02-21-2013 Second Line of Defense participated extensively in the coverage of Bold Alligator 2012.
We hope to continue that coverage during Bold Alligator 2013 this Spring.
According to Col Bradley Weisz, Deputy ESG 2, BA 13 is designed to continue the revitalization of amphibious warfare expertise at the Expeditionary Strike Group/Marine Expeditionary Brigade level of command & control.
Of particular emphasis during BA 13 is the critical integration of a carrier strike group in support of Expeditionary Strike Group/Marine Expeditionary Brigade level amphibious operations.
This integration includes all the capabilities of a carrier strike group – it’s aviation, surface & undersea capabilities.
And according to the guidance (excerpts follow):
BOLD ALLIGATOR 13 (BA 13) will be a synthetic, scenario-driven exercise designed to improve naval amphibious core competency through focusing on the single naval battle concept & refining Expeditionary Strike Group TWO (ESG 2), 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2d MEB), & Carrier Strike Group TWELVE (CSG 12) staffs’ ability to plan, coordinate & execute MEB-sized amphibious operations from a sea-base operating in a medium threat anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) environment.
Critical focus areas for BA 13 will include but are not limited to: (1) command & control (C2) relationships throughout all phases of amphibious operations; (2) naval staff integration; (3) force apportionment & employment; (4) examination of current command, control, communications, computers, combat systems & intelligence (C5I) capabilities; (5) load planning & coordination & (6) assessment of naval amphibious capabilities, doctrine, tactics, techniques & procedures (TTPs).
The end state for BA 13 will be an improved set of naval amphibious capabilities within the context of the single naval battle construct.
The following key exercise objectives have been established in support of BA 13:
(1) continue to enhance the relationship between II MEF & the Atlantic Fleet to maintain an optimal naval operational capability;
(2) demonstrate effective command, control, integration & interoperability with joint, multi-national and interagency elements in large-scale amphibious operations;
(3) demonstrate capabilities & potential for naval & joint force projection & sustainment from a sea-base while identifying associated doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership & education, personnel & facilities deficiencies & implications these deficiencies pose to naval forces;
(4) continue to refine supported/supporting command relationships & composite warfare commander (CWC) doctrine for amphibious operations within a joint campaign;
& (5) integrate complementary experimentation & other initiatives to enhance future naval force capabilities with minimal impact to training.
The primary training audience for BA 13 will consist of ESG 2, 2d MEB, and CSG 12. The secondary training audience will consist of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and the Theater Anti-Submarine Warfare Task Force.
A total of twenty (20) coalition countries, partner nations & organizations have been invited to participate in BA 13. Nineteen (19) of these countries & organizations have committed to participating in BA 13 to include:
(1) Canada & Mexico from USNORTHCOM;
(2) Brazil, Chile, Colombia & Peru from USSOUTHCOM;
(3) United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Italy & Turkey from USEUCOM;
(4) STRIKFORNATO HQs from NATO &
(5) Australia & New Zealand from USPACOM.
The fleet synthetic training (FST) execution dates will be from 22 Apr-1 May 2013. The FST will be conducted from numerous locations in Virginia & North Carolina to include pier-side from Naval Station Norfolk aboard the USS BATAAN (LHD 5), USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24) and USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44).
Per USFFC & MarForCom Commander’s guidance & direction, the BOLD ALLIGATOR exercise series is meant to continue revitalization of amphibious warfare expertise by validating current doctrine; demonstrating the capability & flexibility of naval forces; & preparing the primary training audience to meet current & future Combatant Commander requirements.
Continuous commitment to meet exercise & training objectives for the primary training audience will ensure BA 13 builds on the success of BA 11/12 & validates the operational design of the BOLD ALLIGATOR training continuum.