On Monday, 1 April 2014, the NATO counter-piracy task force (CTF-508) frigates ESPS CRISTOBAL COLON and ITS FRANCESCO MIMBELLI conducted an Air Defence Exercise (ADEX) with USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH and USS PHILIPPINE SEA, testing their surface warfare and anti-air warfare skills.
Before commencing the exercises, CTF-508 Rear Admiral (ESP N) Eugenio Diaz del Rio and his staff paid a visit to the American aircraft carrier and Commander Carrier Strike Group TWO Rear Admiral (USA N) Dewolfe Miller. The NATO officers received a detailed tour of the ship and a briefing about capabilities. They also discussed maritime security challenges in the region. Following the discussion, they observed the ADEX from the carrier, to include launch and recovery operations.
“It has been a great opportunity to train our forces and to keep our capabilities up-to-date,” said Rear Admiral Diaz del Rio.
[mappress] Press Release, April 3, 2014; Image: NATO