Porter, Anzio Arrive in Scotland for Biggest Ever Joint Warrior

By Lt. j.g. Seth Clarke, Destroyer Squadron 26 Public Affairs

FASLANE, United Kingdom (NNS) -- Ships assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 pulled into Faslane, Scotland, ready to commence Exercise Joint Warrior 15-1, April 9.

DESRON 26 arrived in Faslane with guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) and guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), ready to participate in Joint Warrior, a semi-annual training exercise conducted in the coastal waters off the United Kingdom.

The training, led by the United Kingdom, is designed to provide NATO and allied forces a multiwarfare environment in which to prepare for global operations. Participating countries aim to improve interoperability and prepare forces for future combined exercises.

In addition to the exercise and the wide range of training the Sailors will undergo, the port visit will also provide Sailors the opportunity to meet the people of Faslane and to experience and explore Scottish culture and history.

"I look forward to this tremendous opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to our allied and partner nations, and to do so while operating in a challenging maritime environment," said Capt. Brian Fort, commander, DESRON 26. "It's a particularly valuable time for us to work together with NATO and our allies to practice our procedures and to operate as a coalition."

The United Kingdom's advanced naval certification course, Joint Warrior comprises numerous scheduled training scenarios, including small-boat attacks, boarding operations, air defense, antisubmarine warfare and ship maneuverability tasks.

More than 50 ships and several supporting commands from 15 countries are scheduled to take part in Joint Warrior 15-1, making the upcoming Joint Warrior the biggest in the history of the multinational exercise.

In addition to Porter and Anzio, U.S. Navy ships participating in Joint Warrior 15-1 are guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69); guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75); and dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13). Elements from Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 11 and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48 will also participate in the exercise.

"One of the unique aspects of operating in a combined environment with our NATO partners is that we have the ability to leverage each other's skill sets and experience levels," said Cmdr. Blair Guy, Porter's commanding officer. "We're able to complement our partners and understand how best to maintain safety of the seas. We understand what our mission is, and we recognize that we're coming out here to strengthen bonds and represent the nation."

Joint Warrior is slated to last approximately two weeks. The exercise will include air, sea and ground assets from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.