By Ian Delossantos

Navy Warfare Development Center hosted the fifth annual MAKO Storm exercise May 14–17, bringing together U.S. Navy Reserve Sailors supporting U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa in addition to U.S. Sixth Fleet and U.S. Fifth Fleet for an advanced Maritime Operations Center training event focused on operational integration, decision-making, and fleet readiness.
 
Part of the annual MAKO training series, MAKO Storm is a four-day exercise designed to replicate a complex operational-level warfighting environment where Sailors are immersed in realistic multi-domain conflict scenarios. The exercise challenges participants to rapidly assess evolving threats, close operational gaps, and synchronize actions across multiple warfare areas in support of maritime operations.
 
Throughout the exercise, Reserve Sailors operated within Maritime Operations Center roles and executed procedures critical to fleet command and control. Participants engaged in intelligence briefings, operational planning cycles, crisis response actions, and simulated maritime operations that mirrored the pace and complexity of real-world fleet operations. The training emphasized coordination, speed, and accuracy to strengthen command decision-making and improve operational effectiveness in contested environments.
 
MAKO Storm also provided Reserve Sailors the opportunity to build familiarity with operational systems, refine communication processes, and strengthen integration with active-duty fleet staffs. By placing Sailors in fast-moving operational scenarios, the exercise reinforced the Navy Reserve’s role in supporting global maritime operations and delivering combat-ready capabilities when called upon.

Senior Navy leaders visited the exercise during the week, highlighting the Navy’s continued investment in Reserve force development and operational readiness. Leadership engagement reinforced the importance of realistic training environments that prepare Sailors to seamlessly integrate into Maritime Operations Centers supporting fleet commanders around the world.
 
Rear Adm. Jason Naidyhorski, Vice Commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet, emphasized the value of the MAKO series in preparing Reserve Sailors to operate effectively in today’s dynamic security environment. He noted that the hands-on training provided through MAKO Storm strengthens the Navy’s ability to maintain decision advantage and respond decisively across all domains of warfare.
 
Vice Adm. Michael Vernazza, Commander, Naval Information Forces, praised the effort behind the exercise and underscored the importance of realistic, high-quality training. “MAKO Storm reflects the tremendous effort our teams have invested in building a quality training event that truly challenges our Sailors in a realistic operational environment,” Vernazza said. “We have to get this right. The goal is not simply to achieve proficiency, but to push toward mastery by developing the habits of mind and of action that enable warfighters to think, decide, and operate effectively under pressure in support of the Fleet.”
 
The MAKO exercise series continues to serve as a critical readiness initiative for the Navy Reserve force, providing ongoing opportunities for Sailors to sharpen warfighting skills, improve operational coordination, and gain experience in fast-paced maritime operations. Exercises like MAKO Storm ensure Reserve Sailors remain prepared to support fleet commanders and contribute immediately to mission success across the globe.