DVIDS – News – Kearsarge ARG-Twenty second MEU Completes Interoperability Coaching with Finnish Armed Forces

BALTIC SEA (Aug. 18, 2022) – The united statesKearsarge (LHD 3) Amphibious Prepared Group (ARG) and embarked Twenty second Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) wrapped up a extremely profitable bilateral coaching alternative with members of the Finnish Armed Forces, Aug. 18, 2022.

The coaching, which befell from Aug. 9-18 with the Finnish Navy Command within the Northern Baltic Sea and the area of Hanko, will increase readiness between the shut companions and demonstrates the US and Finland’s shared purpose of preserving safety and stability within the Baltic area.

The 2-week interoperability coaching instantly adopted Kearsarge’s port go to to Helsinki, Finland, Aug. 5-8. Whereas in port, Kearsarge hosted varied members of Finland’s army and political management via a collection of key chief engagements and conferences. These engagements laid the groundwork for the following bilateral coaching.

“This train enabled the Kearsarge ARG-MEU staff to coach and function alongside our Finnish companions,” stated Capt. Aaron Kelley, commander of the Kearsarge ARG and embarked Amphibious Squadron SIX. “Finland’s experience is vital to additional creating our understanding of the operational setting. Working collectively improves coordination throughout our mixed maritime drive and supplies elevated readiness and responsiveness, whereas additionally demonstrating ally and associate resolve and dedication to safety within the Baltic area.”

All through the two-week interval, U.S. and Finnish forces participated in quite a lot of situations and train occasions all through the maritime area. Out to sea, items participated in amphibious nicely deck operations, mine-countermeasure demonstrations, ship maneuvering drills, and several other quick-response medical workout routines, whereas sharing methods and procedures and bettering communication and coordination.

“The chance to return to Finland and practice with the Finnish armed forces was an exceptional expertise for my Marines,” stated Col. Paul Merida, commanding officer of the Twenty second MEU. “The possibility to function in constricted maritime terrain supplied our forces a singular alternative to study from our Finnish companions who function on this setting on daily basis.”

Ashore within the area of Hanko and throughout the Finnish Archipelago, personnel carried out explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) workout routines and tactical restoration of plane and personnel. Members additionally participated in live-fire coaching and exchanged helpful expertise and techniques with their Finnish counterparts.

“On this train, Finnish Navy conscripts and reservists received a outstanding probability to look evaluation their expertise with their U.S. counterparts. The compressed planning of the train proved that we’ve already had a superb floor for deeper cooperation and interoperability. Readiness to function collectively even with a brief discover is important in at present’s setting,” stated Finnish Navy Command’s Chief of Operations, Captain (N) Juhapekka Rautava.

On Aug. 17, U.S. and Finnish forces showcased their mixed capabilities ashore throughout a distinguished customer occasion in Uppiniemi. The demonstration featured U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys, CH-53s, and Finnish U-700 Jehu-class touchdown craft conducting a choreographed ship-to-shore operation and simulated raid. Guests obtained front-row seats to view U.S. and Finnish interoperability in motion.

Bilateral coaching occasions comparable to these underscore the significance of like-minded nations working collectively in pursuit of frequent objectives.

“We’re ready and keen to do our half in supporting safety and stability within the Baltic Sea area. We’re trying ahead for very lively co-operation along with the U.S. forces in both bilateral or NATO framework,” Rautava added.

The Kearsarge ARG and embarked Twenty second MEU, beneath the command and management of Activity Pressure 61/2, consists of Kearsarge, San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), and Whidbey Island-class dock touchdown ship USS Gunston Corridor (LSD 44).

Embarked instructions with the Kearsarge ARG embrace Amphibious Squadron SIX, Twenty second MEU, Fleet Surgical Workforce 2, Fleet Surgical Workforce 4, Tactical Air Management Squadron 22, Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron 28, Naval Seaside Group 2, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4, and Seaside Grasp Unit 2.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has solid strategic relationships with our Allies and Companions, leveraging a basis of shared values to protect safety and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces within the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of accountability. U.S. Sixth Fleet is completely assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces via the complete spectrum of joint and naval operations.