The coaching, which happened 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 USA and Finland’s shared objective 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 workforce 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 essential to additional creating our understanding of the operational setting. Working collectively improves coordination throughout our mixed maritime power and gives elevated readiness and responsiveness, whereas additionally demonstrating ally and accomplice resolve and dedication to safety within the Baltic area.”
All through the two-week interval, U.S. and Finnish forces participated in a wide range of situations and train occasions all through the maritime area. Out to sea, items participated in amphibious effectively deck operations, mine-countermeasure demonstrations, ship maneuvering drills, and a number of other quick-response medical workouts, whereas sharing methods and procedures and bettering communication and coordination.
“The chance to return to Finland and prepare 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 novel alternative to be taught from our Finnish companions who function on this setting on daily basis.”
Ashore within the area of Hanko and throughout the Finnish Archipelago, personnel performed explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) workouts and tactical restoration of plane and personnel. Members additionally participated in live-fire coaching and exchanged invaluable expertise and techniques with their Finnish counterparts.
“On this train, Finnish Navy conscripts and reservists acquired a exceptional likelihood to look evaluation their expertise with their U.S. counterparts. The compressed planning of the train proved that we’ve already had floor for deeper cooperation and interoperability. Readiness to function collectively even with a brief discover is important in right this moment’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 acquired front-row seats to view U.S. and Finnish interoperability in motion.
Bilateral coaching occasions similar to these underscore the significance of like-minded nations working collectively in pursuit of widespread targets.
“We’re in a position 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 Job Power 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 embody Amphibious Squadron SIX, Twenty second MEU, Fleet Surgical Crew 2, Fleet Surgical Crew 4, Tactical Air Management Squadron 22, Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron 28, Naval Seashore Group 2, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4, and Seashore 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 duty. U.S. Sixth Fleet is completely assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces via the complete spectrum of joint and naval operations.
