INDIAN NAVAL STATION RAJALI – Sailors assigned to Commander, Submarine Group 7 participated in the Commander, Task Force 72 India Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) Feb. 25-Mar. 1, 2019.
Chief Electronics Technician (Submarine Communications) Robert Gulini, Electronics Technician 1st Class Raymond Acker and Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Troy Haynes were selected to travel to India because of their extensive experience in information systems and communication networks.
“Working with approximately 40 Indian Navy personnel, they provided setup and operation training on communications capabilities we are working together to implement,” said Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Horner, CSG7 deputy chief of staff for communications.
Acker, the lead communications petty officer during the SMEE, said working with the Indian Navy one-on-one and collaborating on information technology was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“We got to travel to India, learn from our partners and explore the local culture, all at the same time,” said Acker. “I would recommend this unique experience to anybody!”
Horner said it is part of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson’s directives found in his “Design for Maritime Superiority 2.0” to expand relationships with partner nations to broaden and strengthen global maritime awareness and access. Participating in SMEEs such as this one with the Indian Navy supports these directives, Horner said.
“This exchange opened the door for better engagement of our international partners in the ‘anti-submarine warfare’ realm,” said Horner. “I’m proud of my team for going over there, being the model professionals and helping to build cooperation with a strong regional partner. They definitely set the bar for the next iteration.”
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