U.S. Navy, Coast Guard conduct joint service training off Guam

27 May 2021

From Leslie Hull-Ryde, MSC Far East

Ships of Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 joined Guam-based units in the recent training to enhance interoperability.

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While steaming in a formation near Guam, USNS Montford Point employs their hose, a pre-planned response, which it might use during convoy operations. Pictured from left are: a Coastal Riverine Group 1’s mark VI boat, USNS Montford Point (T-ESD 1), U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Myrtle Hazard (WPC-1139), USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR 313), USNS Watkins (T-AKR 315), and in the air, an MH-60R from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25.

Ships of MPSRON 3 train with joint and Navy partners near Guam, April 15. (U.S. Navy/Lt. j.g. Nathaniel Ventura)

PACIFIC OCEAN - During a series of tactical training exercises, Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron (MPSRON) 3, Coastal Riverine Group 1, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam refined some of their operational skills during joint service training near Guam, April 14-18.

Integration amongst diverse U.S. Navy and joint capabilities strengthens readiness and deterrence against regional aggression supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“These drills helped enhance proficiency in ship handling and tactical fleet integration in preparation for contingency operations,” said Capt. John Bub, commodore of MPSRON 3.

The multi-group sail exercises consisted of close-quarter turns, evasion tactics, and formation steaming. Participating units, including MPSRON 3’s USNS Bobo (T-AK 3008), USNS Montford Point (T-ESD 1), USNS Watkins (T-AKR 315), and USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR 313), also practiced night-time signal communications and convoy operations.

“This valuable training increases interoperability among ships in the squadron and prepares them to work with other U.S. Navy assets and escorts,” said Bub. “MSC [Maritime Sealift Command] integration with fleet units is necessary to successfully execute a variety of taskings. It’s also critical to executing MPSRON 3's mission of enabling the force from the sea by providing swift and effective transportation of vital equipment and supplies for designated operations.”

MPSRON 3 oversees a number of ships that provide afloat prepositioned U.S. military cargo to the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.