Multiple Nations Participate in SEASWITI 10-3: "Ships from various regions of the world gathered off the eastern coast of Florida to participate in the Southeast Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Integration Training Initiative (SEASWITI) exercise 10-3 held June 4-9.
Capt. Aaron Jacobs, commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 24 and his staff embarked USS Mahan (DDG 72) to coordinate and execute the training exercise.
Ships from different countries including the U.S., the United Kingdom and Peru were involved in the weeklong exercise. The overall mission of SEASWITI was to provide a learning forum in the Southeast region to enhance the effectiveness and quality of anti-submarine warfare training by coordinating assets, knowledge and technology.
'SEASWITI is exactly what it sounds like,' said Lt. Matthew Maples, DESRON 24's submarine operations officer. 'It is a weeklong coordinated multi-platform ASW exercise which also incorporates non-ASW events such as gunnery exercises, counter piracy and more. The main goal of SEASWITI is to increase ASW readiness and proficiency throughout the fleet, helping to ensure that we are ready to counter any threats, should they arise.'
During the week, ships from three different nations worked together to perform ASW and other warfare tasks, including having a chance to spot and track real submarines.
'This is a very valuable training opportunity that allows our Sailors to get a chance to work with the real thing,' said Cmdr. Kurt Mondlak, Mahan's commanding officer. 'This training is better than just looking at pictures because you have different properties involved when you track a real sub.'"
