SEALs, Marines use USS George Washington as Forward Staging Base

From Commander, Task Force 70 Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- SEALs and Marine Special Operations (MARSOC) forces from Special Operations Command Pacific conducted maritime interoperability training aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Sept. 22-29.

Using the carrier as an afloat forward staging base, the task force demonstrated increased flexibility and a range of options to conduct operations when and where needed most.

"The chance to integrate Special Operations Forces (SOF)and a carrier strike group in a full-scale exercise is incredibly important," said Capt. Alec Mackenzie, the Special Operations Task Force commander. "Operating from an afloat staging base gives our forces dramatically increased reach and provides an opportunity to refine tactics, techniques and procedures in a challenging environment. This makes Maritime SOF more effective and provides the requisite experience to conduct real-world contingency operations as needed."

Maritime SOF assigned to Naval Special Warfare Unit 1, including members from a Marine Special Operations Company, a west coast-based Naval Special Warfare (NSW) unit, explosive ordnance disposal element, and a helicopter sea combat squadron staged aboard the aircraft carrier in order to conduct training.

The training exercised the entire spectrum of foundational crisis response skills, including embarkation, command and control, logistics, planning and execution. The participants executed a full range of operations, from special reconnaissance to direct action utilizing rotary wing insertions. The exercise also demonstrated interoperability between SOF and capabilities from multiple other units, including George Washington, the Carrier Air Wing, and strike group ships.

"We demonstrated outstanding synchronization between aviation, special warfare and surface forces in an environment that will continue to grow as an option for afloat staging bases," said Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet, and the officer in tactical control of the exercise. "The ability to seamlessly integrate those forces and quickly conduct operations in a time of crises is key to effective cooperative efforts. Exercises of this kind, reinforcing and refining our capabilities, are further evidence of the U.S. dedication to stability and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region."

The George Washington Carrier Strike Group and 7th Fleet's Special Warfare task force make up two prongs of the air, sea, subsurface, and land operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific under the Navy's largest numbered fleet.

USS Mesa Verde Departs Split, Croatia

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

SPLIT, Croatia (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) departed Split, Croatia, Oct. 9, after a scheduled port visit.

Mesa Verde's presence in Croatia reaffirms the United States' commitment to strengthening ties with foreign nations, while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the region.

While in Croatia, Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to take tours hosted by the ship's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team, which showcased some of the unique attractions of the region. Some service members went canyoning in the Cetina River, and some took a city tour of Dubrovnik, where the HBO show "Game of Thrones" recently filmed scenes.

Hospitalman Patrick Powell took the Dubrovnik tour and said he really enjoyed the historic aspect of the city.

"My favorite thing had to have been the cathedral," said Powell. "I thought it was pretty cool getting to see all the history just within one building, all the different stages of the building's construction and going through various times...they said it was one century's worth of history in one building alone, that was pretty cool."

Originally from Acton, California, Powell said he is grateful for the chance he's had to see different places.

"(Traveling) is something that was kind of a bonus on the side really; I knew I wanted to try to get career skills and a chance to get to school," said Powell. "I really am appreciative of what I've been offered and just getting out here and seeing all this, it's really a once in a lifetime chance to check this all out... just being able to share this and these stories with my friends and family, I think that's pretty significant because I know a lot of them won't get the same opportunities."

This was Mesa Verde's first port visit since transiting the Suez Canal, Oct. 2, and leaving the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

"Sailors and Marines got to experience some great culture in a very relaxed atmosphere," said Lt. Cmdr. Ethan Rule, executive officer of Mesa Verde. "The people of Croatia were very hospitable and we got to see some beautiful countryside. The crew was very respectful and did a great job."

Mesa Verde is part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is wrapping up an almost nine-month deployment since leaving its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, Feb. 8.

During its brief time in 6th Fleet, Mesa Verde's presence, along with the Bataan Amphibious Group, will help to strengthen regional maritime partnerships with partner nations and help maintain a safe and secure maritime environment. The U.S. Navy has historically maintained a presence in 6th Fleet.

USS Comstock Departs Bahrain

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lenny LaCrosse, USS Comstock Public Affairs

BAHRAIN (NNS) -- The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), now operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed from Mina Salman Pier, Bahrain, Oct. 5 following a four-day port visit.

The port visit marked the first stop for Comstock since departing Hong Kong Aug. 23, where the ship and her crew participated in a weeklong interoperability exercise with the Malaysian military before transitioning to the Arabian Gulf.

"Our Sailors and Marines have been working around the clock to support the mission from the sea," said Cmdr. Scott T. Tasin, commanding officer of Comstock. "This port visit gave us the opportunity to continue our commitment to the region in person while exploring a great part of the world. This was some well deserved personal time for the crew."

Sailors and Marines had many opportunities to experience the sites Bahrain has to offer through a variety of tours made available through the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation committee.

"It was great to get off of the ship to explore and to see all the different cultures in Bahrain," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Robert L. Byshenk, a native of Bishop, California. "I really enjoyed the markets, the local cuisine and to see how other cultures live."

Bahrain marks the second port visit of Comstock's 2014 deployment, but the first while supporting U.S. 5th Fleet.

Comstock is part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and, with the 11th MEU, maintains its readiness to promote long-term regional security by conducting regularly scheduled, recurring exercises in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.