The U.S. 2nd Fleet,on behalf of US Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR),and Military Sealift Command (MSC) have been conducting convoy operations in the Atlantic Ocean.It's a skill set that was perhaps best exemplified during the two World Wars of the twentieth cenury,but has lately regained relevance in an era of renewed great power competition,in which sealift remains an essential component of logistics for the warfighter.
Recently a number of US Navy assets have been involved in a simulated convoy across the Atlantic.First,the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69),Patrol Squadron-4 (PV-4),as well as a submarine cleared the maritime battlespace prior to the convoy transit,the Navy said.Then,escorted by the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72),the convoy,consisting of cargo vessels USNS Benevidez (T-AKR 306),MV Resolve and MV Patriot,executed an Atlantic crossing in a scenario representing an opposed transit of cargo and/or troops.
According to ADM James G. Foggo III,commander,US Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) and US Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF):
This exercise allows us to sharpen our ability to move critical resources across the Atlantic,from the United States to Europe.As I have said before,logistics is the sixth domain of warfare,and a crititcal part of any successful operation or exercise.*
Added CAPT Andrew Fitzpatrick,commander,USS Vella Gulf:
Practicing convoy operations flexes a blue-water,high-end skill for the first time in many years,enabling us all to operate on,above,and below the sea in a contested environment.*
PV-4 flies P8-A Poseidon aircraft,undertaking maritime patrol;anti-submarine warfare;and Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions.Established in 1943,it is based at NAS Whidbey Island,Oak Harbor,Washington,and most recently saw action in the Gulf War,Iraq War and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).
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