By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Bishop
DESRON 15 & DESRON 7 Public Affairs
SOUTH CHINA SEA – USS Lassen (DDG 82), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer led the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) in the first combined South China Sea presence operations, July 9.
Deputy Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15, Capt. Christopher Sweeney states, “This is a great step forward in maritime operations in the South China Sea. United operations with DDG and LCS increase our capacity to influence freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. This will not be the last patrol with both platforms – we look forward to many more.”
Since August 2013, Destroyer Squadron 15 DDGs have operated in the South China Sea. During these patrols, safe interactions with all vessels at sea, courteous radio conversations, and prudent shiphandling establishes the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maritime security and informs other navies that U.S. Navy ships intend to operate freely in international waters.
“It’s truly an honor to be part of the first joint presence operations in the South China Sea between an LCS and DDG,” said Cmdr. Robert Francis, Lassen commanding officer. “Lassen and Fort Worth complemented each other operationally, and the crews learned many great lessons that we will share with the fleet.”
During combined presence operations in the South China Sea, Lassen and Fort Worth conducted operations at sea, working together to seamlessly share information between the two platforms.
“Our presence operations with USS Lassen demonstrates the U.S Navy’s commitment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and emphasizes our ability to conduct maritime operations freely on the high seas,” said Cmdr. Rich Jarrett, commanding officer of Fort Worth. “The 16-month deployment rotation for littoral combat ships like USS Fort Worth provides more persistent presence that contributes to maritime stability throughout the region.”
Fort Worth and Lassen also conducted joint flight operations with the ships’ embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopters providing critical maritime domain awareness for both platforms.
“LCSs are accustomed to independent steaming so sailing with Lassen was a welcomed change to our daily routine at sea,” said Cmdr. Christopher Brown, prospective commanding officer of Fort Worth. “The operating picture shared between both ships proved invaluable in increasing our situational awareness.”
The U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet, U.S. 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability and prevent conflict.
| Date Taken: |
07.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: |
07.14.2015 22:46 |
| Story ID: |
170043 |
| Location: |
SOUTH CHINA SEA |
| Web Views: |
441 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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