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Naval Exercise Strengthens Regional Partnership

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080508-21
Release Date: 5/8/2008 3:44:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class J.T. Bolestridge, George Washington Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS FARRAGUT, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99), a component of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, completed navy-to-navy exercises with Uruguayan forces, May 6, along the Atlantic Coast of South America.

The day-long evolution included fast reaction drills, tactical maneuvers, communication exercises and helicopter landing qualifications.

Cmdr. Robert Rafford, Commander, Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 40 chief staff officer, said the exercises were designed to build relationships between partner nations.

"These scenarios with the Uruguayan Navy addresses key aspects of multinational operations that are vital for us to successfully complete our mission as we move into the 21st century," said Rafford. "Only by working and communicating with our partner nations, can we hope to have the relationships and trust needed in the event of a crisis requiring a multinational effort. We conduct these operations not to train other navies, but to work together and learn from each other."

Today's regional challenges require cooperative solutions. George Washington Carrier Strike Group's Commander, Rear Adm. Philip H. Cullom, stressed that maritime partnerships contribute to the security and stability of our hemisphere.

"Information sharing at sea is the glue that keeps our nations together versus threats such as piracy, smuggling and even fishery violations," Cullom said.
"The work and communication it takes to know who is where and who is doing what while trying to problem solve, helps form the relationships necessary to forge the way forward with our international counterparts."

The at-sea operations with the Uruguayan Navy kicked off a four day Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) visit that Farragut is conducting in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Other events planned include community relations projects such as helping to repair the Maruja Boys' Home, a local boys' orphanage, as well as painting a senior citizens' home.

Subject-matter-expert exchanges will facilitate learning on topics such as small boat engine repair, naval weaponry, and maritime interdiction operations (MIO), while providing cross deck opportunities for both crews.

For more news from USS George Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.