PACIFIC OCEAN -- U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies join together in Guam for exercise Pacific Griffin 2021, June 21 through July 7, to conduct advanced maritime training.
A two-week maritime exercise scheduled in the waters near Guam, Pacific Griffin aims at enhancing combined proficiency at sea while strengthening relationships between the two navies. This is the third iteration of the bilateral exercise with Singapore.
U.S. Navy Capt. Chase Sargeant, commander, Task Force 71, explained Pacific Griffin benefits the two navies by allowing each to hone in on shared knowledge, while bolstering a strong and enduring maritime relationship.
"Exercises like Pacific Griffin emphasize cooperation while building competencies in a complex and technologically-advanced training environment," said Sargeant. "This exercise demonstrates the trust and expertise we have built over the years with the Singaporean navy through increasingly complex and integrated training and live fire events.”
The two navies consistently work together on a number of initiatives and conduct regular personnel exchanges, routine participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises, such as SEACAT, RIMPAC, and the first ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise (AUMX), as well as combined operations such as multi-national counter-piracy.
“Bilateral training in anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and maritime security operations guarantees that our two countries can contribute to continued regional peace and stability,” said Sargeant.
Pacific Griffin 2021 will have events both ashore and at sea, such as maritime special operations and maritime counter-terrorism training, anti-air defense exercises, anti-submarine warfare operations, and replenishments at sea serials. The exercise advances the complexity of maritime training utilizing diverse naval platforms and operating areas.
Participating U.S. Navy assets include Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65), a fast-attack submarine, a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft, Coastal Riverine Group, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal detachments.
Participating Republic of Singapore Navy assets include two Formidable-class frigates RSS Tenacious and RSS Stalwart, Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Fearless, training ship MV Avatar, and naval divers. Fighters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s detachment in Guam are also taking part in the exercise.
Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 is the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force, interacting with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict.