The U.S. Navy is deploying joint high speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) to Central and South America and the Caribbean to conduct subject-matter expert exchanges and orientations in support of a regional exercise, June 15 to Oct. 10.
The exercise, Southern Partnership Station – JHSV 2015 (SPS-JHSV 15), is an annual international exercise that provides the opportunity for U.S and partner nation forces to operate in a multinational environment, refine coordination and improve interoperability.
The forces will improve upon fleet experimentation activities and conduct counter illicit trafficking operations in support of the exercise.
USNS Spearhead will conduct several port visits to make subject-matter experts available to host-nation maritime services.
During these visits, the SPS-JHSV 15 command element will conduct engagements designed to strengthen cooperative partnerships.
Spearhead will carry a command element and military teams from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and civilian personnel representing the Military Sealift Command. Additionally, USNS Choctaw County (JHSV 2) will carry out an intra-theater lift of U.S. Marine Corps personnel and heavy equipment throughout the month of June, in support of the exercise.
SPS-JHSV 15 is a U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)-directed operation planned by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO)/Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet (C4F) and carried out by Spearhead.
Image: US Navy