This week a multinational maritime exercise will bring together the U.S. 2nd Fleet with multiple international partners for a Fleet Exercise in the Norfolk, Va., area as well as in the Atlantic Ocean.
The large-scale exercise will test integrated forces in a dynamic, multidomain training environment. Bringing together 31 warships, multinational aircraft and their crews, the exercise will allow the combined forces conduct structured training at sea that will focus on a full spectrum of naval warfare, including antiair, antisubmarine and amphibious operations. The exercise will culminate in a scenario-driven event against a “dynamic adversary.” Officials said the goal of the exercise was to build cohesiveness, while validating tactical procedures and strengthening the collective capabilities of the participating forces.
“Fleet Exercise [250] is a tremendous opportunity to bring together a powerful, multinational force,” Navy Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander of the U.S. 2nd Fleet, said. “Training and operating as an integrated team sharpens our competitive edge and demonstrates our shared commitment to maritime security and stability in the Atlantic.”
On June 16 through June 21, the exercise will focus on its harbor phase, while moving to the exercise’s at-sea phase on June 22 through June 29.
During the harbor phase, the fleets will assemble at Naval Station Norfolk for planning, briefings and integrations; while the at-sea phase will see ships conduct a series of training events, a fleet formation photo exercise and a final battle problem.
The exercise runs concurrent with several events in Norfolk, including the Norfolk Harbor Fest, Virginia SAIL 250 and Norfolk Fleet Week – public events that allow for tours of visiting warships and international tall ships, as well as a Parade of Sail.
Participating countries include Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Senegal, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.
After the exercise, many of the units will join historic tall ships to sail to New York City for the International Naval Review 250 from July 3 through July 8.