Peru Hosts SIFOREX 2014 with Participation from Brazil, Colombia and the United States Navies

By Lt. j.g. Kristin R. Cronic, Destroyer Squadron 40 Public Affairs

LIMA, Peru (NNS) -- Naval forces from four partner nations concluded Silent Forces Exercise (SIFOREX) 2014 in Lima, Peru, Oct. 7.

SIFOREX is a biennial Naval exercise that focuses on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) proficiency. Naval forces from Brazil, Colombia, Peru and the U.S participated in SIFOREX 2014.

SIFOREX 2014 was hosted by the Peruvian navy, and took place in the Southern Pacific beginning September 29. The exercise immediately followed UNITAS, the U.S. Navy's longest running multinational maritime exercise, where 14 partner nations cooperated in a vast array of maritime scenarios.

"My goal for the crew of the Ingraham was for them to do exceptionally well in this exercise, so they could go home with a sense of confidence and pride that they not only did an outstanding job on this seven month deployment, but that they finished strong with UNITAS and SIFOREX, where they exemplified their maritime skills in the company of our partner nations," said Cmdr. Daniel Straub, commanding officer, USS Ingraham (FFG 61). "SIFOREX offered my Sailors the opportunity to sharpen their talents in unique scenarios, which are experiences they will be able to take to their future commands."

This year's U.S. participants included USS Ingraham (FFG 61), P-8 Poseidon from VP-45 and P-3 Orion from VP-26, and Commander Destroyer Squadron 40 (COMDESRON40) staff.

"SIFOREX has been a great opportunity for the Sailors to operate with a live submarine," said Senior Chief Sonar Technician-Surface Paul Dammon, of the USS Ingraham (FFG 61). "The fact that it is a diesel submarine provides an added challenge; it is not every day that my Sailors have the chance to search for and track live sub-surface contacts, especially alongside our partner nations. It has been a great opportunity to strengthen interoperability with partner nation navies."

For most of the sonar technicians on board, this was the first time they had ever worked with foreign submarines. In SIFOREX 2014, Peru engaged with three proficient diesel submarines.

"This is the first time I have had the opportunity to oversee the training of my guys as well as receive training in a new, more leadership intensive role," said Sonar Technician-Surface 1st Class Michael Moore, from the USS Ingraham (FFG 61). "This is the first time my Sailors have seen a scenario like this. I have experienced exercises like this from a sonar watch stander's perspective, but now have a well rounded understanding after taking on a more intensive leadership role."

Moore had the opportunity to work with the Japanese navy as a seaman, and now with the Peruvian navy as a Petty Officer 1st Class. He will continue developing his talents when he joins the USS Higgins (DDG 76) following USS Ingraham's decommissioning.

He also explained, "The communication barrier was tough at first, but to say it drastically improved by the end would be an understatement. After a lot of practice, we were able to work effectively with our partner navies ships to track submarines."

The ships relied on standard tactical signals to communicate with each other, as well as maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters to locate and track subsurface contacts.

"My favorite part of the exercise was getting to utilize active sonar and develop my skills in distinguishing between surface and subsurface contacts," said Sonar Technician-Surface 2nd Class Jeremy West. "We train a lot prior to deploying, but rarely get to play in a scenario as real as this one."

One new aspect to SIFOREX 2014 was the Ingraham hosted anti-submarine watch standers from other U.S. Navy commands in order to provide more sailors with such a unique experience. Lt j.g. Willie Ramirez, the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer from the USS Hue City (CG 66) was among the Naval forces from four partner nations concluded SIFOREX 2014 in Lima, Peru, on Oct. 7.

"The training with other nations has been extremely valuable," said Ramirez. "We have been alternating control between the partner nations and rehearsing tactics together. The language barrier has been a challenge, but it has been a great experience to learn how to work together in an anti-submarine scenario. This exercise definitely increased our ability to work together in real life as a team."

SIFOREX has been recurring since 2001. The next SIFOREX is planned for 2016.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) employs maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to enhance interoperability, build enduring partnerships that foster regional security, and maintain access in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility (AOR).

PAO

USS Mesa Verde Visits Split, Croatia

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon M. Smith, USS Mesa Verde Public Affairs

SPLIT, Croatia (NNS) -- The USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), arrived in Split, Croatia, for a port visit, Oct. 6.

While in port, Mesa Verde will provide tours for government, military and embassy officials while her officers and crew interact with local and international military leadership.

Mesa Verde is crewed by 360 Sailors, who drive and navigate the ship, and operate the equipment that makes the ship one of the U.S. Navy's most advanced air, surface and strike warfare assets. The ship also maintains 699 Marines as part of the Embarked Landing Force, adding to the ship's mission capabilities and readiness.

The visit Split provides an opportunity for Mesa Verde's crew to showcase the ship to local media, host a gathering for international defense representatives, and for crew's liberty, including a variety of tours showcasing Split's unique attractions.

Mesa Verde is a San-Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship, under the command of Capt. Kenneth Reynard. The ship is a part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Forward-Deployed Carrier Strike Group Welcomes New Commander

From Commander, Task Force 70 Public Affairs

APRA HARBOR, Guam (NNS) -- Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 5 welcomed its new commander during a change of command ceremony aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a port visit to Guam, Oct. 5.

Rear Adm. John Alexander assumed command of CSG 5 from Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery during the ceremony, which was presided over by U.S. 7th Fleet Commander, Vice Adm. Robert Thomas.

"I'm proud of the superb performance of Battle Force 7th Fleet and Carrier Strike Group 5 over the past two years," said Montgomery. "We have significantly improved our ability to sustain our strike group assets, implementing a more deliberate cycle of maintaining, training and assessing our ships and aircraft. I also believe we have improved our already high level of combat readiness and initiated significant tactics development. This all serves as a strong sign of the nation's strategic rebalancing to the Pacific, assuring our allies and partners and deterring potential adversaries in the region. I am confident, as I leave you in the capable hands of Rear Adm. John Alexander that you will continue to set the standard for the Navy in the years to come."

Montgomery assumed command in February 2013. His position also included commander, Task Force 70 and Battle Force 7th Fleet. He successfully executed Annual Exercise '13, Talisman Saber '13, Valiant Shield '14, and Malabar '14. He also led the first significant U.S. Navy forces presence in support of Operation Damayan, the response to Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, where his leadership ensured the task force was effectively employed to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief directly supporting the efforts of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Thomas congratulated Montgomery during the ceremony and commended both his leadership and the successes of his units, and awarded him the Legion of Merit.

"Rear Adm. Montgomery has done a superb job as the commander of George Washington Carrier Strike Group honing the tip of the spear," said Thomas. "Under his command, the strike group has been where it mattered, when it mattered providing security, promoting stability, driving fleet tactical development and supporting our friends in need. Thanks to you and your team for all you've accomplished over the past 20 months. I've truly enjoyed the opportunity to serve alongside you again."

Montgomery will serve next as director for operations at U.S. Pacific Command.

Alexander takes command following a successful tour as assistant commander for career management, Naval Personnel Command. He previously commanded the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135, USS Juneau (LPD 10), at the time forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

"I am enormously proud to have the opportunity to lead the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed Carrier Strike Group," said Alexander. "Rear Adm. Montgomery's impressive leadership has left me with very big shoes to fill, and I look forward to leading the force as it continues to provide stability in the region as well as push the boundaries of excellence across all warfare areas."

CSG 5 is the Navy's only forward-deployed carrier strike group operating from Yokosuka, Japan and provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.