San Antonio Begins Its Maiden Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian Goodwin, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) heads to sea as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (IWO ESG) supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tyler J. Wilson/Released)

USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) deployed from its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 28 as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).

San Antonio's departure marks its first deployment since it's commissioning Jan. 14, 2006 and the first deployment of a San Antonio-class amphibious ship.

"It is truly an honor and privilege to be part of LPD 17's maiden deployment," said Cmdr. Kurt Kastner, San Antonio's commanding officer. "When I look back at the accomplishments and effort by the crew getting the first ship in the San Antonio-class warship ready, I am proud and humbled at the same time."

San Antonio provides unique capabilities that have never been incorporated into any previously-deployed ESG.

"The operational flexibility of our strike group is greatly enhanced by San Antonio's capabilities," said Capt. Brian T. Smith, commander, Iwo Jima ESG. "Its multi-functional design supports technological advances in landing craft, aircraft and amphibious vehicles. The ship has a state-of-the-art command and control suite, more than double the storage space of the ships it replaces and advanced survivability features that enhance its ability to operate in the littoral environment."

This deployment is not only the first for San Antonio but the first for many of the ship's Sailors as well.

"It's ironic that my first deployment is the first for the San Antonio also," said Interior Communication's Specialist 3rd Class Thomas Quintavalle. "I've waited for this moment for a long time -- to visit places in the world that I dreamed of seeing as a kid."

The path to getting San Antonio prepared for her maiden voyage was scattered with a variety of technical challenges. The ship's departure from Norfolk is evidence of the dedicated effort of the crew and provides a sense of accomplishment for its Sailors.

"I wanted to help see this ship get underway to show that the blood, sweat and tears from its crew - both past and present - have paid off," said Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class (SW) Walt Douglas, executive department leading petty officer.

The sense of accomplishment is shared by Smith.

"San Antonio and its Sailors are ready," he said. "The ship demonstrated flawless execution of procedures for getting underway and conducted a highly efficient onload of Marines and their equipment. I fully expect to see the same excellence from San Antonio and its crew throughout deployment."

San Antonio joined the rest of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), which consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the dock-landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk, Va.; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

The Iwo Jima ESG with its more than 6,000 Sailors and Marines, deployed Aug. 26-29 for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO helps set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations.

The strike group will also support the other tenets of the Navy's Maritime Strategy, which include forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The Maritime Strategy represents a new vision for the 21st century and establishes new capabilities to codify longstanding challenges, while maintaining the focus on enduring missions.

Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Deploys

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Michael Starkey, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- Approximately 6,000 Sailors and Marines from the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (Iwo Jima ESG) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed Aug. 26-30 for a regularly-scheduled deployment to the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation in support of Maritime Security Operations.

"While in theater, our strike group will conduct Maritime Security Operations to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment," said Capt. Brian T. Smith, commander, Iwo Jima ESG. "Our forces will also support the other tenets of the Navy's Maritime Strategy, which include forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response."

The Iwo Jima ESG consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

"Our amphibious ships provide a unique capability serving as platforms to support Marine movements and operations ashore," said Smith. "This capability is significantly enhanced by our cruiser and destroyer escorts which provide a very robust, additional set of warfighting capabilities."

San Antonio and Ramage bring new capabilities to the strike group. San Antonio's departure marks the first deployment of a San Antonio class amphibious ship, and its multifunctional design supports technological advances in landing craft, aircraft, and amphibious vehicles. Additionally, Ramage is the first east coast ship certified for AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense.

"The nature of U.S. Navy operations is to deploy forward with the ability to be aggregated for regional security and deterrence, or disaggregated for maritime security effects, providing combatant commanders a wide range of options," said Smith. "Our forces are inherently flexible and ready to respond to emergent tasking around the globe to provide critically needed capabilities."

San Antonio Preps for Deployment During JTFEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian Goodwin, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) are participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 off the U.S. eastern seaboard July 21-31.

JTFEX 08-4 serves as a ready-for-deployment certification event for the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group. It evaluates how ships work together in different tactical situations and prepares Sailors for deployment.

"JTFEX is scenario driven," said Cmdr. Kurt Kastner, San Antonio commanding officer. "It is as close to live action as we can get in a training environment."

The scenarios during JTFEX are scripted and designed to test the responses by crew members and evaluate decisions made by their leadership.

"These scenarios range from small boat boardings to communications with unidentified ships; it tests our ability to respond," said Lt. j.g. Greg Smith, assistant operations officer.

Sailors aboard San Antonio completed fleet synthetic training and composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX) prior to participating in JTFEX.

"COMPTUEX helped us prepare for JTFEX and because of fleet synthetic training, we were able to have pier-side exercises with the other ships in our strike group," said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW/AW) Kevin Sanders, combat systems leading petty officer.

"We held classes for the crew so they could be trained for various duties, including standing watch and visit, board, search and seizure exercises."

Smith said he is confident in the crew members' ability to do their jobs efficiently and set the standard for other ships in the fleet.

"The crew has trained long and hard for JTFEX, and we look forward to seeing positive results."

