Integration amongst diverse U.S. Navy and joint capabilities strengthens readiness and deterrence against regional aggression supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“These drills helped enhance proficiency in ship handling and tactical fleet integration in preparation for contingency operations,” said Capt. John Bub, commodore of MPSRON 3.

The multi-group sail exercises consisted of close-quarter turns, evasion tactics, and formation steaming. Participating units, including MPSRON 3’s USNS Bobo (T-AK 3008), USNS Montford Point (T-ESD 1), USNS Watkins (T-AKR 315), and USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR 313), also practiced night-time signal communications and convoy operations.

“This valuable training increases interoperability among ships in the squadron and prepares them to work with other U.S. Navy assets and escorts,” said Bub. “MSC [Maritime Sealift Command] integration with fleet units is necessary to successfully execute a variety of taskings. It’s also critical to executing MPSRON 3's mission of enabling the force from the sea by providing swift and effective transportation of vital equipment and supplies for designated operations.”

MPSRON 3 oversees a number of ships that provide afloat prepositioned U.S. military cargo to the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.