The united statesKearsarge (LHD 3) Amphibious Prepared Group (ARG) and embarked twenty second Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) wrapped up a extremely profitable bilateral coaching alternative with members of the Finnish Armed Forces, Aug. 18, 2022. The coaching, which passed off from Aug. 9-18 with the Finnish Navy Command within the Northern Baltic Sea and the area of Hanko, will increase readiness between the shut companions and demonstrates the USA and Finland’s shared aim of preserving safety and stability within the Baltic area. The 2-week interoperability coaching instantly adopted Kearsarge’s port go to to Helsinki, Finland, Aug. 5-8. Whereas in port, Kearsarge hosted numerous members of Finland’s army and political management by means of a collection of key chief engagements and conferences. These engagements laid the groundwork for the following bilateral coaching.
All through the two-week interval, U.S. and Finnish forces participated in quite a lot of eventualities and train occasions all through the maritime area. Out to sea, models participated in amphibious properly deck operations, mine-countermeasure demonstrations, ship maneuvering drills, and several other quick-response medical workouts, whereas sharing methods and procedures and bettering communication and coordination. Ashore within the area of Hanko and throughout the Finnish Archipelago, personnel performed explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) workouts and tactical restoration of plane and personnel. Members additionally participated in live-fire coaching and exchanged worthwhile abilities and ways with their Finnish counterparts.
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On Aug. 17, U.S. and Finnish forces showcased their mixed capabilities ashore throughout a distinguished customer occasion in Uppiniemi. The demonstration featured U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys, CH-53s, and Finnish U-700 Jehu-class touchdown craft conducting a choreographed ship-to-shore operation and simulated raid. Guests obtained front-row seats to view U.S. and Finnish interoperability in motion. Bilateral coaching occasions resembling these underscore the significance of like-minded nations working collectively in pursuit of frequent targets. Embarked instructions with the Kearsarge ARG embrace Amphibious Squadron SIX, twenty second MEU, Fleet Surgical Group 2, Fleet Surgical Group 4, Tactical Air Management Squadron 22, Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron 28, Naval Seaside Group 2, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4, and Seaside Grasp Unit 2.
The Kearsarge ARG and embarked twenty second MEU, underneath the command and management of Activity Drive 61/2, consists of Kearsarge, San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), and Whidbey Island-class dock touchdown ship USS Gunston Corridor (LSD 44). For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has cast strategic relationships with our Allies and Companions, leveraging a basis of shared values to protect safety and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces within the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of duty. U.S. Sixth Fleet is completely assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces by means of the complete spectrum of joint and naval operations.
