YOKOSUKA, Japan—For more than 45 years, the U.S. 7th Fleet’s Forward Deployed Naval Force (FDNF) in Japan has included the most advanced warships in the U.S. Navy. This month, for the first time, those FDNF ships received the most advanced tactical training to prepare to win in blue water combat.
USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), one of three guided missile destroyers, a guided missile cruiser, and two amphibious ships of the FDNF completed Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training March 18, while operating in the Philippine Sea.
“This advanced tactical training is the most demanding we’ve had to date for the 7th Fleet Amphibious Force.” said Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. “We are a more-ready force because of this training and more importantly, we are a more lethal force as a result of this successful exercise.”
The Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) facilitated the advanced level training to increase the tactical proficiency, lethality, and interoperability of cruisers, destroyers and amphibious ships assigned to the U.S. Seventh Fleet.
The warships conducted several training exercises, including anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, air defense and amphibious warfare. Complex live-fire events included missile exercises, torpedo exercises and gunnery exercises.
“As we engaged in multi-ship advanced warfighting training against complex threats, it’s been impressive to witness how our crew’s proficiency and teamwork has evolved,” said Cmdr. Jonathan Hopkins, USS Milius (DDG 69) commanding officer. “Not only am I leaving this event more confident in Milius’ ability to fight at the high-end of the spectrum, but I am also extremely confident in our Navy team’s ability to fight and win.”
USS Curtis Wilbur was named for Curtis D. Wilbur, a native of Boone, Iowa, who was the forty-third Secretary of the Navy.
U.S. 7th Fleet units are forward-deployed to provide security and stability throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific.
(contributed article and photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Codie L. Soule, Commander Task Force 70 Public Affairs)
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