USS Enterprise Conducts Anti-Submarine Exercise

The USS Enterprise, one of the United States nuclear power aircraft carriers, has just finished training in anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The exercise was held in the North Arabian Sea, which has Pakistan, Iran, India and the Arabian peninsula at its edges.

This is the area that the US 5th Fleet patrols. The maneuvers were designed to sharpen skills and maintain peace in the area, which has key trade routes. It has been an important transshipment area for literally thousands of years.

A number of ships participated in the exercises, including USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Destroyer Squadron 2, Carrier Air Wing 1, USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) and Miami, a Los Angeles class nuclear powered attack submarine. The Miami played the role of enemy sub. Iran has a number of submarines in its navy, but none of them are nuclear. They still would pose a threat in any conflict situation.

Individuals on board were run thought several training sessions, and the ships worked at coordinating their efforts.

The commander of CSG 12, the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, explains that the exercises, while important, are a routine engaged in to keep forces prepared for any situation that might arise. CSG 12 is commanded by Rear Admiral Dan Holloway. The US has an interest in keeping trade routes open and safe, as do other countries in the region.

"Cmdr. Rich Bryant, USS Miami's (SSN 755) commanding officer, explains that ' We get the best training when we break out the play book and ensure we are ready for anything we're tasked to do.'"

The task force is also on duty to help our regional allies to deter and fight terrorism and to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Terrorists or even pirates have been known to transport weapons and people through the North Arabian Sea, as well as attack local shipping.

The Navy uses a variety of methods to track enemy submarines, including helicopters that dangle pods into the ocean to listen or scan for enemy subs, aircraft designed to drop torpedoes or bombs on subs, sonar searches by destroyer pickets, missiles, satellite surveillance, and other less public methods of hunting them down and killing them. The Miami, itself, is designed to do just that, track enemy subs under the water and destroy them.

Anti-submarine warfare is especially important for carrier groups. A modern, nuclear powered aircraft carrier is incredibly expensive and carries many sailors. The Navy expends a lot of time and energy to protect them.

Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Performs Anti-Sub Warfare Exercise, USN.mil