Kearsarge Departs for Bold Alligator 2014

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aren Everett, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) departed Naval Station Norfolk Oct. 29 to participate in Exercise Bold Alligator 2014.

Bold Alligator 2014 is a two-week, multinational exercise hosted by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps to strengthen core competencies in the areas of amphibious operations and bilateral cooperation.

"It is naval in nature, but it's not just a U.S. exercise," said Capt. David Bossert, Kearsarge's commanding officer. "This is a coalition exercise including participants from NATO and allied partner nations."

Bold Alligator is an annual exercise and the largest combined naval exercise on the east coast. The exercise series evolves to meet the demands of the current environment; the focus of this year's iteration is providing crisis response.

"This exercise encompasses 8,500 Marines and 6,500 Sailors from 19 different countries on 17 different ships," said Command Master Chief David Randall, command master chief of Kearsarge. "The role of USS Kearsarge includes 2,400 of the world's finest standing by to participate and observe any contingency that the Navy could be called upon to deal with in the world."

The exercise will consist of a constructed scenario in which a fabricated allied nation, in a region that is the site of disorder, faces the possibility of becoming a failed state and has requested assistance.

"We're bringing a wide capacity of assistance," said Bossert. "We are prepared to conduct military-to-military exercises, humanitarian assistance, security assistance and, if necessary, military-to-military deterrence against aggressive regional powers."

"The object is to be able to conduct military missions ashore through crisis response from the sea," said Randall.

Bold Alligator 2014 will demonstrate a strengthened ability to respond to man-made and natural crises around the world and showcase the advantages of theater commanders' ability to project power ashore without relying on shore-based infrastructure. This ultimately allows amphibious forces to limit the vulnerability and sustainment requirements for shore-based personnel.

"The lessons we learn will make us a better blue/green team with the Navy and the Marine Corps and will help us improve our military cohesiveness with our allies," said Randall.

Bold Alligator 2014 is scheduled to conclude Nov. 10.