From I Marine Expeditionary Force
In this file photo, USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the USS New Orleans (LPD 18) transit together in the Pacific while returning from deployment in 2014. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Mayra A. Knight) >>
SAN DIEGO - Naval, ground and aviation forces from the United States, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand departed Naval Base San Diego Aug. 31, to participate in exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 (DB-15) off the coast and ashore at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center 29 Palms, California, through Sept. 9.
DB-15 is a scenario-driven exercise designed to train the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in operations expected of an amphibious task force while also building U.S. and coalition operational interoperability. The exercise will test staffs in the planning and execution of amphibious operations in a series of live training events at sea, in the air and ashore.
Ships participating in DB-15 include USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), USS Somerset (LPD 25), SS Curtis (T-AVB 4), USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), and USS Shoup (DDG 86); Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships JS Hyuga (DDH 181), JS Kunisaki (LST 4003), and JS Ashigara (DDG 178); and Mexican Navy Ships ARM Usumacinta (A 412) and ARM Revolucion (P 164).
Units from U.S. Third Fleet and I Marine Expeditionary Force will utilize the latest technologies and live exercises to accomplish DB-15 training objectives. The exercise will involve an amphibious landing, live-fire opportunities, and Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) training and sea-basing operations.
DB-15 will promote interoperability and cooperation between joint, coalition, and U.S. Forces, providing the opportunity to exchange knowledge and learn from each other, establish personal and professional relationships and hone individual and small-unit skills through challenging, complex and realistic live scenarios with special focus on building combat power ashore.
This exercise is one of a series of amphibious training events on both coasts of the U.S. Exercises like DB-15 provide realistic, relevant training necessary for effective global crisis response expected of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.