The second multilateral maritime exercise Mare Aperto in 2018 has begun in the Mediterranean Sea, with the participation of the Italian, French and the US navies.
The exercise, designed to improve combined combat capability, increase operational capacity, and strengthen relationships among exercise participants, is being held from October 8 to 12.
Submarines, surface ships, naval aircraft and helicopters will be involved in the exercise.
As explained by the US Navy, the US forces will work alongside Italian and French maritime forces to develop interoperability and proficiency in various maritime warfare scenarios.
The USS Mitscher (DDG 57), a P-8A Poseidon from Maritime Patrol Squadron (VP) 10, and an infantry platoon from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are participating in the drill.
“There is simply no substitute for warships operating together to build trust. USS Mitscher’s participation in Mare Aperto is going to grow our at sea relationships and hone the coordination needed to respond to a crisis together,” CDR Ian J. Scaliatine, USS Mitscher’s Commanding Officer, commented.