The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64), assigned to destroyer squadron 60, participated in a routine passing exercise (PASEX) with the Spanish Navy in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Spain, Dec. 17.

The PASEX between the Carney and the Alvaro de Bazan-class frigate ESPS Alvaro de Bazan (F101), assigned to the Spanish Navy’s 31st surface squadron, consisted of an air defense exercise and increasing force readiness by utilizing tactical communication systems.

“This is a great opportunity for us to interact with our host nation,” said Lt. Jason Schladt, operations officer aboard the Carney. “It’s a way to strengthen our partnership with them while at the same time receive some real-world training.”

The Carney was able to host the planning meeting for this exercise with the two embarked Spanish naval officers, and a representative for Commander Task Group 65.

“We are always willing to embark and train with our allied nations,” said Lt. j.g. Rafael Guerra, assigned to the Spanish Navy’s 41st escort squadron, currently embarked aboard the Carney. “These types of exercises ensure our allies and partners increase maritime interoperability so that together we are more of a capable fighting force.”

Carney is currently deployed on their seventh forward deployed naval force patrol in support of U.S. national security interests in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.