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CJTF-HOA Officers Visit USS Shoup

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080611-24
Release Date: 6/11/2008 9:45:00 PM

By Lt.j.g. Chris Gutierrez, USS Shoup Public Affairs

USS SHOUP, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) hosted Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) staff officers from the French Army and Romanian Navy on May 24, while conducting operations in the Gulf of Aden.

The visit gave coalition partners at CJTF-HOA insight into Shoup's capabilities and the assets provided in support of counter-terrorism operations in the maritime areas surrounding the Horn of Africa, explained Shoup's commanding officer, Cmdr. Mike Lehman.

"It is an honor to host our international partners and continue the long-standing history we have of working together to solve these challenges," he said.

French Army officer, Phillipe Taprest and Romanian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dinu-Octavian Serban spent several hours aboard Shoup, and toured Shoup's bridge, Combat Information Center, Engineering Central Control Station and a SH-60B "Saberhawk" helicopter.

Lt. Cmdr. Jason Sherman, officer in charge of Shoup's SH-60B detachment, discussed the capabilities and limitations of Shoup's Aegis Weapon System as well integrating the various sensors in order to maintain an accurate tactical picture.

"It was a great opportunity to interact with our coalition partners and explain what capabilities the HSL-47 Det 2/Shoup team brings to the fight," said Sherman.

Shoup's Combat Systems officer, Lt. Adam Wieder, appreciated the chance to collaborate with the visitors.

"It was a wonderful opportunity to interact with our coalition partners and share new ideas with regards to conducting Maritime Security Operations in the Horn of Africa region," he said.

Serban discussed the similarities and differences between the Romanian and United States navies and said the visit was a great experience.

CJTF-HOA is a multinational task force dedicated to countering the spread of terrorism and supporting legitimate governments in the Horn of Africa region.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.