Essex ESG Forms with ROK Ships for Joint ATF
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS070327-23
Release Date: 3/27/2007 5:58:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael A. Lantron and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Adam R. Cole Task Force 76 Public Affairs
USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESXESG) combined forces with amphibious and destroyer ships from the Republic of Korea (ROK) to create a Combined Amphibious Task Force (CATF) and complete a sea transit as a convoy in the waters off the Republic of Korea on March 26-27, as part of Foal Eagle (FE) 2007.
The combined task force demonstrates the joint ability to respond in a timely manner to defend an expeditionary strike group (ESG) against sub-surface, surface and air threats.
The ESXESG, composed of USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Juneau (LPD 10), USS Tortuga (LSD 46), and USS Cowpens (CG 63), rendezvoused with ROK Navy ships to create the amphibious task force (ATF).
Once the transit began, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, working side by side with ROK PHIBRON 53, both embarked aboard Essex, shifted its warfare commander responsibilities to Corvette Squadron 32, an ROK destroyer squadron. This command and control shift was a crucial element as the ATF made the transit, according to PHIBRON 11 staff members.
“In order to shift command and control over to the ROK, everyone needed to be on the same page,” said Lt. j.g. Bradford C. Tonder, assistant action officer for FE 07. “This portion of the exercise was used to see how personnel who don’t normally do this type of maneuver, react to the situation. Everyone performed well to achieve this.”
Throughout the transit, USN PHIBRON 11 and ROK PHIBRON 53 closely monitored the activities, though they played no direct role in the simulated defense. Communication signals were passed continually, language barriers challenged the watchstanders to be attentive in taking the reports from the ships.
PHIBRON 11 staff carefully tracked the geospatial positioning of the ships within the convoy during the transit and made recommendations so all ships stayed on course.
“Because of the numerous ships within the convoy transit, it was a challenge to keep track of each one and make sure we had communications with each one. But with cooperation from our watch team, we communicated effectively and were able to give appropriate inputs so that the ships went in their designated directions,” said Operations Specialist 3rd Class David Vinas, of PHIBRON 11.
After the completed transit and threat defense, PHIBRON 11 and ROK PHIBRON 53 resumed full duties as commanding authority of the ships in the convoy. Another successful command and control shift was accomplished at that time.
The transit not only served as time for training in threat defense but also for planning as the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps works closely with its ROK counterparts in combined amphibious operations that will conclude the exercise.
Embarked ROK PHIBRON 53 staff members have high praises for their U.S. counterparts and foresee positive results for upcoming combined evolutions and beyond, ultimately enhancing the strength of the alliance.
“Our staffs and our navies share a close relationship, which leads to both sound planning and successful execution,” said ROK Capt. Kim Changkuk, commodore PHIBRON 53. “I am confident that we will be satisfied with the end result.”
Regarding the impact of those results, Changkuk said, “The Foal Eagle exercise will enhance both countries operational capability. This annual exercise is a chance to make the alliance between U.S. and the ROK even stronger for years to come.”
ESG 7 / Task Force (CTF) 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
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