

“We are fostering an environment where mutual sharing of intelligence and operational information will create a common understanding of the maritime picture,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Daniels, Commander, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 8 intelligence officer.

According to Daniels, the fusion cell is using information received from the ship's Automated Identification System (AIS) to locate and identify maritime contacts. One of the objectives of the exercise is to increase familiarization and use of AIS, resulting in increased maritime domain awareness for all nations.

During the nine-day underway portion of the exercise, the fusion cell is manned by officers from participating nations and an observing liaison officer from Tunisia. Each liaison officer has a computer work station assigned, including access to e-mail, the Internet and an AIS picture compiled from the participating ships.

Liaison officers monitor radio transmissions, utilize teletype equipment, and discuss scenario details as the exercise unfolds.

The exercise is conducted in English, and the liaison officers offer clarification and assistance to one another, frequently communicating in their non-native second or third language.

“As time is passing, I have a good ear for the different accents. At the first moment it is very hard, but the accent is more familiar now,” said Sgt. Manuel Vivancos, a Spanish liaison officer.

The Algerian corvette El Kirch, French landing craft Sabre, Moroccan corvette Mohammed V, Spanish corvette SPS Infanta Elena, frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56) and Saipan departed Rota, Spain, June 1 to participate in Phoenix Express.

Capt. Robert W. Bougher, COMPHIBRON 8 and commander, Task Force 64, is commanding Phoenix Express under the direction of Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.