Cardiff Local Takes Part in Military Training with 13 Nations in the Indian Ocean

The following is a Q&A with Navy Commander Kirk Schneringer

1- Thanks for doing a Q&A with us. Where are you and what is it like being over there?

I am in Seychelles, which is a nation comprised of 155 tropical islands in the Indian Ocean. It is a beautiful nation very similar to a Caribbean Island. It has been interesting to adapt to driving on the left side of the road for the first time. It also has world famous SCUBA diving as well.

2- What is the training exercise for?

The training exercise is Cutlass Express 13, which is a Regional Partnership exercise comprised of forces from 13 nations, including the U.S., Netherlands, Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti, and Seychelles. Our goal is to increase information sharing and strengthen partnerships to help combat piracy and other illegal maritime activities.

3- What is a typical day like for you?

We have long days here and start at 7:00 am and end at 8:00 pm. We are responsible for scenario development such as counter piracy, tracking all forces activities across four regions and thousands of miles, and reporting our daily activities to Commander Sixth Fleet, in Naples Italy.

4- What else do you want Encinitas Patch readers to know?

I’ve been in the Navy for 22 years and been around the world. Although I live in Denver now, I am proud to call Cardiff by the Sea my hometown. As a 1990 graduate of San Dieguito High I miss late night runs to Juanita’s, surfing Pipes and Cardiff Reef, and bonfires at the beach with my friends.