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USS America, USS Carl Vinson Complete PASSEX

29 January 2018

From USS America (LHA 6) Public Affairs

The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) completed a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 20.
The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) completed a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 20.

The PASSEX included cross-deck flight operations, detect-to-engage scenarios, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) fast roping drills, and a photo exercise. The event aimed to enhance interoperability between the two classes of ships and emphasized the importance of communication and coordination when operating together at sea.

"This was a unique chance to integrate amphibious and carrier aviation capabilities, highlighting the interoperability between multiple platforms and our shared warfighting capabilities," said Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Holian, air operations officer for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3. "USS America and USS Carl Vinson showcased the Navy's ability to employ an expeditionary strike force with precision and lethality."

In one of the first evolutions of the PASSEX, Carl Vinson and America had the opportunity to pass by one another closely during a photo exercise. As the ships transited past one another, it symbolized a moment where one ship neared the end of deployment as another began their journey.

"We do not get the chance to operate with the aircraft carriers very often, so this was a unique event for our ship," said Capt. Joseph Olson, commanding officer of America. "The dynamics of ship configurations and how different classes can operate together is something we continuously look to train for."

For pilots involved in the PASSEX, training engagements such as deck landings and fast roping can increase their skills by familiarizing themselves with a different flight deck to land upon. Aircraft involved in the deck landings included the MH-60S Knight Hawks assigned to the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, currently embarked on America, and the MH-60R Sea Hawks assigned to the "Bluehawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78. An MH-60S Knight Hawk assigned to the "Black Knights" of HSC 4 also had the chance to perform a fast roping drill with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 onto America's flight deck.

Additional aviation training events included an in-flight aerial refueling, detect-to-engage combat scenarios, and a formation flight over both ships. During the formation flight, the F/A-18C/E/F Hornets and Super Hornets of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 flew alongside the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit AV-8B Harriers assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 (Reinforced).

"It was a great opportunity for us to work with the Hornets and Super Hornets," said Maj. Daniel Fiust, executive officer and Harrier pilot for VMM 161. "In a major conflict, we could find ourselves flying together in a large strike package, so for the America and MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) to integrate the way we did during today's exercise with the Carl Vinson was excellent training. It really demonstrates the breadth of capabilities of the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team."

The America amphibious task force, under the operational control of PHIBRON 3, consists of America, the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), operating with embarked 15th MEU, HSC 23, and detachments from Assault Craft Unit 5, Naval Beach Group 1, Beachmaster Unit 1, Fleet Surgical Team 1 and Tactical Air Control Squadron 11.

The 15th MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force comprised of a ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, an aviation combat element, VMM 161, and a combat logistics element, Combat Logistics Battalion 15.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. Third Fleet constantly coordinates with U.S. 7th Fleet to plan and execute missions that promote ongoing peace, security, and stability throughout the Pacific.

For more information on America, visit
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/AMERICA/Pages/default.aspx and
http://www.facebook.com/USSAMERICA

For more information on CPR3, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cpr3/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/PHIBRON3/

For more information on the 15th MEU, visit
www.facebook.com/15thmarineexpeditionaryunit
www.twitter.com/15thmeuofficial
www.dvidshub.net/unit/15thmarineexpeditionaryunit

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS America, visit www.navy.mil/.

 

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