The guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and Egyptian navy ship El Zafer (F951) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX), May 6.

PASSEX is an exercise in which multiple ships operate in close vicinity of one-another. The exercise improved both crews' knowledge and strengthened their ship-handling and navigation skills.

"This exercise was a unique opportunity for Arleigh Burke to conduct training with the Egyptian navy and to practice ship-handling and warfighting skills," said Cmdr. Errol Robinson, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke. "Events like today's passing exercise not only deepen the relationship between our two countries but also strengthen our maritime security capabilities in the [U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations]."

The PASSEX started with the exchange of Sailors between the ships, followed by small boat exercises that allowed the Egyptian watchstanders to practice their pre-planned responses. This was followed by a live-fire gun shoot, where both ships fired on a "killer tomato" inflatable training target used for target practice.

The PASSEX concluded with close-quarter maneuvers that tested both bridge watch teams on their navigational abilities.

Arleigh Burke is currently deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. With the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as the flagship, deploying strike group assists include staffs, ships, and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1; as well as the Sachsen-class German Frigate FGS Hessen (F 221).


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