San Antonio is part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, which also consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the dock-landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported in Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported in Groton, Conn.

STRIKEFORNATO Eyes Future Role in JTFEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Michael Starkey, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs


USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Chris A. Snow, U.K. Royal Navy, Deputy Commander, Strike Force NATO (STRIKFORNATO), paid a visit to the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) July 22-24.

Rear Adm. Chris A. Snow, of the U.K. Royal Navy, observed Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 to determine how STRIKFORNATO can best be integrated into a future JTFEX.

"JTFEX is a fantastic opportunity, and there's a wonderful training ground here. It's a real opportunity for me to practice in a NATO context how to command at a two-star level in very complicated operations. Again, what a fantastic opportunity something like JTFEX provides."

During the visit, Snow observed the operations of both the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU). This afforded him the opportunity to observe how the ESG operates within the exercise Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) structure.

STRIKFORNATO could be integrated into JTFEX as early as 2010.

"What I am focusing on, is trying to get ready to command in 2010," said nSnow. "Today I've got about 10 people embedded inside the JTFEX at the maritime component command organization. Next year, we'll do the same and work up to a full Joint Force Maritime Component Commander (JFMCC) with 120 people in the fall of 2010."

The STRIKFORNATO structure is flexible from one-star to three-star core commands to fill a variety of amphibious roles at sea or shore. Currently, there are 10 member nations of STRIKFORNATO, led by U.S. Vice Adm. James A. Winnefeld, who also command the U.S. 6th Fleet.

"We were eight nations for a long time and just recently we had France and Poland join in," said James Bergeron, political advisor to commander, Strike Force NATO. "It creates a great mix because those countries bring their national expertise and perspective."

"Let me emphasize, we have multi-national marines force representation as well, which is unique in NATO. In the force structure, that adds a great mix of countries, some with Mediterranean experience. We have blue water navies, amphibious navies and a lot of different complimentary skill sets come together."

Iwo Jima is participating in JTFEX 08-4 as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). The Iwo Jima ESG consists of Iwo Jima; the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk, Va.; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.; and a Marine Landing Force from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic Evaluates COMPTUEX Performance

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Zalasky and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Michael Starkey, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group steams through the Atlantic Ocean in formation during the strike group's composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX provides a realistic training environment to ensure the strike group is capable and ready for its upcoming scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Fire Controlman 1st Class Nathan Rathjen

The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) completed the blue phase of Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) July 17.

COMPTUEX is a series of graded exercise scenarios intended to evaluate and prepare the strike group for its upcoming deployment. Rear Adm. Donald P. Quinn, commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic, who led the exercise, toured the ships in the strike group and visited with Sailors who will deploy this fall.

"Its nice to see that an admiral is taking the time to come out to sea and look at what a hard job we are doing here on the ship," said Yeoman 3rd Class John Stevens, a Sailor assigned to USS Ramage (DDG 61).

"It makes me feel like we have a reason for working harder, knowing that the people in charge of the training missions are seeing our efforts."

This exercise is key in the strike group's work-up cycle.

"COMPTUEX is the last part of the integrated training for every strike group. In the case of ESGs, they get synthetic training pierside where they work up and develop some teamwork. They work on communications and information systems. We come to see and validate those procedures that we develop synthetically," said Quinn.

"The ESG is on track to qualify. Like every strike group, there are strengths and weaknesses. This group is doing very well. There are some things they'll want to work on or improve on before going on cruise, but in general they're doing very well in all of the seven primary mission areas."

Ramage's Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Gerald Coulson explained why the admiral took the time to visit the Sailors in the strike group.

"This was a chance for the Sailors to see that the leaders who conduct these training exercises care about them and know the long hours spent are for a greater cause. It has let the Sailors know that the leaders care about what they are doing and how they are doing."

Quinn attributed much of the success of COMPTUEX to the attitudes of Sailors.

"This ESG has been particularly strong in attitude when working through some tough problems. There are challenges always in the schedules and maintenance of the various ships and units that come here. Getting your people where they need to be in time and then getting all of the complex computers, radios and systems together, the group has been very good at working through this."

With the completion of the Blue Phase, the Iwo Jima ESG will now participate in the Green Phase of COMPTUEX, followed by participation in the USS Theodore Roosevelt's (CVN 71) upcoming Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4.

The Iwo Jima ESG consists of Ramage; the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) with the embarked 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); all homeported at Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

JTFEX 08-4 "Operation Brimstone" Flexes Allied Force Training

VRC-40 C-2A readies for launch onboard the Roosevelt. (U.S. Navy Photo)

Blog Editor Note: For east coast milcom monitors here is another chance for an excellent monitoring opportunity. I already have one report of 8204.0 kHz USB being used by the Iwo Jima ESG for CWC net comms.

More than 15,000 service members from four countries will participate in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 "Operation Brimstone", July 21-31 in North Carolina and off the eastern U.S. coast from Virginia to Florida.

JTFEX 08-4 serves as a ready-for-deployment certification event for the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG) and the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (IWO ESG). The exercise will also serve as a Joint Task Force Capable Headquarters sustainment event. In addition, JTFEX 08-4 will offer preliminary accreditation for 2nd Fleet's Maritime Headquarters with Maritime Operations Center (MHQ with MOC)). MHQ with MOC is a new approach to command and control for fleet commanders.

