Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) conduct the last launches of the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). Dwight D. Eisenhower just completed the three-week Composite Training Unit Exercise in preparation for its upcoming 2010 deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher A. Baker/Released)NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) successfully completed a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), Nov. 24, off the East Coast of the U.S. from Virginia to Florida.
The integrated training exercise began Nov. 2 and tested all warfare mission areas of the strike group's individual and combined forces.
"The exercise provided a realistic training environment that ensured effective and intense training," said Rear Adm. Phil Davidson, commander of the Eisenhower Strike Group. "As a strike group, we each bring our own strengths to the fight, and COMPTUEX give us the opportunity to make sure we can effectively work as a team."
Conducted by a training team led by Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic (CSFTL), COMPTUEX ensured that the collective forces of the Eisenhower CSG attained major combat operations certification and are ready for deployment.
"Throughout COMPTUEX, the group's performance increased each and every day," said Eisenhower Commanding Officer Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne. "It was an outstanding show of teamwork, and we are well prepared for any challenges we may face during deployment."
The strike group was assessed on their ability to execute the nation's maritime strategy. The task scenarios provided Sailors with experience for deployment as they operated together through strike warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. The scenario has now evolved to include events focused on irregular warfare, counter-piracy, counter proliferation and associated maritime interdiction operations.
"It's about bringing everybody together to work toward a common goal," said Mewbourne. "We returned from a successful combat deployment in July. However, since then, the carrier alone has had more than a 10 percent turnover in personnel, and we have new ships as part of the strike group. COMPTUEX is that chance to sharpen our skills and ensure that we are ready for anything."
The exercise environment created scenarios that could reflect anything that could be expected during the actual deployment.
"We wanted the training to be realistic and challenging for all the ships and aircraft in the strike group," said Davidson, "so that when it comes time to perform in a real world environment, we execute our mission effectively and with the confidence that comes from experience. The Sailors in this strike group have proven without any doubt throughout this COMPTUEX that they have the ability to do extraordinary things."
Pre-deployment exercises give the Navy's strike groups operational experience so they are better prepared to achieve the goals of America's maritime strategy.
The Eisenhower CSG participants for COMPTUEX included the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69); Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW); Destroyer Squadron 28; guided-missile cruisers USS Hue City (CG 66) and USS Normandy (CG 60); guided-missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS McFaul (DDG 74), USS Ross (DDG 71), and USS Barry (DDG 52).
Additionally, the new littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) participated in several training events as part of its unit level qualification and pre-deployment certification process.