Lucky Mariner 2012 Kicks Off in Arabian Gulf

By Lt. Greg D. Raelson, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- In an effort to combat against mining threats in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), personnel from Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS), Military Sealift Command and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) arrived for exercise Lucky Mariner 2012, April 15.

Exercise Lucky Mariner 2012 is an annual U.S. Navy, coalition, and commercial shipping NCAGS exercise in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR designed to integrate the civil-military response to a global shipping threat, and concludes April 28.

The ongoing exercise flexes the mobilization and expeditionary nature of NCAGS, a component of U.S. Fleet Forces, while integrating with the Maritime Liaison Office, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization, U.S. Maritime Administration and the commercial shipping industry to execute crisis response plans for strengthening civil-military cooperation. The goal of these partnerships is to ensure a coordinated response in the event of a naval mine threat to the safety and freedom of navigation of merchants who deliver goods and energy resources throughout the world.

"The free flow of commerce is vital to the global economy. Mines pose a threat to all maritime traffic, regardless of nationality or purpose; we can, and will, respond to any threats or disruptive behavior by those who wish to interrupt freedom of navigation," said Vice Adm. Mark Fox, commander, NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces. "Exercise Lucky Mariner is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the synergy between the U.S. Navy and the international maritime industry."

The weeklong exercise focuses on the threat of waterborne mining to shipping, and includes a variety of conferences to discuss how to best ensure safety and stability of the seas for international commercial traffic.

"One of the main goals during Lucky Mariner is to focus on the growing emphasis and importance of collaboration amongst all parties involved, with particular attention to our work with commercial shipping partners to better understand their requirements, concerns and expectations during a crisis situation." said U.S. Navy Capt. Lance Snider, commanding officer, Navy Reserve NCAGS Chicago.