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NAVEUR-NAVAF Sailors Arrive in Israel for Juniper Cobra 2010

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091027-28
Release Date: 10/27/2009 3:54:00 PM

From Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kristopher Regan, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, 6th Fleet Public Affairs

HATZOR AIR FORCE BASE, Israel (NNS) -- Approximately 70 Sailors from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/ 6th Fleet arrived at Hatzor Israeli Air Force Base Oct. 25 in support of exercise Juniper Cobra 2010 (JC10).

The Juniper Cobra exercises have been held every two years since 2001. JC10 is the fifth iteration of this exercise with this year's focus on testing the active missile-defense capabilities of both U.S. and Israeli armed forces.

"Each exercise varies in focus and scope, and this year we are concentrating on combined air defense," said Capt. Mike Martin, U.S. 6th Fleet's chief of staff.

The exercise will be divided into three phases: the first phase will be the deployment of U.S. forces, the second phase will be a simulation of attacks and the third phase will be a live-fire testing of the Patriot system. More than 1,000 U.S. servicemembers from four branches of the military will participate in this year's exercise. In addition to the service members operating around Israel, USS Higgins (DDG 76) will be operating in and around the port of Haifa, Israel.

"Israel is a strong ally of the United States, and I look forward to the next several weeks of working together with our Israeli friends," said Rear Adm. John M. Richardson, commander of JC10's joint task force and deputy commander of U.S. 6th Fleet. "We will advance both the art and science of ballistic missile defense between our two forces and in the end, I am confident we will have a safe and successful Juniper Cobra exercise."

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/.