U.S. amphibious forces arrived in Turkish waters to participate in the Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise Egemen 2015, Oct. 24.
The exercise is designed to enhance operational and tactical-level expeditionary warfare skills while increasing interoperability and strengthening partnerships between United States and Turkish forces.
Capt. Augustus P. Bennett, Commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, said:
The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group with Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, have looked forward to this Turkish led exercise which will allow the U.S. and Turkey both to build joint expeditionary capability and be ready to respond to meet security challenges.
A combined Turkish-U.S. staff, led by Turkey, will plan and then execute amphibious operations as part of the exercise.
The exercise will include tactical level training ashore and a combined amphibious landing, flexing all elements of amphibious warfare.
Capt. David Bossert, commanding officer, USS Kearsarge LHD 3, added:
The Sailors and Marines of the Turkish and U.S. expeditionary naval task forces will conduct maneuvers at sea en route to an objective area, culminating a combined forces assault to secure landing force objectives ashore. High-end tactical level training of this type reassures forces of both nations that when called upon, NATO can respond.
U.S. forces include the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and elements of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
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Image: US Navy