Multiple Nations Participate in SEASWITI 10-3

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Daniel Gay, Naval Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Southeast

June 9, 2010 - ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Ships from various regions of the world gathered off the eastern coast of Florida to participate in the Southeast Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Integration Training Initiative (SEASWITI) exercise 10-3 held June 4-9.

Capt. Aaron Jacobs, commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 24 and his staff embarked USS Mahan (DDG 72) to coordinate and execute the training exercise.

Ships from different countries including the U.S., the United Kingdom and Peru were involved in the weeklong exercise. The overall mission of SEASWITI was to provide a learning forum in the Southeast region to enhance the effectiveness and quality of anti-submarine warfare training by coordinating assets, knowledge and technology.

"SEASWITI is exactly what it sounds like," said Lt. Matthew Maples, DESRON 24's submarine operations officer. "It is a weeklong coordinated multi-platform ASW exercise which also incorporates non-ASW events such as gunnery exercises, counter piracy and more. The main goal of SEASWITI is to increase ASW readiness and proficiency throughout the fleet, helping to ensure that we are ready to counter any threats, should they arise."

During the week, ships from three different nations worked together to perform ASW and other warfare tasks, including having a chance to spot and track real submarines.

"This is a very valuable training opportunity that allows our Sailors to get a chance to work with the real thing," said Cmdr. Kurt Mondlak, Mahan's commanding officer. "This training is better than just looking at pictures because you have different properties involved when you track a real sub."

The lookouts involved in the training were also satisfied with the realism.

"If I was standing a watch and a situation like this came up, I would feel more confident in my ability to know what to do and how to do it thanks to this training," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Robert Dannheim.

Although SEASWITI incorporated many areas of warfare, its primary focus was on ASW, and the sonar control room of Mahan was a very busy place during the exercise.

"I think this type of training is very effective," said Sonar Technician 2nd Class (SW/SS) Thomas Smith. "This method of training is great because of how in-depth it is, we are out here working with other ships, including ships from other countries, we have actual submarines out there and we are getting to work with all of them."

Maples said that the importance of SEASWITI should not be downplayed.

"This particular exercise is of great importance because it benefits the Navy on multiple levels. Not only are the U.S. ships getting several days of multi-platform ASW training, but they are getting the chance to interact with other NATO forces to include British ships and helos as well as Canadian P-3 aircraft," said Maples.

Jacobs explained the importance of the SEASWITI training.

"SEASWITI provides valuable training in a realistic environment for ships, submarines and aircraft. Conducting focused undersea warfare operations training ensures the U.S. Navy along with our allied and multinational partners continue to develop and refine the tactics, techniques and procedures that are necessary to control the maritime domain in light of an ever increasing worldwide submarine threat," Jacobs said.

During this training, the Navy also worked with marine biologists from different agencies.

"On this SEASWITI we have four civilian marine mammal observers aboard Mahan who are conducting observations on the impact of our active sonar training on the local marine life. This observation is important because it helps us better plan our events and procedures to ensure minimum impact to marine life," said Maples.

Jacobs also commented on the Navy's dedication to protecting the marine ecosystem.

"The U.S. Navy and Destroyer Squadron 24 are committed to preserving the environment and protecting Marine Mammals," explained Jacobs. "U.S. Navy policies to mitigate any interference or harm to the environment and Marine Mammals are always fully considered throughout the planning process and utilized in the conduct of each exercise event."

While SEASWITI 10-3 has come to an end, the chances to participate and train are not over.

"SEASWITI is a training event that usually occurs three times a year with a specific reason," said Maples. "Training programs and simulators help us train efficiently and with less overall expense, but there is no replacement for real-world training against a live target."

In addition to Mahan, units that participated in SEASWITI 10-3 were USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49), USS Carr (FFG 52), USS Barry (DDG 52), USNS Leroy Gruman (T-AO 195), HMS Ark Royal, HMS Liverpool, HMS Sutherland, RFA Fort George and The Peruvian submarine BAP Angamos. U.S. and Canadian P-3s contributed to ASW operations as well as SH-60Rs from Bradley and HSM 70.