On 23rd July 2017 Turkish Navy ship TCG GIRESUN and the Pakistani Navy ship PNS SAIF conducted a series of exercises known as PASSEX in the Gulf of Aden.
A PASSEX is practiced to allow CTF 151 warships the chance to test and prove their ability to communicate and co-operate in the Southwest monsoon season to ensure operational effectiveness and interoperability in times of possible piracy attacks that may occur. The exercise helps build an understanding of each ship’s capabilities, practices, and procedures to further enable the interoperability of coalition forces in the region.
The PASSEX commenced with the establishment of UHF communications between the two ships, both under Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 command, as part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) which patrols the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman.
Exercises continued with a visual signal drill via Flag Hoist and a PHOTOEX via TCG GIRESUN’s organic helicopter, Sikorsky SH-70.
The exercise was concluded with series of maneuvering exercises including Leap Frogging, which provided a useful opportunity for ships to test and prove their ability to co-operate in order to ensure operational effectiveness and interoperability for counter piracy operations.
Likewise, whilst on counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden on the 30th July, CTF 151 warship JS TERUZUKI rendezvoused with Indian Navy ship INS TABAR for conducting PASSEX.
This exercise showed good interaction between two warships and their determination to fight piracy in the area, it was also a good opportunity for coordination and communication between the CTF 151 assets and independent deployers.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) 