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U.S. Marines, Sailors Hone Amphibious Skills, Get Back to Basics

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090401-11
Release Date: 4/1/2009 5:00:00 PM

From III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Exercise Key Resolve, an exercise held annually between the United States and Republic of Korea (ROK), provided U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces, along with ROK Navy and Marine Corps counterparts, the opportunity to rehearse a large-scale amphibious operation March 17.

"The importance of this exercise once again underscores the value and flexibility our naval forces provide to the nation and to our general commanders," said Lt. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). "The Sailors of the U.S. 7th Fleet, the Marines and Sailors of III MEF and our great ROK Navy and Marine Corps partners have clearly demonstrated that we are the only nations and services capable of conducting a combined, joint forcible-entry operation of this scope and magnitude."

During the exercise, the commanders and staffs of the U.S. 7th Fleet and III MEF executed a simulated amphibious landing, taking into account the many variables that a commander must consider when moving a large force from ships to shore.

"A successful amphibious landing is only possible when all the players are on the same page and have a clear understanding of their role in the complex plan," said Maj. Daniel Smith, the ground watch officer for III MEF's command operations center (COC). "All the COC watchstanders need to have a complete understanding of the plan in order to coordinate the efforts of intelligence, maneuver, fires, logistics and communications."

For the majority of the Marines on the III MEF staff, this was the first time they had coordinated such a large-scale plan with the U.S. Navy, the ROK Navy and the ROK Marine Corps.

"Amphibious operations are a critical part of our overall mission to defend the Republic of Korea," said 7th Fleet Commander Vice Adm. John M. Bird, who oversaw both U.S. and ROK Navy forces during the exercise in his role as combined naval component commander.

"Working hand in hand with our Korean and U.S. Marine counterparts, we seek to synchronize all maritime activities in support of the combined landing force by preparing the battle space, moving the Marines safely ashore and supporting them from the sea as they carry out combat operations."

Exercise Key Resolve is defense-oriented and designed to enhance readiness and the ability to defend the ROK against external aggression.