After two days of bilateral carrier air operations in the Philippine Sea, exercise VALIANT BLITZ concluded recently.
The participation of both aircraft carriers Independence and Nimitz, has provided an invaluable opportunity to work together in a unique environment and demonstrate sea and air power projection.
"During a contingency in the Asia Pacific region, multiple aircraft carriers would be critical to a successful resolution of the crisis," said Lt. Cmdr. Terry Sutherland, Public Affairs Officer. "Valiant Blitz allows the two carriers to operate and train together as they would in a real-world scenario."
According to Cmdr. Juno Jamison, Combat Directions Center Officer, conducting exercises like Valiant Blitz can be difficult due in part to the different carrier deployment schedules and operational commitments around the world.
"Training between two carriers is extremely valuable because it allows us to work together as a team," said Jamison. "Valiant Blitz has tought us how to coordinate our strike plans more effectively if the need for force arises."
Today, the combined efforts of both carriers and their airwings will work together to break the simulated opposition of several Air Force and Marine Corps aircraft before making an air-to-surface strike approximately 200 miles away from Kadena, Okinawa.
Concluding Valiant Blitz, Nimitz will continue its 'around the world' cruise until reaching Norfolk, Va. Independence will continue standard flight operations in the Western-Pacific until the airwing returns to NAF Atsugi on Saturday. Indy is scheduled to return to her homeport of Yokosuka, Japan Monday morning.
Today's events will include simulated opposition from several Air Force and Marine Corps aircraft as both carriers attempt to bypass the enemies and launch an air-to-surface strike. For the last time during Valiant Blitz, both Carrier Group Commanders will have the chance to put the two battlegroups efforts to the test.