Phoenix Express Provides Practical Small Arms Training for U.S., Greek Navies

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Edward Vasquez, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Europe

SOUDA BAY, Crete (NNS) -- Sailors from the U.S. and Greek navies partnered to sharpen their small arms handling skills during a training course as part of Phoenix Express 2011 (PE-11), May 26.

Small arms handling is an essential skill used in conducting maritime interdiction operations (MIO) against vessels suspected of illicit trafficking.

"The first three days of training were classroom presentation. Now we are getting into the practical application portion of the exercise," said Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Rupert, PE-11 small arms instructor. "There will be a number of different exercises that participants will be going through like fast rope station and room clearing station. What we are doing today is small arms familiarization and tactics."

The small arms training consisted of a practical module course taught at the NATO MIO Training Center in Souda Bay, Crete. The module, taught by Greek armed forces instructors from the school and supported by a U.S. Navy visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team; included small arms familiarization, clearing corner techniques, and climbing techniques.

"The training is going quite smooth," said one of the small arms instructors for PE 11, who is not identified due to the nature of his military profession. "We have two teams here today that are both operating at quite a high level, and that makes things easier for us. Right now, we are going over some small arms training making sure the students are familiar with the weapons systems they are going to be using throughout the in-port phase of training."

MIO boarding team members from the participating countries will pass through the module allowing the instructors and the VBSS support team not only to teach techniques, but also to observe what the participants from each country already know.

"It is fantastic that we are able to connect with the other boarding teams from the Mediterranean and the west coast of Africa," said Lt. j.g. Jim Carles, USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) boarding officer. "This is a real opportunity because these are the guys we will end up working together with in real operations around the Mediterranean."

Maritime and land forces from 13 countries are participating in the international military partnering exercise, which commenced at the NATO MIO Training Center May 23.

The exercise will culminate in a six-day underway portion in the Mediterranean Sea. PE-11 is a unique training opportunity designed to enhance each country's ability to work together and to deter illicit trafficking in the Mediterranean Sea through joint maritime interception operations and maritime domain awareness.

U.S. units participating in Phoenix Express include Bradley, USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29), and Military Sealift Command maritime prepositioning ship USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat (T-AK 3016) and fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198). Additional U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa staff personnel will also participate alongside other international naval forces in this exercise.

Phoenix Express Training Broadens Medical Capabilities

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Edward Vasquez, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East

SOUDA BAY, Crete (NNS) -- The U.S., Royal Morocco and Mauritania naval forces sharpened their essential skills in basic combat first aid training presented May 25, during Phoenix Express 2011 (PE-11), a multi-national maritime exercise designed to enhance regional maritime partnerships.

"What we are doing here today is basic first aid training," said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Openshaw, lead medical instructor and Utah National Guard member. "Most of the countries that come here already have their own style of training. All we want to do is broaden their understanding and show them what we do."

The medical training will continue through the entire course of PE-11, a three-week evolution divided into in-port and underway training phases, and will include practical, as well as classroom, training.

"This is great training," said Cmdr. John Quigley, Medical Corps, PE-11 senior medical officer and Reserve component member from 6th Fleet Reserve Det. 802, out of Navy Operational Support Center Atlanta. "We are here giving all of our multinational partners a broader understanding of basic first aid so that when we are working together we will all have the same knowledge."

The training covered basic first aid, specifically the "ABCs" – how to check an airway, breathing and circulation – as well as how to apply tourniquets and how to stop a sucking chest wound.

"This training has been very good," said Royal Moroccan Navy Maj. Afkir Said, a MIO unit team leader. "We are here to learn, and this training will help our troops."

Maritime and land forces from 13 countries are participating in the international military partnering exercise, which commenced at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operations Training Center in Souda Bay May 23. The exercise will culminate with a six-day underway portion in the Mediterranean Sea. PE-11 is a unique training opportunity designed to enhance each country's ability to work together and to deter illicit trafficking at sea.

U.S. units participating in PE-11 will include USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49), USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29), and Military Sealift Command maritime prepositioning ship USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat (T-AK 3016) and fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198). They are joined by Royal Morocco navy frigate Hassan II, along with two MIO boarding teams. Additional U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa staff personnel will also participate alongside other international naval forces in this exercise.

USS Robert G. Bradley Departs Casablanca

By Ensign Sean McMahon, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

CASABLANCA, Morocco (NNS) -- USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) departed Casablanca, Morocco, after completing a theater security cooperation visit, May 11.

While in Casablanca, Robert G. Bradley hosted a reception aboard the ship, participated in a community relations (COMREL) project, and trained a Moroccan visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team.

Sailors were given the opportunity to tour Casablanca, and experience the Moroccan culture. Seventeen Robert G. Bradley Sailors were involved in a COMREL where they painted classrooms and repaired school desks.

