Members of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) conducted training with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 and the guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), March 14.
The training afforded the opportunity for the AIT, HSC-26, and Chung-Hoon to work together as one cohesive unit.
“The interoperability between the Coast Guard and Navy is critical when you think about how often we serve together across the globe, and especially in the 5th fleet area of responsibility,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Brent Jackson, commanding officer of Chung-Hoon. “Maintaining a high level of proficiency and seamless integration between our services demonstrates a special ability to perform all national tasking as a joint force in the maritime environment.”
The fast-roping highlighted an important insertion skillset that gives the AIT the ability to conduct future missions in any way needed.
“The importance of the training we’re doing today is crucial,” said U.S. Coast Guard Senior Chief Maritime Engagement Specialist David Ramirez, a member of the AIT. “It presented a great opportunity to train with our partners [at] HSC-26. If we need to conduct a boarding on a vessel, and the small boats aren’t available depending on sea state, being able to board a ship via helicopter is important in being able to secure the target.”
Jackson also recognized the importance of rehearsing such a critical skill.
“Today's exercise highlighted the capability to apply a unique skill set required to conduct high-risk, abnormal missions regardless of the maritime environment,” said Jackson.
Chung-Hoon is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
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