Guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) and Swedish corvette HSwMS Harnsand (K33) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX), Feb. 10.

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

"The Swedish navy is among the world's most capable naval forces, and it is mutually beneficial for the United States and Sweden to operate together," said Capt. Dan Gillen, commanding officer of Hue City. "This PASSEX allowed the Hue City crew to operate and train with other professional mariners and strengthen the relationship between our navies and our countries."

A PASSEX is unique because it allows navies to operate closely and in ways static exercises do not allow. Also, it provides the crews with real-life situations to practice their everyday watchstanding and communication skills with foreign vessels.

Hue City continues to conduct maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG).

GHWBCSG is comprised of the staff of CSG-2; aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77); the nine squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff, guided-missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and Danish guided-missile frigate HDMS Peter Willemoes (F 362); and Mayport-based USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and Hue City.

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