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| USS Curtis Wilbur (Wiki Info - Image Wiki) |
USS Curtis Wilbur Participates in Foal Eagle 2014
By Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Alonzo Archer, USS Curtis Wilbur Public Affairs
USS CURTIS WILBUR, At Sea (NNS) -- The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) along with other U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) navy ships concluded their participation in Exercise Foal Eagle 2014 (FE 14), March 15.
FE 14 is an umbrella of bi-lateral and joint exercises held annually that strengthens the interoperability and teamwork between U.S. and ROK military forces, while enhancing the security and readiness of the ROK.
"Foal Eagle 2014 was a great success," said Cmdr. De For, Curtis Wilbur's commanding officer. "It was a fantastic opportunity to work with our friends, the Republic of Korea navy, and a great experience for everyone on board. I've been blessed with a great crew. They work hard, they take operations seriously, and they're ready at all times. I couldn't be happier with them, or the drive they've shown during this underway."
During the week-long exercise, U.S and ROK Navy ships executed various bi-lateral events at sea that honed the tactical capabilities of both navies, while enabling enhanced joint operations with Army and Air Force assets. FE 14 stretched the limits of both forces and focused on the complex coordination required in a combat environment.
The exercise afforded a unique training opportunity to watchstanders of all ranks and rates as they worked side-by-side with ROK navy exchange officers to improve command and control between the two navies. Additionally, Curtis Wilbur provided two exchange officers to the ROK ship, Sejong the Great, further enhancing interoperability and coordination throughout FE 14.
Twenty-three year old Ensign Luke Lumsden, one of four conning officers, tactically maneuvered the ship during FE 14's large scale photo exercise, in which U.S. and ROK navy ships steamed in close formation.
"I'm a brand new Ensign, so I took this opportunity to learn as much as possible," Lumsden said. "I really enjoyed working with the Korean Sailors we had on board. They were very knowledgeable about their ship's maneuvers and tactics and were very interested in learning about the way we do things. I think this was a great training environment for both U.S. and Korean forces."
Additionally, Curtis Wilbur conducted a port visit at Pyeongtaek, where Sailors participated in various events with the local community and ROK sailors, to include a community service event at Onnuri Sarangchae Yoyangwon Senior Citizen's Home, a ship tour, visit to the ROK ship Cheonan memorial, and various sporting events.
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| USS Lassen (Wiki Info - Image Wiki) |
USS Lassen Concludes Foal Eagle 2014
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David Flewellyn, USS Lassen Public Affairs
USS LASSEN, At Sea (NNS) -- The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) concluded its participation in the bilateral exercise Foal Eagle 2014 (FE 14), March 15.
Foal Eagle is a series of annual training events that are defense-oriented and designed to increase readiness to defend the Republic of Korea (ROK), maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula, and strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance while promoting regional peace and stability. The exercises enhance the combat readiness posture of the alliance through combined joint training.
"Working with our allied partners in the Korean theater represents a test of true readiness," said Cmdr. Michael Smith, Lassen's commanding officer. "Each individual navy trains hard on their own, but when we train together we take it to the next level. Foal Eagle validates the close cooperation between our two navies in a real world setting"
Prior to beginning at-sea portion of the exercise, Lassen visited the city of Pyeongtaek, ROK, March 8-10. While in port, Lassen and ROK sailors visited a local retirement home to care for and entertain the elderly. Sailors also visited Seoul and participated in other military-to-military events.
Lassen departed Pyeongtaek with several ROK navy (ROKN) exchange officers on board to work along-side the ship's crew.
"I think that Foal Eagle is very important for us," said Lt. Choi Young-suk, a Lynx helicopter pilot with the ROKN. "We always learn so much from the U.S. Navy, but I think that the U.S. Navy can also learn from us. From a tactical level, I think it's a great benefit for the future of both nations."
Choi, who was aboard to observe helicopter operations, was impressed with Lassen's crew.
"The crew has been excellent hosts," said Choi. "They are extremely professional in the way that they operate and very dedicated to their duty, and at the same time very kind and gracious."
Lassen participated in several scenarios during the exercise with multiple U.S. and ROK ships and aircraft. Each training event featured unique tactical scenarios to drive training proficiency.
Lassen is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan and is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of stability and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region.