Joint Warrior 10-1 Kicks Off

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FASLANE, Scotland — U.S. Navy Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) man the rails while pulling into port in Faslane, Scotland April 9. Laboon is participating in the multinational exercise Joint Warrior 10-1, a semi-annual event that encompasses multinational and multi-warfare exercises designed to improve interoperability between allied navies, and prepares participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nikki Smith)

FASLANE, Scotland — U.S. Navy Deck department sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) secure mooring lines for the guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) April 9. Laboon and Vella Gulf are participating in the multinational exercise Joint Warrior 10-1, a semi-annual event that encompasses multinational and multi-warfare exercises designed to improve interoperability between allied navies, and prepares participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Darius Jackson)

FASLANE, Scotland — U.S. Navy Deck department sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) heave a mooring line as the ship moors outboard of the guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) April 9. Laboon and Vella Gulf are participating in the multinational exercise Joint Warrior 10-1, a semi-annual event that encompasses multinational and multi-warfare exercises designed to improve interoperability between allied navies, and prepares participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Darius Jackson)

FASLANE, Scotland — Navy Seaman Miguel Mora throws a heaving line to the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) during sea and anchor detail aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) April 9. Laboon and Vella Gulf are participating in the multi-national exercise Joint Warrior 10-1, a semi-annual event that encompasses multi-national and multi-warfare exercises designed to improve interoperability between allied navies, and prepares participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Darius Jackson)

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April 12, 2010
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nikki Smith Destroyer Squadron 24 Public Affairs

USS LABOON, Scotland — The multinational high-tempo training exercise Joint Warrior 10-1 commenced April 12 off the coast of Scotland.

Joint Warrior is a United Kingdom-led, multi-warfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployment.

The concentrated training schedule for the guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58), one of the six U.S. Navy ships participating in Joint Warrior 10-1, included a mine leadthrough and a Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC) exercise, which occurred immediately upon pulling out of port.

“All underway time is valuable; we want to maximize every training moment, and it puts everyone into the scenario,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Stephen Evans, deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 24 (DESRON 24). “We’re in scenario from the very start, and we’re operating under very realistic circumstances.”

The first exercise of the day was a mine leadthrough, in which a minesweeping ship, British Royal navy HMS Brocklesby (M33), led Laboon through a simulated mine warfare track, which permitted Laboon to practice ship maneuvers and operate astern of the minesweeper. During the exercise, Brocklesby escorted Laboon through a mine track, which ensured Laboon had a clear, mine-free path as it transited a potential dangerous area.

U.S. Navy Ensign Michele Rollins, DESRON 24 staff navigator, said this minesweeping exercise is unique because it is not practiced the same way U.S. Navy ships would practice off the U.S. east coast. During a U.S. Navy exercise, navigation would plot a path for ships to follow and simulate a minesweeper escort ship. In Joint Warrior, Laboon and other ships were able to actually follow a minesweeping ship, achieving a realistic experience for sailors aboard the ship.

Meanwhile, the crew remained ready to execute the FIAC. The crew was not briefed on what time the attack would happen, but was told to be ready and waiting for the call to go out. When Laboon’s crew was called to man stations for the attack, they found four jet skis inbound and executed proper procedures to neutralize the threats.

As sailors manned gun mounts and blew the ship’s whistle, the at-sea fire party members manned fire hose sprays and detered the inbound jet skis. The exercise also challenged Laboon’s navigation and bridge team, while personnel executed proper pre-planned responses, they continued to maintain the ships speed and maneuver the ship, in different ways, to keep the jet skis in the ships wake.

U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms First Class Joseph Lucy, Laboon’s anti-terrorism force protection watch officer, said this exercise was beneficial because attempts to gather information from approaching jet skis approaching ships is an increasing realistic scenario.

“This is our home; we have to protect each other. Everyone was reacting to the situation as if it were real, and we were working together in the mindset to protect each other and protect our home,” said Lucy.

Ships led by DESRON 24, commanded by U.S. Navy Capt. Aaron C. Jacobs, DESRON 24 commodore, will be participating in the Joint Warrior training exercise until April 23, with different, realistic scenario-driven exercises planned every day.

The exercise promotes Commander, U.S. Second Fleet’s three focus areas: conducting safe and effective fleet operations to achieve mission, providing ready maritime forces for global assignment and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy.

Joint Warrior serves as a certifying event for ships that will deploy with coalition forces in the future. Laboon is participating alongside the guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52), guided missile cruisers USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) and USS Vicksburg (CG 69), guided missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) and Fleet Replenishment Oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195).

Nations participating in the exercise are Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States.