US Navy Ships Head for Joint Warrior 14-2

Two U.S. Navy ships, led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, departed the U.S. for Scotland, Sep 18-19, to participate in Joint Warrior 14-2.

Joint Warrior is a semi-annual training exercise conducted off the coast of Scotland. The training, led by the United Kingdom, is designed to provide NATO and allied forces a multi-warfare environment in which to prepare for global operations. Participating countries aim to improve interoperability and prepare forces for future combined exercises.

Sailors aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69); guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109); fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (TAO 196); Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 11; and, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons 46 and 48 will participate in the exercise.

“The operational environment in which ships execute missions is comprised of allied and coalition forces,” said Capt. Cary Krause, commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26. “Joint Warrior allows us to deploy with the trust and familiarity of having trained with our international partners.”

Joint Warrior is the United Kingdom’s advanced naval certification course. The scenarios include small boat attacks, boarding operations, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and ship maneuverability tasks.

“Our Sailors have worked hard in preparation for the exercise and we are thankful these ships have the opportunity to build upon a foundation of cooperation and teamwork,” said Krause.

Joint Warrior will begin in early October and last approximately two weeks. The exercise includes air, sea and ground assets from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

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Press Release, September 22, 2014; Image: US Navy