FRUKUS 2012 Conducts Security Exercises, Strengthens Partnerships

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120629-11
6/29/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stephen Oleksiak, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

BALTIC SEA (NNS) -- The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 featured at-sea force protection exercises, June 28.

French naval vessel De Grasse (D612), Russian naval vessel Yaroslav Mudriy (727), British naval vessel HMS York (90), and the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), kicked off the days' training with a simulated small-boat attack.

Training also included live-fire weapons exercises and the firing of each ship's larger weapons.

"Another essential part to promoting peace and security throughout a region is that we and our partner nations need to be able to work together and stand tall to deter an enemy threat," said Capt. Kevin Hill, USS Normandy commanding officer. "With these security exercises, we showed that we are more than capable of coming together to stand up for freedom and democracy in a way that says we stand united. We will continue to ensure that the waters of the world are secure and free of oppression."

During the training, each ship took turns firing at floating targets including a large, red inflatable target known as the "killer tomato," which was used for the smaller weapons systems. Near the end of the evolution, each ship its larger weapons at a second larger floating target that was two-miles from the group.

"In order to maintain a secure and crime-free region, we need to be able to work with our partners to discourage illicit actions," said Chief Gunner's Mate Brian Swain, USS Normandy Weapons department leading chief petty officer. "A good show of teamwork and capability says that we and our Baltic partners mean to keep the seas peaceful and protected, and we can work together well from great distances."

FRUKUS is an annual exercise aimed at improving maritime security through an open dialogue and increased training between the navies of France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.