U.S. Sixth Fleet Launches Thrilling MAKO Challenge 2025 Adventure

The MAKO series exercises are designed to give Reserve Sailors vital experience in Maritime Operations Centers (MOC), crucial for overseeing forces at the Operational Level of War. The U.S. Sixth Fleet is spearheading this year’s MAKO Challenge to equip Reserve Sailors with skills to manage MOC during crises or large-scale conflicts. “Given the threats we face in the Sixth Fleet area of operations, our Reserve Sailors have to be ready on Day One to step into scenarios like this at a moment’s notice,” stated Rear Adm. Jason ‘PADI’ Naidyhorski, vice commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet.

The exercise includes participants from U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Second, Fourth, Fifth, and Tenth Fleets. The annual MAKO series offers realistic training environments, fostering readiness to support active duty in various operations.

Throughout the four-day initiative, Sailors engage in hands-on training, enhancing warfighting readiness via MOC watchstanding and briefing commanders. They also focus on establishing operational and cross-functional planning teams essential for the Fleet Commander’s Decision Cycle.

The 2024 Warfighting Instructions from the Chief of Naval Operations and Strategic Guidance from the Chief of Navy Reserve stress readiness for large-scale conflicts. These documents emphasize the MOC structure’s pivotal role, aligning the MAKO exercises with these priorities to prepare Reserve Sailors accordingly.

Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, operating from its headquarters in Naples, Italy, leads joint and naval operations to safeguard U.S. interests while promoting stability across Europe and Africa. Cooperation with Allied and interagency partners plays a significant role in these operations, further enhancing collective security efforts.