The stunning metropolis of Toulon, France is positioned alongside the Mediterranean coast and is greatest recognized for its naval base and harbor. With its rugged panorama and crystal, clear blue waters, it’s dwelling to many naval ships and vessels of the French Maritime Forces Command, or French Navy. This yr, United States Marine and Naval officers with 2nd Marine Division traveled to Toulon for Exercise NARVAL to conduct planning with French forces for Exercise ORION 2023, scheduled to happen this upcoming January. ORION would be the largest airborne and amphibious train coordinated by French forces because the Nineteen Eighties, with an emphasis in excessive depth fight and amphibious warfare. NARVAL was an train essential to the success of this upcoming giant operation. Units from each the French Army, Navy and different European nations, together with Marines and Sailors with 2nd MarDiv took half on this large-scale planning train.
“An invitation was sent from 6th Light Armored Brigade to have Marine Corps officers integrate into specific staff cells. They specifically requested officers from operations, intelligence, logistics, fire support, engineering, and reconnaissance,” stated Major Robert Viehmeyer, a key employees member of NARVAL, and the Future Operations officer of 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd MarDiv.
These officers had been hand chosen to collaborate as subject material specialists of their fields to make sure ORION was successfully deliberate for with French and different European counterparts. Allowing officers who specialised of their discipline to take part in NARVAL gave the Marines and Sailors private perception into the French army’s coaching services, gear, capabilities, and allowed them to provide correct steerage on programs of motion for every mission.
“Wars are not fought by a single service or stand-alone country. Our ability to develop relationships and conduct combined joint training with our allies and partners is critical in preparing for the next war, which will certainly require interoperability” Major Robert Viehmeyer, a key employees member of NARVAL, and the Future Operations officer of 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd MarDiv.
“[I] was brought on to assist with planning of naval and artillery fires,” defined Chief Warrant Officer 3 Peter Cestaro, one other key employees member of NARVAL, and the Naval Gunner Liason Officer with Fire Support Battery, tenth Marine Regiment. “[U]ltimately, the United States military officers were able to provide a different point of view during the planning process and bring up any potential issues that may arise in a combat environment.”
While Marines and Sailors had been snug offering enter and ideas to their counterparts, they had been challenged speaking instantly as a result of language barrier. They labored along with Major Jeremie Crosiet, a French officer with sixth LAB, and the Foreign Exchange Officer of 2nd MarDiv, to assist bridge the hole between each militaries and guarantee their ideas and proposals had been successfully conveyed of their group cells and to commanders.
“As an exchange officer, I am a member of the Foreign Personnel Exchange Program. 6th LAB assigned me to 2nd Marine Division to be in charge of long-term planning of Division level exercises,” stated Crosiet. “I also help the Division units plan exercises with their French counterparts, and with French units in general.”
Exercises like NARVAL aren’t solely vital for the coaching that’s performed, but additionally to extend joint capabilities.
“Wars are not fought by a single service or stand-alone country. Our ability to develop relationships and conduct combined joint training with our allies and partners is critical in preparing for the next war, which will certainly require interoperability,” defined Viehmeyer.
Photo by Sgt. Alexa Hernandez
Officers with the French Army conduct pistol coaching aboard Porte Helicopteres Amphibie Dixmude, the French Navy’s Amphibious Helicopter Carrier, throughout Exercise NARVAL 2022 off the coast of Toulon, France, Nov. 21, 2022. Exercise NARVAL is designed to evaluate the potential for future battalion or brigade-level amphibious workouts with French amphibious forces.
Over the previous couple of years, each militaries have educated with one another for main workouts together with Large Scale Exercise, Bold Alligator, Skrenvil, Burmese Chase, Service Level Training Exercise, Baccarat, Manticore, Rolling Thunder, MEFEX, and Dynamic Cape. Additionally, a proper partnership was carried out by the United States and France to proceed the constant, yearly coaching between each forces.
“Last month, I worked with 10th Marine Regiment for Exercise Rolling Thunder in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and I was surprised with how disciplined the Marines were and how disciplined their training was. [T]hey did not need much to successfully operate in the field and conduct training; they are tough,” explained Captain Sebastian Limouzy, a French officer with 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment. “The partnership between 6th LAB and 2nd MarDiv has provided a better mutual understanding between French and U.S. operations and has had a positive impact in each forces’ best practices,” Limouzy continued.
With NARVAL ending, Marines and Sailors with 2nd MarDiv are ready to stay probably the most deadly and prepared preventing drive. As the brand new yr approaches, 2nd MarDiv is wanting ahead to collaborating in ORION 2023 and persevering with to coach to make sure Marines and Sailors are ready for the following combat, wherever that could be.
Exercise NARVAL > United States Marine Corps Flagship > News Display
Exercise NARVAL > United States Marine Corps Flagship > News Display
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Exercise NARVAL > United States Marine Corps Flagship > News Display