The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
Carrier Strike Group (ALCSG) entered the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) June 27, after spending the majority of a successful 2006 deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet AOR.
While in the 7th Fleet AOR, ALCSG participated in exercises such as Foal Eagle and Valiant Shield.
“So far we’ve participated in Foal Eagle with the [Republic of Korea] and a passing exercise with the Japanese,” said Lt. Cmdr. Wayne Goveia of the embarked staff of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9. “We did exercises with the Thai and Singaporeans as well.”
ALCSG also made port calls in
Hong Kong; Laem Chebang, Thailand; Singapore and Sasebo, Japan.
ALCSG is deployed to conduct maritime security operations and to train with its coalition partners to improve its ability to operate with naval forces from many nations.
Though exercises had specific operational goals, they also helped build international relationships between the United States and its allies.
“Most important is the relationships we build with these countries,” said Goveia, “if we ever have to operate in a real-world situation, knowing those countries’ [navies] will help us out if we ever have to go into anything together.”
Goveia added that international exercises help build personal relationships between participants and allow the United States and its allies to have a better understanding of how each other work.
Exercises weren’t the only way ALCSG helped build international relations. Sailors’ conduct in foreign ports also made a positive impression.
“Abe and the strike group did an outstanding job being ambassadors of the United States and displaying good citizenship,” said Lt. Ryan Stormer of Abraham Lincoln's Legal Department.
Lincoln deployed Feb. 27 from its homeport of Everett, Wash.
Source: By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James McGury and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hart, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
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