Navy, Coast Guard Ships Participate in Exercise Aman

American Forces Press Service

March 9, 2009 - U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell left Karachi, Pakistan, today after a four-day port visit to participate in the international naval exercise Aman 2009, marking the first time a U.S. ship has pulled into Pakistan since May. The 10-day exercise, which began March 5, focuses on air, surface and maritime security training. It includes representatives from 38 countries, as well as ships from 11 nations that include the United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan and Australia. The at-sea portion of the exercise is being conducted primarily in the North Arabian Sea, off the coast of Pakistan.

"This exercise provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to work together and train across the spectrum of naval disciplines," Navy Capt. Rick Williams, director of the U.S. 5th Fleet Maritime Operations Center, said. "Aman 2009 will improve the interoperability and tactical proficiency between coalition nations, and enhance our navies' effectiveness in supporting maritime security objectives."

U.S. ships participating in the exercise include Boutwell, USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Lake Champlain, all assigned to the U.S. 5th Fleet.

During the exercise, ships will conduct surface exercises, air-defense training, explosive ordnance disposal exercises, and also will participate in foreign officer exchanges. The exercise is designed to improve maritime security in the region, strengthen international partnerships and highlight the importance of maritime cooperation, officials said.

Maritime security operations enhance stability in the maritime environment, which promotes global prosperity, officials noted. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or illicit material.

(From a U.S. Naval Forces Central Command news release.)