FRUKUS 2012 Holds Joint Maneuvering and Aerial Defense Training

June 29, 2012 defpro.com

USS NORMANDY, At Sea | The multinational training Exercise FRUKUS 2012 conducted its first series of training evolutions, June 27.

The first training events consisted of joint-maneuvering exercises as well as simulated airborne attacks. These exercises improve interoperability between the participating nations and ensure that the ships could operate jointly in a dynamic environment.

"In order to be able to operate together, we have to know the limits and capabilities of each ship in the event of an emergency," said Capt. Kevin Hill, commanding officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60). "The maneuvering exercises show that we can move together without error. The aerial defense showed that we can not only defend our own ships in the event of a plane or helicopter attack, but that we can protect each other as well. This is a great demonstration of team work."

The first day of training was successfully completed due to the efforts of each ship's crew.

"Working together with the other ships proved to be difficult at first, but after a little while we started to get the hang of it and things flowed," said Seaman David Adcock, helmsman aboard Normandy during the evoulution. "It was good to see that we can move around each other in the event of an emergency and still be able to defend others as well as ourselves. That's what these training events are all about - looking out for and working with each other to help accomplish the mission."

FRUKUS is an annual exercise aimed at improving maritime security through an open dialogue and increased training between the navies of France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.