With tensions calmed down a bit and the US Navy's ability to operate in the South China Sea reasserted, Tailisman Saber was the next mission. We needed to get to North Australia first and the fastest way to get there was through the Luzon Straits. The Luzon Straits is a narrow passage connecting the South China Sea to the Philippine Sea. It has strategic value as well as important natural resources, oil platforms are interspersed throughout the region.
The strait is within the territorial waters of the Philippines so their government was nice enough to provide the task force with an escort. The Philippine Navy sent a frigate and a corvette to guide us. So while in the strait, the task force included US forces, an Australian frigate, and a Philippine frigate and corvette. I am starting to realize how important it becomes to build and maintain international relationships with friendly nations.
The passage went exactly as planned. Although I did not have any specific role to play, I wanted to be on the bridge to watch the events take place. Since the strait is so narrow, all the ships lined up one after the other. The CURTIS WILBUR was positioned in front of the GEORGE WASHINGTON so I was able to have a great view of her. Several helicopters periodically passed over us as air cover. I could look from one side of the bridge to the other and see land in both directions, that was a first since leaving port. Upon leaving the strait we left the Pacific Ocean behind and entered the Indian Ocean. We would cross the Equator shortly after, which is a big deal, but deferred the celebration until coming back. I will go into that in a later post.
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