Warships and personnel from U.S., U.K. and France completed a two-week multilateral amphibious exercise in international waters off the coast of Djibouti and in the vicinity of Djibouti and Arta Beach.
Named Alligator Dagger 17, the exercise is led by U.S. Naval Amphibious Forces, and joined by forces from the Royal Navy and French Marines.
Participating units included the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the command ship for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8, USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), 24th MEU, the Royal Navy frigate HMS Monmouth (F235), USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) and a detachment of the French 5th Marine Regiment.
“This exercise was a valuable opportunity to maintain our fighting edge whilst being able to train with some of the nations and ships we will be working with over the coming months,” said Royal Navy Cmdr. Ian Feasey , commanding officer of HMS Monmouth.
Participants conducted fire team, squad and platoon-level live-fire ranges, vessel board search and seizure, integrated amphibious operations, day and night time full mission profiles and long range raid and coalition integration of forces. Forces at sea conducted anti-air and anti-submarine exercises to enhance at sea communication and coordination and provide a unique opportunity to enhance multilateral capabilities in critical mission-sets inherent to the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team with partners and allies in the region.
Alligator Dagger provided the opportunity to refresh the proficiency of sailors and marines in the execution of aviation and ground support operations in an austere and arid environment.