Wichita Conducts First PASSEX on Maiden Deployment with Dominican Republic

Courtesy Photo | 210302-N-N3764-0009 CARIBBEAN SEA (Mar. 2, 2021) The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS 13) executes a passing exercise (PASSEX) with Dominican Republic patrol boats Orion (GC 109) and Altair (GC 112) while operating in the Caribbean Sea, Mar. 2, 2021. Wichita is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Aerographer’s Mate 1st Class Keith E. Mitchell/Released)  

CARIBBEAN SEA

03.02.2021

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

CARIBBEAN SEA - The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS 13) executed a passing exercise (PASSEX) with naval counter parts from the Dominican Republic, Mar. 2 while operating in the Caribbean Sea.

The PASSEX provided an opportunity for both navies to improve interoperability and demonstrate their ability to communicate, navigate, and operate together at sea.

“As a new arrival to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations, it was a rewarding experience for the crew to immediately engage with our regional partners,” said Cmdr. Daniel A. Reiher, commanding officer of Wichita. “We look forward to more shared experiences throughout our deployment to train together and strengthen our ties.”

Throughout the exercise, the forces were able to practice a series of tactical shipboard movements and formations, as well as test command and control and communication capabilities. PASSEXs afford the opportunity for partner nations to develop a greater trust, understanding and respect for each other’s unique platforms all while improving crews' knowledge and demonstrating shared tactics.

“This PASSEX provided extremely valuable training for our bridge and navigation team,” said Lt. Lydia A. Griffin, Officer of the Deck during the exercise. “Being able to practice tactics and good seamanship enables our crew to further develop our maritime skills.”

The PASSEX was a concluding event after Wichita recently completed a brief stop for fuel and provisions in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Wichita is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

• Date Taken: 03.02.2021
• Date Posted: 03.05.2021 10:38
• Story ID: 390661
• Location: CARIBBEAN SEA