Through the train, forces labored collectively to seek out, monitor and intercept a simulated drug smuggling vessel, to in the end acquire constructive management of the craft.
Milwaukee deployed her 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) because the simulated drug smuggling go-fast vessel (GFV) and her MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter connected to the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron (HSC) 22, Detachment 5 to trace the simulated GFV and go the situation to Ecuadorian Coast Guard vessels, LAE Rio Jubones (LG-120) and LAE Rio Tangare (LG-128). Jubones and Tangare then intercepted the GFV and practiced the observe on boarding and reporting steps.
The coaching helped to enhance interoperability and reveal the strategic partnership with Ecuador that helps facilitate conducting naval operations in opposition to rising threats within the area.
“Each likelihood now we have to work with associate nations not solely strengthens interoperability, but additionally brings two navies nearer collectively,” mentioned Cmdr. Brian Forster, commanding officer of Milwaukee. “The crew actually enjoys these engagements, and it exhibits the capacities different international locations deliver to the counter-illicit trafficking mission.”
Previous to the train, Milwaukee arrived in Manta for a three-day port go to. The ship performed mil-to-mil engagements and ship excursions for the Mayor of Manta, Agustín Quijano; commander of the Jaramijó Naval Base, Capt. Diego Espinosa; and members of the Ecuadorian navy.
Bilateral engagements permit each navies to strengthen tactical readiness for future operations, preserve readiness at sea, and help continued dedication to safety and stability within the area.
Milwaukee is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet space of operations to help Joint Interagency Process Power South’s mission, which incorporates counter-illicit drug trafficking missions within the Caribbean and Jap Pacific.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet helps U.S. Southern Command’s joint and mixed navy operations by using maritime forces in cooperative maritime safety operations to keep up entry, improve interoperability, and construct enduring partnerships in an effort to improve regional safety and promote peace, stability and prosperity within the Caribbean, Central and South American area.
