Egyptian ENS Sharm El-Sheikh, USS Somerset Perform Passing Exercise

18 March 2021

From Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

RED SEA - The Egyptian guided-missile frigate ENS Sharm El-Sheikh (FFG 901) and U.S. amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX), March 14.

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USS Somerset (LPD 25) conducts a passing exercise with the Egyptian navy guided-missile frigate ENS Sharm El-Sheikh (FFG 901).

210314-N-JC800-1400 RED SEA (March 14, 2021) – U.S. Navy Capt. Dave Kurtz, commanding officer of amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), observes Egyptian guided-missile frigate ENS Sharm El Sheikh (FFG 901) during a passing exercise in the Red Sea, March 14. Somerset, part of the Makin island Amphibious Ready Group, and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Heath Zeigler)

210314-N-JC800-1023 RED SEA (March 14, 2021) - Egyptian guided-missile frigate ENS Sharm El Sheikh (FFG 901) maneuvers alongside amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), not pictured, during a passing exercise in the Red Sea, March 14. Somerset, part of the Makin island Amphibious Ready Group, and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Heath Zeigler)

210314-N-JC800-1058 RED SEA (March 14, 2021) - U.S. Navy Sailors observe Egyptian guided-missile frigate ENS Sharm El Sheikh (FFG 901) from the bridge wing of amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) during a passing exercise in the Red Sea, March 14. Somerset, part of the Makin island Amphibious Ready Group, and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Heath Zeigler)

A PASSEX is an exercise in which multiple ships operate in close vicinity to practice evolutions together to improve crews’ knowledge, navigation and interoperability.

“Operating with the Egyptian Navy is a highlight for our deployment. As the U.S. Navy operates forward to reassure friends and deter adversaries, strengthening partnerships is important,” said Capt. Dave Kurtz, Somerset’s commanding officer.

The PASSEX commenced with Sharm El-Sheikh and Somerset performing divisional tactics and maneuvers in formation. Additionally, the ships performed replenishment-at-sea approaches to strengthen our ability to operate together and increase shiphandling skills.

“Our work with the Egyptians was coordinated in detail, and took advantage of common maritime operating procedures,” said Kurtz. Although brief, it solidifies that our two navies can and often do operate from the same playbook. By capturing those lessons, the next exercise can build on that foundation and become even more complex.”

Somerset is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

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