Fitzgerald's ADEX Improves Readiness During Talisman Sabre 2015

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Dionne, USS Fitzgerald Public Affairs

TIMOR SEA (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) participated in an air defense exercise (ADEX) July 16 during exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS 15).

The exercise provided the ship the opportunity to test its MK45 5-inch lightweight gun and its Phalanx Close-in weapon system (CIWS) in a real time environment.

"Live fire events such as this serve to improve overall readiness by providing the gunnery team with a dynamic target and the opportunity to get trigger time," said Cmdr. Christopher England, commanding officer of Fitzgerald. "There is no substitute for live fire events and we take advantage of every opportunity."

The exercise, which consisted of Fitzgerald firing its CIWS and 5-inch gun at a simulated target, is part of TS 15, a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment.

"The exercise allowed us to test watch stander capabilities, team procedures, and test and deploy procedures and tactics in an integrated strike group environment," said Lt. John Volkle, the ships weapons officer. "Everything about it went well, we established communications early, all the watch standers did an excellent job and the equipment performed as designed."

The exercise kicked off with a Lear jet towing a drone on a 22,000-foot cable, which served as a target for the ships 5-inch gun.

"The 5-inch is a crucial piece of equipment because it uses high-explosive rounds that can be used to neutralize surface, land and air targets," said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Frederick Alayon, leading petty officer of combat gunnery division. "My group of Sailors got together to successfully engage the target and in order for this to happen it took a lot of attention to detail and precision. They did a wonderful job and I am very proud of them."

Sailors had the opportunity to fire the gun locally, providing valuable training time and to learn and operate the advanced and powerful system.

"Being able to fire the 5-inch was exhilarating and I was so happy to get the chance to do it," said Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Megan Smith. "I love what I do and I never thought I would have the opportunity to do something as exciting as this before the Navy."

Following the firing of the 5-inch, the jet made another pass over Fitzgerald towing a drone connected by a 13,000-foot cable to test the ships CIWS.

"[CIWS] has the ability to track and engage incoming targets and during the exercise it performed flawlessly," said Chief Fire Controlman Travius Caldwell. Any time we get the opportunity to test our communications and equipment in a combat systems scenario is priceless."

The CIWS is a point-defense weapon used for detecting and destroying short-range missiles and aircraft using both air and surface capabilities.

"The exercise was a great experience, we got to shoot about 400 rounds and the gear performed well," said Chad Schmidt, the mount captain for the CIWS. "The fact that it was able to aim and fire at such a small target is incredible. This gave us life-like training so that it becomes second nature to us if we need to use it in a real-life scenario."

Fitzgerald is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

USS Mustin Joins Forces with New Zealand During Talisman Sabre

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Flewellyn, USS Mustin Public Affairs

TIMOR SEA (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) participated in a surface-action-group versus surface-action-group (SAG vs SAG) exercise with the Royal New Zealand Navy Anzac-class Frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (F 77) during exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS 15), July 12-17.

The purpose of a SAG vs SAG exercise is to practice how surface combatants would work together to engage potential enemy surface combatants. During the exercise Mustin and Te Kaha worked together against the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62).

"This exercise gives us a valuable opportunity to integrate with partner nations," said Lt. Jonathon Murray, Mustin's operations officer. "It provides us with the chance to strengthen interoperability, build relationships, and better prepares all involved to respond to potential situations in the region."

Integrating two different nation's navies can be challenging, however, especially during a complicated exercise like SAG vs SAG.

"Although we have a lot of the same equipment, doctrine and procedures, there are many differences in the way we think, communicate and therefore do business," said Lt. Cmdr. Alexandra Haughey, Te Kaha's operations officer. "We all want the same outcome so these challenges are overcome by being flexible and adaptable in the short term, and a willingness to learn from experience in the long term."

The SAG vs SAG was conducted as part of TS 15, a biennial exercise that provides an opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint, and interagency environment that will increase both countries' ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts.

"I coordinated with fixed and rotary wing aircraft to properly identify track and engage simulated combatant targets," said Operations Specialist 1st Class Matthew Choi. "It was a bit challenging because we had to adjust our procedures to successfully integrate with our partner nations."

The interoperability between the partner nations was highlighted during a real world-world emergency, when two members of Te Kaha's crew required medical evacuations to George Washington.

"In both cases, at very short notice, the patients were transferred to George Washington by helicopter," said Haughey. "Te Kaha's helicopter transported the first patient...Mustin assisted with the helicopter transfer in the second. The outcome was that the personnel received the required medical attention, are now safe, and Te Kaha was able to continue with our mission in support of exercise objectives."

"Exercises like these build relationships, capabilities, understanding and the confidence that if required, these partnerships would be able to work together to respond to any stability or security issues in the region," said Haughey.

Te Kaha is homeported in Auckland, New Zealand, and is underway to participate in TS 15.

Mustin is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Preble, Fitzgerald Enjoy Australian Culture In Darwin

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alonzo M. Archer, USS Preble Public Affairs

DARWIN, Australia (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Darwin, Australia, for a port visit, July 20 after successfully completing Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS15).

Sailors on both ships stood at parade rest in their dress white uniforms along the edges of the ship as they entered the port, as a gesture symbolizing respect and friendship otherwise known as "manning the rails."

This port visit follows both ships' participation in TS15, in which Preble and Fitzgerald were among the 21 ships from the U.S., Australian and New Zealand navies that participated in the exercise that trained more than 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force in planning and conducting combined task force operations.

"Talisman Sabre was a very challenging exercise for us, but we emerged more capable than we were before we went into it," said Cmdr. Jeffrey Heames, commanding officer of Preble. "We've learned a lot and we've reinforced the strong relationship we have with our Australian partners. We're ready for the next challenge, and the next contribution for us in terms of promoting regional stability in the area."

Moored alongside Preble, is Fitzgerald. Having also played a large role in the rigorous TS15, they look forward to some time off and exploring Australia.

"Talisman Sabre provided a great opportunity to improve individual ship and strike group readiness in a complex multi-warfare environment with our Australian counterparts and serves to strengthen ties and improve our overall ability to work together," said Cmdr. Christopher England, Fitzgerald's commanding officer. Pulling into Darwin after the exercise provides a chance for the crew to unwind and enjoy the local Australian culture."

Preble and Fitzgerald are currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.