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ALCSG Pursues Undersea Threats During Valiant Shield ‘06
Story Number: NNS060621-07
Release Date: 6/21/2006 10:46:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Cook, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- During Exercise Valiant Shield ’06, the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group (ALCSG) is taking advantage of the opportunity to train in undersea warfare (USW) detection and tracking in the Western Pacific, June 19-23.
While participating in Valiant Shield, the ALCSG successfully located and tracked numerous submarines in the operating area, using some of the Navy’s most advanced technology, including both active and passive sonar, according to Lt. James Steffen, USW officer of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, embarked on Abraham Lincoln.
"Valiant Shield 2006 is USW-intensive, with multiple U.S. submarines participating," Steffen said. "Many advanced USW technologies are being used to detect and track the opposing submarines in this exercise by DESRON 9."
DESRON 9 is responsible for the surface combatants and anti-submarine warfare aboard Lincoln. The DESRON provides a shield of protection in conjunction with the helicopter squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, which makes approaching or attacking ALCSG a risky proposition for enemy threats.
Aboard USS Russell (DDG 59), Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Chris Kooken of weapons department said the exercise was beneficial in training and helped him gain an appreciation for the intense evolution.
“Knowing there are numerous submarines in the area provides us an opportunity to conduct training and gain knowledge that is beneficial in becoming more efficient in our jobs,” said Kooken. “This exercise is a great training tool.”
Along with the aircraft carrier, ALCSG is comprised of the destroyers Russell, USS Shoup (DDG 86) and the cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53).
The USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Groups are also participating in the event.
Valiant Shield is a joint exercise designed to reinforce the United States’ commitment to the Pacific Region. Valiant Shield is the first time three carrier strike groups have operated together in the Pacific in more than ten years.
To learn more about Valiant Shield, visit the Web site at www.pacom.mil.
For related news, visit the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.
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