Last modified Thu., August 14, 2008 - 09:31 AM
Originally created Thursday, August 14, 2008

Farragut, CDS 40 Leave For POA

By MC2 J.T. Bolestridge, DESRON 40

Guided missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59), guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) and Destroyer Squadron Four Zero (DESRON 40) departed underway from Mayport, FL, July 29 and kicked off the second half of their deployment in support of Partnership of the Americas 2008 (POA 08). One of the first events that they started with was a silent Division Tactics (DIVTAC) exercises in Atlantic waters on July 30.

The DIVTACs marked the first in a series of exercises and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) visits which will take place throughout the Caribbean during the second half of POA 08. The first half of POA '08, completed between April 7 and July 14, included TSC events in St Lucia, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru, two multi-national UNITAS Atlantic and UNITAS Pacific; and two Bilateral Anti Submarine Warfare Exercises, EJAS Norte with Chile and Silent Forces Exercise (SIFOREX) '08 with Peru, and Passing Exercises with Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador..

Kauffman's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Robert Cepak, said POA 08 events are designed to strengthen regional partnerships and increase interoperability between the U.S. and partner Navies.

"Partnership of the Americas addresses aspects of multinational operations that are vital for us to successfully complete our mission in a joint environment," said Cepak. "Working and communicating with our partner nations builds the relationships that would be necessary in the event of a crisis requiring a multinational effort."

Kauffman Operations Officer, Lt. James Wright, said that DIVTACs, the first exercise completed during this phase of POA, are important tactical maneuvering exercises.

"In close proximity formation steaming, precise control and immediate response are essential to save navigation," said Wright. "DIVTACs allow us to practice ship's close order seamanship drill."

Wright also added that the exercises conducted onboard Kauffman and Farragut were more difficult than normal DIVTACs because they were conducted without the use of any voice communication.

USS Kauffman and USS Farragut are assigned to Destroyer Squadron 40 in support of POA 08 operations which are being held from April to October throughout South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. POA 08 is a U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) sponsored engagement operation implemented by U.S. Naval Southern Command/ 4th Fleet that emphasizes interoperability and cooperation between U.S. and partner nation's maritime forces through a variety of exercises and events. Fourth Fleet was re-established in July 2008 to more effectively employ naval forces to build confidence and trust through collective maritime security efforts that focus on mutual interests.