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Chinese And U.S. Forces Carry Out First Joint Exercise
U.S. and Chinese forces carry out their first bilateral anti-piracy exercise in the Gulf of Aden.
Plans for joint U.S. and Chinese operatons really began back in 2009, when Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, commander, Combined Task Force 151, visited Chinese Rear Admiral Wang Zhiguo, the commander of TF-529, in the Gulf of Aden to discuss ongoing cooperation in counter-piracy efforts.
Sanders and coalition members of the CTF 151 staff representing four countries were guests aboard Peoples Liberation Army Navy Ship Zhou Shan in November of 2009.
“We were honored to receive Admiral Wang’s invitation,” said Sanders. “As a partner in maritime security, we have worked with China on a tactical level in order to prevent piracy and maritime criminal activity off the coast of Somalia. Having the opportunity to sit down and share views on counter-piracy with Adm. Wang was an invaluable experience. The cooperation between our nations continues to pay big dividends.”
Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, commander, Combined Task Force 151 talks with junior officers aboard the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Ship Zhou Shan in the Gulf of Aden November 1. Sanders and coalition members of the CTF 151 staff went aboard the Chinese Type 054 Frigate for the visit. While aboard, Sanders discussed counterpiracy operations off the coast of Somalia and opportunities for cooperation between CTF-151 and TF-529 in their shared counter-piracy mission.
Photo courtsey of DoD
Face to face visits at the tactical level are a tremendous opportunity to share lessons learned and coordinate future counter-piracy efforts.
During that 2009 visit, Sanders said, ”I think our visit today highlights the fact that piracy is an international problem that requires an international answer, but the ultimate solution lies on land. It is clear that China is a reliable partner and that our efforts are mutually beneficial.”
CTF 151 is synchronizing and deconflicting counter-piracy operations with more than 30 nations that have deployed naval forces off the coast of Somalia. The task force conducts counter piracy operations to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations.
CTF 151 operates as part of the Combined Maritime Forces, which is a coalition that conducts Maritime Security Operations throughout the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea to help provide security and stability in the region.
