Petty Officer 3rd Class (NAC/AW) Robert Paden IV, from Titusville, Florida, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Curtis Kuchera (NAC/AW), from Baltimore, Md., are hoisted to an MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, during search-and-rescue training. This training enables real-world proficiency in open-ocean rescue procedure and equipment. HSC-12 is embarked aboard the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) flagship, is on patrol supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) began a series of exercises with the Republic of Korea navy Oct. 10-15 to strengthen maritime interoperability and tactics, techniques and procedures.
The U.S. routinely conducts CSG operations in the waters around the Republic of Korea to exercise maritime maneuvers, strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance, and improve regional security.
“This exercise is yet another example of the strength and resolve of the combined U.S. and the ROK naval force,” said Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander, Ronald Reagan CSG. “The U.S. and the Republic of Korea share one of the strongest alliances in the world, and we grow stronger as an alliance because of our routine exercises here in South Korea and the close relationship and ties that we forge from operating at sea together.”
The exercises will consist of a routine bilateral training, subject matter expert exchanges, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills, communication drills, air defense exercises, counter-mine planning and distinguished visitor embarkations.
An MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, flies near the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), following helicopter search-and-rescue training. This training enables real-world proficiency in open-ocean rescue procedure and equipment. Ronald Reagan, the Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) flagship, is on patrol supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
The U.S. Navy maintains a presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to help preserve peace and security and further partnerships with friends and allies. The U.S. forward presence contributes to freedom of navigation and lawful use of the sea, as well as furthers operational training and enables an exchange of culture, skills, and tactical knowledge.