USS Winston S. Churchill Completes CMF Air Defence Exercise
The guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) participated in an air defence exercise (ADEX) in support of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 23, 2020.
“Working with partner nations is essential,” said Cdr. Brian Anthony, Executive Officer of Winston S. Churchill. “Coordinated exercises, such as this ADEX with our French partners, are opportunities that strengthen our Sailors’ and partners’ ability to operate together.” Air defence operations aid in the refinement of tactics, techniques and procedures for interoperability in support of future operations.
The U.S. Navy routinely conducts and participates in training with partner nations to develop and enhance defensive capabilities. This exercise involved coordination between the Winston S. Churchill and a squadron of French Mirage 2000 fighter jets while defending against simulated, air-based threats. “It’s always a great opportunity when Winston S. Churchill’s air defence team can train with other units in the region in order to strengthen our united mission of maritime security,” said Lt. j.g. James Weber, assistant operations officer aboard Winston S. Churchill.
Winston S. Churchill departed Norfolk, Va., Aug. 10 for a regularly scheduled deployment to maintain maritime security and ensure freedom of navigation in critical waterways. The CMF is a multinational maritime partnership, which exists to counter illicit non-state actors on the high seas, promoting security, stability and prosperity in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman.
