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Foreword

Northeast Asia Engagement ::

People's Republic of China and U.S. Forces Enhancing Maritime Safety Throughout the Asia-Pacific Region

Proliferation Security Initiative Activities Attract International Interest

Cooperative Understanding ::

Cambodia-U.S. Navies Conduct Historic Exchange

Regional Response Forces ::

Indian, Canadian and U.S. Forces Partner for a Safer Asia-Pacific Region

RIMPAC 2006:
Fostering Regional Peace and Security

Philippine-U.S. Forces Building Interoperability and Goodwill

Happenings ::

Happenings

SAREX – Second Phase

Zhanjiang Port Visit
More than 900 U.S. Marines and sailors embarked on the amphibious transport dock ship USS Juneau (LPD 10), arrived in Zhanjiang, China, in November 2006 for a three-day port visit and to participate in a SAREX with their Chinese counterparts.

Juneau and its crew were welcomed to Maxie Naval Base in Zhanjiang, the headquarters of the PLA(N)’s South Sea Fleet. Though U.S. Navy vessels had visited Zhanjiang twice before, this was the first time that a U.S. ship had moored inside the naval base and shared the same pier with PLA(N) ships. Our PLA(N) friends were gracious hosts at every turn, and we tried to reciprocate in the various events hosted by us,” said Capt. John D. Alexander, commanding officer of the USS Juneau. “All in all, I think the sailors and embarked Marines got to know their counterparts better and found some common ground with them.”

At the PLA(N) South Sea Fleet Headquarters, Admiral Roughead, on his first visit to China as Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, met with China’s South Sea Fleet Commander, Vice Adm. Gu Wengen. Vice Adm. Gu and Admiral Roughead discussed naval infrastructure matters, the possibility of conducting submarine rescue exercises, and the overall future relations between both countries’ navies.

Commenting on the importance of the Juneau port visit, Admiral Roughead said, “I believe by having Juneau here gives our sailors and Marines an opportunity to learn [about China] and will bring our navies closer together. By working together, we can add to the security, stability and prosperity of the region.”

Vice Adm. Gu agreed that fostering better relations is important for both countries’ militaries and that the relationship can affect its people. “This exercise is really beneficial, not only for our armed forces, but it is a need between the relationships of our two countries,” he said. “I hope we can expand these activities so we can build more mutual trust.”

Local government officials from Zhanjiang also welcomed Juneau and its crew. “The people of Zhanjiang cherish your visit,” said Zhanjiang’s Deputy Mayor, Chen Ya De. “I would like to wish the military service members from the Juneau good health and a happy life.”

Chinese officials hosted a welcome reception for more than 100 U.S. Marines and sailors at a naval lodging facility. The reception closed a day of military visits by commanders and staff, and allowed them the opportunity to establish relationships before the scheduled SAREX.

During Admiral Roughead’s visit, he met with China’s civilian and military leaders in addition to visiting the USS Juneau. “Enhancing our navy-to-navy relationships is especially important so we can cooperate in our many areas of mutual interest,” said Admiral Roughead. “Through routine dialogue and exercise, our navies can improve the ability to coordinate naval operations in missions such as maritime security, search and rescue, and humanitarian relief.”

Admiral Roughead’s China visit and the follow on SAREX built upon other activities, including the visit of PLA(N) ships to U.S. ports, military personnel exchanges, and a gathering of Western Pacific naval leaders in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Admiral Roughead and Capt. Alexander, along with U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Marcus Annibale, officer in charge of the embarked Marines aboard Juneau, toured one of the PLA(N) ships and were given a special capabilities exhibition by PLA(N) Marines. Admiral Roughead, who took advantage of an invitation to shoot at a Marine rifle range after the Marine demonstrations, said he was impressed with the capabilities of the PLA(N) and further emphasized that their cooperation was key to regional security. “What I see out here is a high level of fitness and a drive for excellence – traits exhibited in U.S. Marines,” he said. “We have a lot of things in common, and those commonalities will hopefully lead to our increased level of bilateral engagement between our forces.”

Throughout the visit, sailors and Marines of both countries learned from each other. Chinese sailors were eager to learn about systems, tools and procedures that go into life aboard a U.S. Navy ship and vice versa for U.S. sailors. The sporting competitions, ship tours, and receptions afforded an opportunity for exchange.

Second-Phase SAREX off China’s Southern Coast
Following the port visit to Zhanjiang, USS Juneau participated in the second-phase SAREX with the city’s naval namesake Zhanjiang (DD 165). This second phase of the SAREX displayed progress between the two navies and nations.

Joined by guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and using Marine air assets embarked aboard Juneau, as well as fixed-wing aircraft from both the U.S. and China, the three-ship SAREX task force found the simulated distressed vessel. They then embarked rescue and assistance teams on it.

“Through this exercise, we have built a stronger foundation upon which to conduct future exercises and operations together,” said Capt. Alexander. “This has been an invaluable opportunity for our ships and personnel to plan and execute in tandem.”

“There were many good points to this exercise,” said PLA(N) Cmdr. Gong Changping, Zhanjiang executive officer, who was aboard Juneau during the exercise as a liaison officer observing the exercise from the U.S. viewpoint. “We see this as a stepping stone to future cooperation. We feel it is important to work together with the U.S. Navy to help make this region a safer place.”

The exercise began just after sunrise when a simulated distress signal was sent to Zhanjiang from the Chinese replenishment ship Dongtinghu (AOE 883). Zhanjiang then requested Juneau’s help to complete the search and rescue, and execution of a joint mission was put in motion.

A U.S. Navy P-3 Orion and a PLA(N) Y-7 Coke provided the major search capabilities while the ships steamed in formation in a given search area. Once detected by the P-3, U.S. Marine CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters provided visual confirmation and acted as the on-scene commander, keeping in visual contact with the distressed vessel while the ships moved in a staging position for rescue.

Using international symbols and call signs, the aerial assets safely navigated the international air space and achieved the mission. “Having a visual view of the distressed vessel is a key element to the search and rescue process,” said U.S. Marine Maj. Michael Kaminski, one of the CH-46E Sea Knight pilots.

After arriving near the distressed vessel, each ship’s rescue and assistance team - composed of damage controlmen, repair specialists, and medical personnel - deployed to the vessel itself. Once onboard, the Chinese and U.S. teams exchanged damage control training techniques and displayed their equipment.

Several elements built into the exercise further enhanced interaction between the navies. While in the search phase, the SAREX task force conducted four maneuvers in formation, with Juneau having operational control of two of those and Zhanjiang controlling the other two. Another element was the flashing lights communication drill done the night before the exercise.

Those involved in the planning stages felt that agreements on terms of the exercise were crucial to its success. “We want to have better cooperation on an international level,” said Cmdr. Gong. “So that way we can be prepared for real-world operations.”

“It says a lot that we were able to work through cultural differences and settle on a workable plan, whose execution was both effective and educational,” agreed U.S. Navy Lt. Ken P. Ward.

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