U.S. and Canadian Sailors completed a Task Group Exercise (TGEX), off the coast of Southern California, Oct. 7-11.
TGEX is a U.S. and Canadian, multi-warfare exercise designed to train independent deploying ships in various mission areas including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and maritime interdiction operations.
“This exercise was a great training opportunity in all warfare areas,” said Capt. Timothy Kott, commanding officer, USS Mobile Bay. “Everything we did this week stresses our basic warfighting capabilities and doing it with one of our closest partners makes it that much better. Bilateral exercises allow us to flex command and control and be able to operate together with some of our closest partners where we have the same maritime interests.”
The ships also took part in a large-scale live firing exercise, which showcased the arsenal of both navies. Among the weapons fired were the MK-45 5-inch gun, close-in weapons system, and the MK-38 25-mm machine gun.
“When we deploy, we often deploy as part of a coalition, so it’s key that we all operate on the same page,” said Canadian Commodore Bob Auchterlionie.
U.S. Navy ships that participated included Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), Areleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates USS Ingraham (FFG 61), USS McClusky (FFG 41) and USS Gary (FFG 51).
Her Majesty’s Canadian ships included Halifax-class frigates HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341) and HMCS Regina (FFH 334), the auxiliary oiler replenishment ship HMCS Protecteur (AOR 509).
Joint, interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. Third Fleet’s ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies.
[mappress] Press Release, October 16, 2013; Image: US Navy