"The COMREL project in Casablanca was very rewarding for Robert G. Bradley Sailors," said Chief Logistics Specialist Ed Lafond, Robert G. Bradley's COMREL coordinator. "The Moroccan primary school's teachers and students were very enthusiastic upon our arrival and treated our Sailors well."

After leaving Casablanca, Robert G. Bradley participated in a passing exercise with Moroccan Naval vessel, Hassen II. This gave the VBSS team members from both nations a chance for some very important at-sea training.

"The maritime interdiction operations boarding events that were conducted with Hassan II today, brought forward a great opportunity to work with a partner nation," said Lt. j.g. Jim Carles, USS Robert G. Bradley VBSS boarding officer. "It expanded both navies' [VBSS] capabilities and was a good opportunity to work with one another prior to the Phoenix Express exercise in June."

Robert G. Bradley, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is homeported out of Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of responsibility.

USS Robert G. Bradley in Senegal for Africa Partnership Station Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Darryl Wood, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/ Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

DAKAR, Senegal (NNS) -- USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) arrived in Dakar, Senegal, for its second multinational exercise on its Africa Partnership Station (APS) West deployment, April 20.

Bradley is in Dakar to participate in Exercise Saharan Express 2011, which begins with a pre-sail conference, April 25.

Saharan Express 2011 is a multinational exercises focused on improving the communications and interoperability of West African countries to counter narcotics trafficking and proliferation.

Through joint cooperation efforts, Africa's growing maritime capabilities ensure regional security and stability. APS Bradley continues to enhance the regional capabilities in West and Central Africa by helping to build maritime professionals and international partnerships.

Robert G. Bradley will also conduct a search-and-rescue (SAR) exercise with the Cape Verde navy. The SAR exercise will include a command platform, an air search helicopter and surface search small boats. This training is essential in establishing safety to a country's coastal waters by providing a rapid and effective rescue force.

"Saharan Express will be a great opportunity for our boarding team and SAR team to evaluate and train with our African partners" said Lt. j.g. James Carles, USS Robert G. Bradley boarding officer. "This exercise will further expand the maritime security of all the participating partner nations."

Robert G. Bradley's visit to Dakar will include a military-to-military community relations (COMREL) project, office calls to prominent officials, tours of the ship and a reception held on board.

USS Robert G. Bradley, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is homeported out of Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment to West and Central Africa.

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

Robert G. Bradley Continues APS, Arrives in Dakar, Senegal

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Darryl Wood, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/ Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

DAKAR, Senegal (NNS) -- Guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) arrived in Dakar, Senegal, April 20, for its second multinational exercise during Africa Partnership Station (APS) West.

Saharan Express is an APS exercise focused on improving the communications and interoperability of West African countries to counter narcotics trafficking and proliferation.

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

"Saharan Express will be a great opportunity for our boarding team and search and rescue (SAR) team to evaluate and train with our African partners" said Lt. j.g. James Carles, Robert G. Bradley boarding officer. "This exercise will further expand the maritime security of all the participating partner nations."

During the exercise, Robert G. Bradley Sailors will conduct SAR operations with the Cape Verde navy. They will also conduct office calls, give tours of the ship, hold a reception onboard and conduct a military-to-military community relations project with Cape Verde navy.

Robert G. Bradley, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is homeported out of Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

USS Robert G. Bradley Begins Third Africa Partnership Station Hub

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Darryl Wood, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/ Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

LAGOS, Nigeria (NNS) -- USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) Sailors, Naval Forces Africa staff members and Africa Partnership Station (APS) West international staff members arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, during the third "Hub", as part of APS West, April 4.

Bradley Sailors will conduct maritime training, participate in military-to-military sporting events, and host community relation (COMREL) projects during their port visit.

"COMREL helps strengthen our relationships with our African partners and allow us to interact with host nation's civilians and military," said Chief Logistics Specialist Ed Lafond, USS Robert G. Bradley COMREL coordinator. "For some of the Sailors this is the first time for them to interact with the host nation civilians and is an opportunity for them to have a good time helping others, and see sights other than what they would see on a tour."

APS training conducted with the Nigerian navy will cover areas in visit, board, search and seizure team operations; search and rescue planning; damage control and signals familiarization. These areas of training were selected with the assistance of Nigerian officials to better enhance maritime safety and security, along the coast of West and Central Africa.

"We have started to really see the impact of our training on our partner navies," said Lt. William Pollak, USS Robert G. Bradley operations officer. "They inspire our Sailors to keep up their energy level, knowing that what we are doing here is well received."

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

Robert G. Bradley, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is homeported out of Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of responsibility.

