MAGRE consisted of several exercises, including moored mine procedures, disposal procedures, drills with improvised explosive devices at sea, and underwater blasting operations.
“Collaborating with our Spanish colleagues during MAGRE has shown just how much knowledge each unit brings and how we can foster professional growth in the international EOD community,” said Steven Virgilio, Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class, EOD Mobile Unit member 12. “The variety of exercises during MAGRE helped each of us to hone our craft as EOD technicians and contributed to the crucial knowledge transfer and development for all partner units involved.”
The exercise is designed to improve interoperability and interchangeability between naval mine warfare and mine countermeasures (MCM) forces in the U.S., allies and NATO partner forces in the region. At a time when naval operations are so critical to maintaining political and economic freedom and stability in the European region, sophisticated EOD/MCM personnel supports ensure the safe transit of NATO assets.
“Exercise MAGRE has allowed us to improve our capabilities and strengthen the combat readiness of EOD units in NATO allies,” said Jorge Carrasco, senior chief petty officer of the Spanish Navy, a member of Unidad De’s MCM forces Buceadores. “We look forward to more opportunities to train and collaborate with our partners and together become stronger and more capable operators.”
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush (CN 77) is the flagship of CSG-10 George HW Bush CSG. CSG-10 consists of George HW Bush, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).
DESRON-26’s ships within CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119). . ).
The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard the George HW Bush are the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Pukin Dogs ‘ from VFA-143, the ‘Bluetails’ from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the ‘Patriots’ from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the ‘Nightdippers’ from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 and the ‘ Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.
For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, using a foundation of shared values to maintain security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates US naval forces in the areas of responsibility of US European Command (USEUCOM) and US Africa Command (USAFRICOM). The U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs naval forces across the spectrum of joint and naval operations.
The George HW Bush CSG is on a scheduled deployment in the US Naval Forces Europe area of operations and is deployed by the US Sixth Fleet to defend the interests of the US, its allies and its partners.
