U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT) participated in the Air Force exercise Blue Flag as the Combined Forces Maritime Component Command (CFMCC), from April 20-28.

Blue Flag is a command post exercise that duplicates theater conditions and procedures as close to real-world scenarios as possible to prepare the participating U.S. military forces, enhancing their abilities to adapt to any situation. This exercise allowed also USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT to certify their Maritime Operations Center (MOC), through the Fleet Forces-directed MOC certification process that is required every three years.

USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT's CFMCC had a combined 231 personnel from 13 different commands participating and supporting the exercise, ensuring its success.

"This was a rare opportunity for the USNAVSO staff to work in such a dynamic environment that tested the responsibilities of the staff," said Cmdr. Michael Eatough, Blue Flag CFMCC lead planner. "We did quite well, affirming many of our current processes, taking full advantage of this opportunity to prove that our MOC can respond and support when called upon."

Running 24 hours a day, the exercise is structured around a fabricated national ally and friendly nation, who experienced an earthquake. In the wake of the natural disaster, a neighboring country took advantage of the diverted military resources to make its own military advance on a disputed territory. Once the request for assistance was sent, USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT CFMCC assisted in the tasking of deploying forces to support our ally.

Throughout the exercise the CFMCC observed each scenario, and provided feedback to each response and how the forces involved were impacted. Formulating lessons learned throughout the exercise, a summary was combined to further ensure smooth operations within the exercise and future real-world operations.

"The personnel assigned made this work," said Eatough. "It takes just a few people to plan such an event, but without the team, without hard work and dedication, this success would not have been possible."

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