Robert G Bradley Conducts COMREL in Freetown

By By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Darryl Wood, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/ Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs

SIERRA LEONE, Freetown (NNS) -- Sailors of USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) and Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training (MCAST) Command, participated in an Africa Partnership Station (APS) West community relations (COMREL) in Freetown, Sierra Leone, March 11.

Sailors volunteered at the Christian Faith Rescue Orphanage in Freetown, Sierra Leone, providing assistance through construction projects which included demolition and carpentry.

The three-day COMREL began with U.S. and Sierra Leone Sailors removing walls made of fiber board and branches, and constructing six classrooms to provide an improved learning environment for the 650 children that attend classes at the orphanage.

"I joined the Navy so I could help others. Volunteering my time to help these kids was more than worth it," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Matthew Layton. "I've seen what they have and I feel grateful to be able make a small difference here."

During the COMREL, APS also provided school supplies donations to the orphanage.

"These supplies will help us greatly," said Honorable Reverend Marie Yanseneh, founder of the orphanage. "We receive no government funds and work mostly from donations."

Yanseneh thanked the volunteers for their help and provided a tour of her school to Capt. Susan Dunlap, director of the Africa Regional Engagement Group at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

"The Sailors had a blast helping and playing soccer with the kids," said Dunlap. "I think success of the project is seen on the faces of the kids, and that's what pleases me most of all. We're proud to be helping here."

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

AFRICOM Commander Visits Sailors, African Partners

By Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

LOME, Togo (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) spoke to African partners and U.S. Sailors aboard USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) Feb. 7, during the first of many port visits of Africa Partnership Station (APS) West.

Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward spoke about the importance of the APS mission during an all-hands call aboard the Robert G. Bradley flight deck.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of the job you are doing with all of the partners involved in the APS mission," said Ward. "The work you do here embodies the true meaning of 'partnership' and the relationships we are building with African nations. I thank you for your commitment, your hard work and dedication to making this a successful start to the APS mission."

Ward closed his speech by talking about the positive effect APS has on bilateral relations between the U.S. and African countries.

Before departing, Ward met with senior leadership, toured the ship and presented two USS Robert G. Bradley Sailors with awards.

"On behalf of the crew, I would like to thank General Ward for taking the time to visit Robert G. Bradley," said Cmdr. Darryl Brown, USS Robert G. Bradley commanding officer. "His enthusiasm for the APS mission was very motivating to all on board and shows that the hard work we are putting in APS West is being noticed."

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.

Robert G. Bradley Jump Starts Africa Partnership Station 2011

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) made a port visit to Lome, Togo, Feb. 1, as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) 2011.

Robert G. Bradley brings with her a team of maritime professionals to provide training and engage in exercises with our African partners. Small boat maintenance, maritime law, construction training, medical treatment, and search and rescue training, are just a few of the collaborative training courses provided throughout this year's APS.

APS started four years ago and has since grown to involve 34 African, European and South American countries, along with multiple non-governmental organizations (NGO).

"We are excited to be part of the U.S. enduring commitment to APS and its common goal of achieving a secure, stable and prosperous maritime environment in Africa," said Rear Adm. Gerard P. Hueber, deputy chief of staff for strategy, resources and plans for U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. "The activities we have planned for 2011 with our international partners will continue to aide the capacity of theater security cooperation and reinforce the groundwork of maritime safety and security in the region."

While in port, Robert G. Bradley's crew and international staff will embark 12 embedded partners from Dakar, Senegal, to Freetown, Sierra Leone, for five weeks in conjunction with the ship's first two APS hubs. Additionally, Naval Forces Africa trainers will train more than 130 students from Benin, Ghana, and Togo, in conjunction with Robert G. Bradley's first APS hub in Lome, Togo.

APS 2011 is more than a single ship or event in one region of Africa. APS 2011 will conduct maritime security events in East and West Africa using five U.S. and three European partner ships. Each ship will conduct a variety of training hubs with students from neighboring countries participating in a central location. The APS international staff will work together with African partners to develop solutions to global maritime problems through training and exercises.

"Africa Partnership Station is truly an international effort to enhance maritime security and help build partner capacity in Africa," said Capt. Dan Shaffer, commander, Destroyer Squadron 60 and APS West commander. "Our collective efforts over the coming year, starting with Robert G. Bradley next month, are focused on helping our African partners achieve security interdependence."

Robert G. Bradley is scheduled to visit Cape Verde, Senegal, Togo, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Angola and Nigeria during the next four months. During these visits, the ship will embark African students in order to conduct professional exchanges in many areas including seamanship, maritime law enforcement, medical readiness, oil spill management, non-commissioned officer development and navigation. The ship also carries, at the request of several NGOs, a large quantity of relief goods for the African coastal countries to include educational, humanitarian and goodwill material.

Robert G. Bradley, an Oliver Harry Hazard Parry-class frigate, is homeported out of Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of responsibility.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.