Editors Note: For my west coast readers, keep on the watch for HF CWC nets coming up in association with this COMPTUEX. Also you should see a lot of UHF milair as well, especially around Camp Pendleton.
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derek Stroop, Amphibious Squadron Three Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit got underway to participate in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) 2012 off the coast of California, July 18.
COMPTUEX is a pre-deployment certification that evaluates the ARGs ability to conduct military operations at sea and support to expeditionary operations ashore.
It allows Sailors to demonstrate that they are ready to execute integrated expeditionary capabilities of the Maritime Strategy.
The training scenarios are designed to be as realistic as possible, challenging the ARG to ensure they are combat capable and ready for tasking by regional commanders while on deployment.
"COMPTUEX is a complex exercise because it is going to force us to flex our integration capabilities to ensure that we are able to coordinate and plan the various missions that we may face during deployment," said Capt. John Deehr, commanding officer, USS Peleliu (LHA 5). "It will be the first time in the training cycle that we won't know what's going to happen in regards to the scenarios, which is why this training is so valuable."
Each scenario is divided into phases that require participation from the ARG and Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit who are embarked. Scenarios will include counter-piracy operations, maritime security operations, maritime interdiction operations and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure operations.
"COMPTUEX is designed to prepare the ARG-MEU team to fight together as one cohesive unit," said Capt. Mark Sakaguchi, commander, Amphibious Squadron Three. "The training we conduct now will allow us to operate forward and be ready to execute a wide range of military operations in support of our national strategy."
The ARG will simulate operations ranging from combat operations to humanitarian support missions worldwide. Additionally, real-world operations such as replenishments-at-sea with other vessels will occur during the training time period.
The Peleliu ARG is comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and has the 15th MEU embarked throughout these three ships. The guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) will also participate in the exercise.
COMPTUEX 2012 promotes Commander, U.S. 3nd Fleet's training focus of providing realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy in order to strengthen our ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S and its allies and partners.
