NAVEUR: Ships needed in 6th Fleet for high-end training

The admiral who leads Naval Forces Europe is calling for ships to spend more time in European waters as NATO enters 2015 determined to sharpen skills that have eroded since the end of the Cold War.

Security in Europe has changed dramatically since last January, and the myriad threats must be confronted by honing warfighting tactics and partnerships with NATO allies, said Adm. Mark Ferguson in a December interview.

As the Navy brings deployment schedules under control, Ferguson said he wants more time with big deck amphibious ships and carriers as they transit 6th Fleet, which has responsibility for the Mediterranean, most of Africa, and the North Atlantic.

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