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PE09 Members Conduct Damage Control Training Aboard the ITS Cigala Fulgosi

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090501-23
Release Date: 5/1/2009 3:54:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Jenniffer Rivera, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe -U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

SOUDA BAY, Greece (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines from Turkey, Spain, and the United States attended damage control training hosted by Italian Marines aboard Italian vessel ITS Cigala Fulgosi April 29 as part of Phoenix Express.

The training included a damage control workshop, a tour of the ship and its systems, a fire simulation, and a brief where all the participants were able to exchange knowledge and ideas.

"It was interesting to see the similarities and the differences," said Spanish Navy Seaman Teodoro Fernandez Egea. "The overall objective is the same so the training was very effective."

The hour-long training allowed observers to witness the step-by-step procedures Italian Marines follow when there is fire emergency on board the ship.

"This particular exercise is an important aspect of the overall training mission, it allows us to help improve our capabilities and strengthen regional maritime safety," said the ship's Chief Engineer, Italian Navy Lt. Luigi Manfreda.

While in port. Members of PE09's combined maritime forces also trained at the North American Treaty Organization's Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center and aboard the Greek training vessel, ARIS.

"This type of training is great because it presents an opportunity to see the differences and similarities between navies," said Manfreda. "Phoenix Express also allows the countries involved to pass on knowledge about damage control and firefighting which is important because it affects every military member."

PE09 expects to begin the at-sea portion May 4 where events will focus on maritime domain awareness and will include interaction between forces afloat and a maritime operation center ashore.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe -U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur.