Senior Naval Officers Seek Improvement in Anti-Submarine Warfare Through Summit

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

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa hosted the first Theater Anti-Submarine Warfare Summit on Naval Support Activity, Naples, April 19.

During the summit, senior naval officers focused their efforts on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) in the European Command area of operation.

ASW uses naval assets such as ships, aircraft and submarines to understand the underwater battle space.

"Globally proliferating undersea warfare technologies, particularly submarines, are a national security concern," said Vice Adm. John M. Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces. "Our undersea superiority and free access to the global commons is at risk if we don't maintain our edge with the best people, training, and equipment to address this growing threat."

The summit lasted for one day and discussed key issues to help ensure that all theater ASW actions are consistent with the commander's guidance.

Adm. James G. Stavridis, commander, U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, also attended the summit where he discussed topics such as current and future operations, partner capabilities and building stronger alliances.

NATO is also a large contributor to ASW utilizing low frequency active systems, maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft and air independent propulsion submarines.

Stavridis spoke about "building stronger alliances" and how that was shown in action by exercises like Noble Manta, Proud Manta and Bold Monarch. Those exercises demonstrate NATO's determination to maintain proficiency and improve interoperability in coordinated ASW and coastal surveillance operations.

Stavridis also spoke about the great contributions the submarine force made during Operation Odyssey Dawn.

"I would like to give a classic 'bravo zulu' to the excellent submarine force during Odyssey Dawn," said Stavridis. "You all did terrific work out there, well done."

Although it was only a one-day summit, the attendees felt the gathering was beneficial.

"There is nothing better then meeting with our leaders face to face and receiving guidance and direction from them personally as we all continue to focus on this very important branch of naval warfare." said Capt. Mark Davis, Commander Task Force 69.