SAN DIEGO -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by Rear Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, is participating in a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of Southern California January 23 – February 1.
The exercise is the final step in preparing the strike group for deployment and is designed to test its ability to operate in a complex, hostile environment with other U.S. and coalition forces. During this graduate-level exercise, more than 7,000 Sailors are working together to hone their operational skills in preparation for their upcoming deployment.
With the successful completion of the exercise, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet, Vice Adm. Samuel J. Locklear will certify the Lincoln CSG as “ready for deployment.”
After completion of the exercise and certification for deployment, the strike group will prepare to deploy, leaving its homeport of Everett, Wash. They will pick up personnel and aircraft here in San Diego before deploying overseas in support of the global war on terrorism.
The Lincoln CSG, is comprised of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), the guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), the guided-missile destroyers USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Shoup (DDG 86) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11.
The squadrons of CVW-2 include the “Bounty Hunters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, the “Vigilantes” of VFA-151, the “Kestrels” of VFA-137, the “Sun Kings” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116, the “Lancers” of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 131, the “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 2 and the “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 47.