USS Ronald Reagan, Carrier Strike Group 7 Begin COMPTUEX
Story Number: NNS051024-12
Release Date: 10/25/2005 4:00:00 AM
By Chief Journalist Donnie Ryan and Photographer's Mate 2nd Class (AW) Anthony Walker, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs
USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The officers and crew of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Commander, Carrier Strike Group (COMCARSTRKGRU) 7 and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 departed San Diego Oct. 17 and began their Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), a major requirement for the carrier strike group’s certification as ready for deployment.
COMPTUEX is an 18-day exercise designed to train the ship, embarked air wing and other vessels that make up the carrier strike group to function as one highly effective fighting force. The exercise consists of two distinct phases and will be evaluated by Commander, Strike Force Training, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Phase I consists of a detailed schedule of events (SOE) designed to provide specific task training and evaluation for the carrier strike group and warfare commanders.
Phase II, also known as the final battle problem, is a real-world type exercise with no SOE. The carrier strike group must be able to identify and respond to a situation as a single and highly-coordinated, combat-ready force.
“These exercises are designed to simulate the type of scenarios we may face while deployed in support of real-world military operations,” said Capt. James A. Symonds, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “COMPTUEX is crucial in preparing the carrier strike group for the upcoming deployment,” he said.
Rear Adm. Michael H. Miller, commander, Carrier Strike Group 7, said he cannot stress enough the importance of having all the carrier strike group’s components having the chance to work and train together before the deployment.
“Ronald Reagan and CVW-14 have trained together before, and some of the smaller vessels have trained with us, but for the most part, this is the first chance we have had to bring all the important elements together,” said Miller. “COMPTUEX really helps to build a sense of cohesion and unity between the commands, which is critical in accomplishing our mission,” he added.
In addition to the U.S. Navy vessels that normally make up CSG 7, several Canadian Navy ships will also be participating in the exercise.
For related news, visit the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.
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