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Algerian, Moroccan, Spanish, U.S. Navies Celebrate Success on Mohammed V

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060614-05
Release Date: 6/14/2006 12:44:00 PM

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

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- North African, European and U.S. navies celebrated the success of exercise Phoenix Express 2006 aboard a Moroccan frigate June 12 in Cadiz, Spain.

The commanding officers of Algerian corvette El Kirch, Spanish patrol craft Infanta Elena, U.S. frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56) and U.S. amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2) greeted each other enthusiastically at a reception aboard Mohammed V following a nine-day at-sea period focusing on improving interoperability and increasing maritime domain awareness (MDA).

“Phoenix Express has been a wonderful opportunity to work with other navies and expose our Sailors to the expertise, professionalism, and operational capabilities of our friends,” said Lt. Bridget O’Loughlin, operations department division officer for Commander, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 8.

During the in-port reception, nine liaison officers visited again with the officers from their hosting ship during the at-sea portion of the exercise. Six liaison officers, representing Algeria, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia, worked in an operational center aboard Saipan, and one U.S. officer was assigned to each participating ship.

Lt. Zachary McNeill, hangar deck officer on Saipan, was a liaison officer embarked on Moroccan frigate Mohammed V during Phoenix Express. He pointed out his favorite foods to his U.S. peers, explaining the flavor and texture of the food he enjoyed during his exchange.

“The food served to me during the nine days was nothing short of amazing, especially the Moroccan tea. It is probably the best tea in the world,” McNeill said.

Saipan’s Lt. j.g. Matthew Hook sailed with Algerian corvette El Kirch for the exercise. He said the Algerians have extraordinary food also and remarked that dinner was eaten at 9:30 p.m. each evening. He enjoyed the generous hospitality of the Algerians, who told him, “We have a small ship, but we have big hearts,” Hook said.

Toward the end of the reception, commanding officers exchanged gifts and remarked on their satisfaction with Phoenix Express 2006, and their desire to continue working together in combined exercises to increase interoperability and continue strengthening emerging regional partnerships.

For related news, visit the Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8 Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/phibron8/.