The following blog is from Capt. Augustus P. Bennett, commodore, Amphibious Squadron Four, speaking on his experience during the fourth day of the Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise Egemen 2015, Oct. 27.
As Egemen 2015 comes to a close, the extensive man-hours of exercise planning, beach surveying, current and tidal research, landing zone designation, elevation and terrain mapping all culminated today with the superb execution of an amphibious assault on the shores of Turkey alongside our allies. Egemen is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise that began on Oct. 24, 2015.
DOGANBEY, Turkey (Oct. 27, 2015) U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushioned, Assault Craft Unit 4, conduct a joint amphibious assault during exercise Egemen 2015 in Doganbey, Turkey, Oct. 27. Egemen is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise designed to increase tactical proficiencies and interoperability among participants. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and PHIBRON 4 are deployed to the 6th fleet area of in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Andrew D. Pendracki/ Released)
The embarked forces, commanded by Turkish Rear Adm. Aydin Sirin with observers from the British Royal Marines, worked alongside our U.S. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) enhancing both of our tactical-level expeditionary warfare skills. Exercises like Egemen 2015 increase interoperability and strengthen our partnerships not only with Turkey but with NATO allies and regional partners as well.
AEGEAN SEA (Oct. 26, 2015) Rear Adm. Aydin Sirin, Turkish amphibious task group commander, views flight operations from primary flight control aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during Egemen 2015, Oct. 26, 2015. Egemen is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise designed to increase tactical proficiencies and interoperability among participants. Kearsarge, deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy/Released)
Partnerships matter… Turkey and the U.S. are committed allies focused on security in the region, and exercise Egemen 2015 further demonstrates that resolve under NATO. The partnership showed here today between our forces foster mutual commitment to promote peace and stability in the region.
Approximately 3,400 personnel participated in Egemen 2015. The exercise provided an environment to practice amphibious warfare capabilities. The leadership from our Turkish counterparts resulted in training that advanced our U.S.-Turkish forces’ ability to operate from a sea-based platform and transition to accomplish military objectives ashore.
As our Turkish allies depart for their homes ashore, I wish them fair winds and following seas until we meet again. Well done to the officers and crew of USS Kearsarge and the Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
AEGEAN SEA (Oct. 27, 2015) – U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Assault Craft Unit 4 prepare to embark to Doganbey, Turkey,from the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 4) to conduct an amphibious assault during Exercise Egemen 2015 Oct. 27. Egemen is a Turkish-led and hosted amphibious exercise designed to increase tactical proficiencies and interoperability among participants. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua W. Brown/Released)
Editor’s note: This blog was originally published Oct. 28, 2015 on U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet’s blog.
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