Sailors assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Simpson participated in a multinational training exercise aboard the Hellenic navy training ship Aris at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operations Training Center in support of exercise Phoenix Express 2012 in Souda Bay, Crete, May 12.

SOUDA BAY, Crete (May 12, 2012) - Boarding team members from the guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56), conduct small-arms training under the guidance of Marines assigned to the 1st Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team aboard the training ship Aris at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center during Phoenix Express 2012 (PE12). PE12, a multinational maritime exercise between Southern European, North African and U.S. Naval forces, is designed to improve cooperation among participating nations and help increase safety and security in the Mediterranean Sea.

SOUDA BAY, Crete (May 12, 2012) - Operations Specialist Seaman Alex Dibenedetto (left), a boarding team member assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56), practices small arms tactics under the supervision of U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Joshua Aiken (right), from the to 1st Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team, aboard the training ship Aris at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center during Phoenix Express 2012 (PE12). PE12, a multinational maritime exercise between Southern European, North African and U.S. Naval forces, is designed to improve cooperation among participating nations and help increase safety and security in the Mediterranean Sea.

SOUDA BAY, Crete (May 12, 2012) - U.S. Navy Sailors attached to guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG-56) participate in small-arms training aboard the Hellenic naval training ship Aris as part of exercise Phoenix Express 2012 (PE12) at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operations Center in Souda Bay, May 12. PE12, a multinational exercise between European, North African and U.S. naval forces, is an at-sea maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations to help increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean Sea.

SOUDA BAY, Crete (May 9, 2012) - Chief Fire Controlman Timothy Wheeler, a member of the boarding team from guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56), secures a stairway during an exercise aboard the training ship Aris at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center during Phoenix Express 2012 (PE12). PE12, a multi-national maritime exercise between Southern European, North African and U.S. Naval forces, is designed to improve cooperation among participating nations and help increase safety and security in the Mediterranean Sea.

SOUDA BAY, Crete (May 9, 2012) - Senior Chief Fire Controlman Allen Bylls, a member of the boarding team from guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56), leads his team on an exercise aboard the training ship Aris at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center during Phoenix Express 2012 (PE12). PE12, a multi-national maritime exercise between Southern European, North African and U.S. Naval forces, is designed to improve cooperation among participating nations and help increase safety and security in the Mediterranean Sea.

SOUDA BAY, Crete (May 9, 2012) - Members of a Moroccan boarding team attached to the Moroccan ship Mohammed V (F-611) participate in small-arms training aboard the training ship Aris at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center during Phoenix Express 2012 (PE12). PE12, a multi-national maritime exercise between Southern European, North African and U.S. Naval forces, is designed to improve cooperation among participating nations and help increase safety and security in the Mediterranean Sea.

SOUDA BAY, Crete (May 9, 2012) - Senior Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) Victor Meza, a member of the boarding team from guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56), provides security for his team during an exercise aboard the training ship Aris at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center during Phoenix Express 2012 (PE12). PE12, a multi-national maritime exercise between Southern European, North African and U.S. Naval forces, is designed to improve cooperation among participating nations and help increase safety and security in the Mediterranean Sea.