US Navy sailors on the Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) have concluded a combined forces maritime security operations training exercise in the Gulf of Aden.
Chung-Hoon’s latest round of drills began last month. Personnel who took part in the programme were trained by US Coast Guardsmen and US Army soldiers in new techniques and tactics.
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US Coast Guard maritime enforcement specialist first class Michael Walden said: “Training’s going excellent. They’re very willing to learn. They’re actually grasping a lot.
“We’ve done medical training, and we’ve also gone over boarding procedures regarding specific vessels that they will encounter out here. Medical training is very important as it can save your life during a boarding.”
The instructors highlighted the need to ensure greater cooperation among the different military branches in global areas of operations.
US Army sergeant first class Alan Bland said: “Clearly, the army is more of a ground force. However, we are trying to build networks, in and around the area of responsibility (AOR), from the sea, for the land.”
The training covered multiple areas, including boarding a vessel, and close-quarters combat and survival.
USS Chung-Hoon was named in honour of rear admiral Gordon Pai’ea Chung-Hoon. Built by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. The vessel was commissioned in 2004.
The vessel can achieve a speed of 30k. It is deployed to the US 5th Fleet area of operations to protect the country’s maritime interests in the Pacific region.
