Yukon Sustains Allies, Partners During Exercises

Courtesy Photo | WESTERN PACIFIC (Aug. 29, 2021) – Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Izumo-class multi-purpose operation destroyer JS Kaga (DDH 184) prepares to conduct an underway replenishment with Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO 202) in the Western Pacific Ocean as part of MALABAR 21, Aug. 29. The Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler provides U.S. Navy, allies’ and partners’ ships operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations with critical supplies, including fuel, food and spare parts. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50-70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region. (Photo by Capt. Daniel Glazier)  

PACIFIC OCEAN

10.20.2021

Story by Leslie Hull-Ryde 

Military Sealift Command Far East

PACIFIC OCEAN -- Military Sealift Command’s fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO 202) took part in both phases of MALABAR 21. MALABAR 21 is an annual maritime exercise that enhances planning, training and employment of advance warfare tactics between the Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy – and a separate military training exercise that included the United Kingdom.

While the nations’ navies strengthened their skills in maritime operations throughout the exercises, Yukon conducted replenishments-at-sea with ships involved in each exercise. Underway replenishments provide food, fuel, fleet cargo, and other critical supplies to ships operating in the Indo-Pacific; sustaining them on station.

“Exercises like these enhance our interoperability and international teamwork,” said Capt. Daniel Glazier, master of Yukon.

“Learning the procedures and techniques of other countries is important. Communicating through a common evolution creates a teamwork mentality because everyone wants to be safe and follow procedures that have the same goals.”

Elements of international maritime forces routinely operate together in the Indo-Pacific, fostering a cooperative approach toward regional security and stability.

Glazier said that throughout each phase of MALABAR and during the military training exercise, Yukon’s crew had the chance to practice several evolutions with their international colleagues, including communication drills and maneuvering tactics.

“It was apparent from the beginning that they are great, skilled mariners and carried out excellent maneuvering,” he said.

“Everyone took great pride in the materiel conditions of their ships. All crews’ performances reflected proudly of the countries they represented.”

As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50-70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

• Date Taken: 10.20.2021
• Date Posted: 10.24.2021 23:52
• Story ID: 407593
• Location: PACIFIC OCEAN