"This exercise is a tremendous opportunity to train; not only as the Navy and Marine Corps team, but with our joint and coalition partners as well," said Commander, 2nd Fleet Vice Adm. Marty Chanik.

"JTFEX 08-4 will flex our warfighting capabilities from the operational level through expeditionary strike force and strike group operations with several of our coalition partners – France, Brazil and the United Kingdom."

The exercise also marks the first time that forces from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command are participating in an East-Coast JTFEX. NECC forces operating in the littorals and riverine environment are supporting integrated operations.

"Navy Expeditionary Combat Command provides a self-contained adaptive force package with a command element tailored to support the full spectrum of operations from major combat operations to unconventional and irregular warfare," said NECC commander Rear Adm. Mike Tillotson.

U.S. and coalition naval assets underway for the exercise include the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) with associated units including the British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (RO 7), the Brazilian Navy frigate Greenhalgh (F-46) and the French submarine FS Amethyste (S 605). BNS Greenhalgh is the first Brazilian Navy ship to operate integrated in a U.S. strike group.

French Rafale fighter aircraft assigned to the 12th Squadron, and Hawkeye early warning aircraft assigned to the 4th Squadron will conduct carrier qualifications and cyclic flight operations with U.S. Carrier Air Wing 8 during Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group's Joint Task Force Exercise. This marks the first integrated U.S. and French carrier qualifications and cyclic flight operations aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier.

The TR CSG is made up of: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71); Commander, Carrier Strike Group 2 (CCSG-2); Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8); Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22 (CDS-22); the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); the guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87), and USS Nitze (DDG 94) homeported in Norfolk; the attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) homeported in Groton, Conn.; and the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) homeported in Mayport, Fla.

The IWO ESG consists of USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Commander, Amphibious Squadron Four (CPR-4) based at Little Creek, Va.; the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU) based at Camp Lejune, N.C.; the amphibious transport dock ship San Antonio (LPD 17); guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); and the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), homeported in Norfolk; the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) homeported at Little Creek, Va.; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) homeported in Mayport, Fla., and the attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) homeported in Groton, Conn.

The Navy Expeditionary Combat Task Group (NECTG) is made up of: Riverine Group 1 staff augmented with personnel from throughout the NECC force, Riverine Squadron 1, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Ten, based in Jacksonville, Fla.; an air detachment from Naval Construction Forces Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 based in Gulfport, Miss.; Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 3, based in Alameda, Calif.), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 6 plus EOD Support Unit based at Little Creek, Va.

In addition, the following forces are participating in the exercise simulating opposition forces: the guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64), homeported in Mayport, Fla.; the guided missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Anzio (CG 68) and USS Normandy (CG 60), the guided-missile destroyers USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81); and the guided-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52), all homeported in Norfolk.

Ships involved

Below are ships in the JTFX exercises. In parentheses are command units that will be embarked on board.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71);
Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two (CCSG-2);
Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8);
Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22 (CDS-22);
Monterey (CG 61)
Mason (DDG 87)
Nitze (DDG 94).;
Springfield (SSN 761) homeported in Groton, Conn.;
The Sullivans (DDG 68) homeported in Mayport, Fla.;
Iwo Jima (LHD 7),
Commander, Amphibious Squadron Four (CPR-4) based at Little Creek, Va.; the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU) based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.;
San Antonio (LPD 17);
Vella Gulf (CG 72);
Ramage (DDG 61);
Carter Hall (LSD 50);
Roosevelt (DDG 80) homeported in Mayport, Fla.;
Hartford (SSN 768) homeported in Groton, Conn.

In addition, the following forces are participating in the exercise simulating opposition forces:

San Jacinto (CG 56),
Anzio (CG 68)
Normandy (CG 60),
Oscar Austin (DDG 79),
Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81)
Carr (FFG 52), all homeported in Norfolk, Va.;
Carney (DDG 64), homeported in Mayport, Fla.

Iwo Jima ESG Participating in COMPTUEX

Blog Editor Note: Headups east coast monitors. We have a COMPTUEX off our coast line. Should result in at least some HF CWC activity.

A Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 approaches the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Starkey

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Michael Starkey, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) is participating in a composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX) July 8-Aug. 1 to prepare for deployment.

"COMPTUEX provides realistic training environments that closely replicate the operational challenges routinely encountered during military operations around the world," said Capt. Brian T. Smith, commander, Amphibious Squadron 4.

"We train the way we fight, and training opportunities such as this enhance the preparedness of all personnel to ensure our forces are interoperable, attain the greatest capability and are ready for deployment."

The Iwo Jima ESG consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) with the embarked 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit; the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768).

COMPTUEX is a critical step in pre-deployment training.

"Participating in COMPTUEX is a great way for the entire ESG to interact in preparation for deployment," said Chief Operations Specialist Charles Blair, operations department leading chief petty officer. "It gives our ship the opportunity to work out any last-minute deficiencies."

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet scheduled the exercise led by Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic.