The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel HMJS Cornwall in the Caribbean Sea, February 18.
The PASSEX provided an opportunity for both navies to improve interoperability and demonstrate their ability to communicate, navigate, and operate together at sea.
“It is always a rewarding experience to operate and train with our regional partners,” said U.S. Navy Commander Christopher Norris, commanding officer of James E. Williams. “I’m proud of our team’s ability to work together and improve our tactical readiness and precision.”
“It is always a rewarding experience to operate and train with our regional partners,” U.S. Navy Commander Christopher Norris, commanding officer of James E. Williams. “I’m proud of our team’s ability to work together and improve our tactical readiness and precision.”
During the PASSEX, the ships were able to test communications and exercise maritime command and control to help develop greater trust, understanding, and respect for each other’s capabilities. Improving interoperability strengthens the strategic partnership with the Jamaican Coast Guard.
James E. Williams is deployed to the U.S. Fourth Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central, and South American region.