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War Game Stresses Importance of Coordination In Maritime Security, Defense

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090505-04
Release Date: 5/5/2009 5:19:00 AM

By Lt. Sarah C. Higgins, U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The 2009 Maritime Homeland Security / Maritime Homeland Defense (MHS/MHD) War Game concluded on April 24 after four days of exercising command and control efforts at the Naval War College.

The annual war game examines decision making in a maritime headquarters setting by creating 'what if' scenarios to which operators must adjust and solve.

"We are expanding in this hemisphere," said Gen. Victor E. Renuart, Jr., commander North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, during his keynote remarks. "MHD has a much broader implication, it goes from literally South America all the way to the Arctic."

A testament to that expansion was the diverse group of participants at the war game. Jointly sponsored by U.S. Fleet Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area and Canada Command, the war game included members of the Mexican Navy for the first time.

Two Mexican navy officers from the Mexican Naval War College observed a variety of plenary meetings and game play throughout the event.

This multinational approach to MHS/MHD "bodes well for our future, but we can't let our guard down," said Renuart. "Canada fully understands the need to integrate and Mexico is eager to grow in our relationship."

Approximately 150 people participated in this year's war game. Participants dealt with various hypothetical scenarios including security threats at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, civilian container ships in distress due to radiation poisoning of crews, and hostile maritime stand-offs in the Arctic and Caribbean.

"The MHD mission is important to every member of Fleet Forces' staff," said Rear Adm. Dennis FitzPatrick, director, Joint Operations Division, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. "MHD is how we protect our families, our backyards, neighbors, schools, and our churches. Protecting the homeland is our most personal mission. This war game was a big success and something for us to build on in our coordination efforts with partner organizations and nations."