The late morning sun pierced the dense haze yesterday as Independence cruised away from Pusan, South Korea to soar into exercise FOAL EAGLE '97.
The United States and South Korea have joined air, ground, and naval forces to conduct this annual event. Over the next two weeks, Indy and Carrier Airwing FIVE, operating off the east coast of South Korea, will have the opportunity to simulate conflict resolutions with the North Koreans if such a need should arise.
As part of the exercise, Independence and the airwing will be conducting raids on bombing ranges in South Korea, tactical ballistic missile defense operations, convoy escort operations, and anti-special warfare events.
"The goal of this exercise is to improve fleet, task force, and combined warfare skills," wrote Lt. Wayne Plager of Edison, N.J. in his overview presentation. "FOAL EAGLE allows us to exercise both component level warfighting tasks as well as integrated unit level training with the Republic of Korean Navy."
"This exercise is important because it allows us to test our teamwork skills with the South Koreans and also our own forces," said Plager. "FOAL EAGLE also gives us a chance to show the people of South Korea that we are here if need be." According to Plager, during the next few weeks, this exercise will bring both countries' Armed Forces together in hopes of improving integrated task force and Airwing combined warfare skills.