US, Vietnamese Navies Hold First SAR Exercise
Guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) conducted a search and rescue (SAR) exercise with a Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) minesweeper off the coast of Da Nang, Vietnam, April 12.
This first SAR event between the U.S. and Vietnamese navies occurred a few hours after McCain got underway from the port of Da Nang, concluding six days of professional exchanges and skills transfers as part of Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) Vietnam that began April 7.
“After a very productive series of naval exchanges in Da Nang this week, our at sea exercise today was an important stepping stone in building confidence to operate together in the maritime domain,” said Capt. Paul Schlise, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 7 and commander, Task Group 73.1.
After McCain rendezvoused with HQ-862, both ships commenced a coordinated search for a simulated distressed vessel. The ships practiced bridge-to-bridge communications, flaghoist drills and search patterns to locate and render assistance to the simulated distressed vessel. Upon conclusion, the ships exchanged farewell messages and McCain continued out to sea.
“Both ships did a fine job executing this search and rescue training – communications were professional and the crews handled their ships well – setting the tone for follow-on events between our navies,” said Cmdr. Chase Sargeant, commanding officer, USS John S. McCain.
2014 marks the fifth consecutive NEA Vietnam and the 10th year that U.S. Navy ships have called upon the port of Da Nang. McCain last visited Da Nang in August 2010 as part of the inaugural NEA Vietnam, which coincided with the 15th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Vietnam.
As with previous years, NEA Vietnam 2014 focused on professional exchanges between the VPN and U.S. Navy in military medicine, SAR, diving and salvage and shipboard damage control. NEA also provides an opportunity to develop mutual understanding and enduring relationships that will serve both navies for many years to come through ship tours, 7th Fleet band concerts, sporting events and community service projects.
Approximately 400 U.S. Navy Sailors and civilian mariners participated in NEA Vietnam 2014.
Participating units include USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) with embarked Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5, staff from Destroyer Squadron 7 and Commander, Task Force 73 and the U.S. 7th Fleet Band, Orient Express.
[mappress]
Press Release, April 15, 2014; Image: US Navy
List of related news articles
-
Posted: 2 months ago
US, Japan, Australia conduct drills in South China Sea
Vessels belonging to the US, Japanese and Australian navies gathered in the South China Sea for tril...
Posted: 2 months ago -
Posted: 14 hours ago
US Navy unveils names of five future vessels
The US Navy will name three future vessels after ships steeped in naval history and two others after...
Posted: 14 hours ago -
Posted: 4 months ago
Update: Search ends for missing US Navy sailor
The US Navy has ended search and rescue efforts for Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Ian Mc...
Posted: 4 months ago -
Posted: 2 months ago
US Navy's 6th ESB newbuild to be named USS John L. Canley
A future US Navy expeditionary sea base (ESB) class ship will be named USS John L. Canley. ...
Posted: 2 months ago