US warship heads to Yemeni waters!

The Associated Press this morning is reporting that US Navy warships are headed for the waters off Yemen.

"In a stepped-up response to Iranian backing of Shiite rebels in Yemen, the Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt is steaming toward the waters off Yemen to beef up security and join other American ships that are prepared to intercept any Iranian vessels carrying weapons to the Houthi rebels.

"Navy officials said Monday that the Roosevelt was moving through the Arabian Sea. A massive ship that carries F/A-18 fighter jets, the Roosevelt is seen more of a deterrent and show of force in the region.

 

"The U.S. Navy has been beefing up its presence in the Gulf of Aden and the southern Arabian Sea in response to reports that a convoy of about eight Iranian ships is heading toward Yemen and possibly carrying arms for the Houthis. Navy officials said there are about nine U.S. warships in the region, including cruisers and destroyers carrying teams that can board and search other vessels."

 

You can read the rest of this story at

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_UNITED_STATES_IRAN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Roosevelt CSG Underway for COMPTUEX - Latest Update 3 Feb 2015

Latest frequency update 3 Feb 2015:
From Mike Comer and Jack Nesmith in Central Florida:

8971.0 kHz USB TSC Jacksonville Fiddle Clear voice/ANDVT
8974.0 kHz USB CWC Tango Whiskey Air Defense Net
18795.0 kHz USB CWC Tango Whiskey Air Defense Net

120.950 FACSFAC Jax - Sealord North
133.950 FACSFAC Jax - Sealord South
134.650 FACSFAC Jax
136.775 Air-Air - TR OPFOR
136.875 Air-Air - TR OPFOR

225.350 Pinecastle Range Targets
226.725 TR CSG Silent Warrior (OPFOR) / Warrior Control / Mustang
229.625 Air Ops - Cobra 12 w Mustang / Bullet 13 w Sapphire
233.325 Darkstar with Corvette
234.750 Air Ops
235.350 Pinecastle Target
235.500 TR CSG Link 11 Data
236.500 TR CSG Tango Whiskey
240.550 Air Ops - AIC Tiger E-2D VAW-125242.625 Air-Air - Tron ## (F/A-18G, VAQ-137)
242.750 Secure - Glock
243.375 Air-Air - Tron ## (F/A-18G, VAQ-137)
246.800 Air-Air - OPFOR / Link 11
260.200 Aerial Refueling Boom - Bolt ##
261.250 Pinecastle Range (R-2907) Lake George Targets
262.900 NAS Jax - Mako Base 
264.625 Avon Park North Tac Range
267.500 FACSFAC Jax Sealord South
268.525 Red Talon 21
275.650 Air-Air - River ## Tac VFA-204 (NAS New Orleans)
277.800 Fleet Common
281.150 TR Tango Zulu (Surface Warfare Commander)
283.500 Secure
284.300 Magic / Victor calling Tango Foxtrot
284.500 FACSFAC Jax Sealord North
285.000 NAS Jax TOC Fiddle
288.775 TR CCA Final B (Button 17)
289.200 Pinecastle Range
291.900 Aerial Refueling Boom - Bolt ##
292.200 Avon Park Range Control
292.225 TR Strike
293.275 Air-Air - VFA-211 Nikel ##
293.375 Air-Air  - VFA-11 Ripper ##
296.875 Exercise Guard? - Dart 51
298.475 TR FAD 2
298.725 Air Ops - TBolt Tac
299.475 Air-Air - Rook ##
303.000 Air Ops - Helo Unid
308.750 Air Ops
309.300 Air-Air
312.150 NAS Jax TDY Rawhide Base / VFA-204 River Base
313.700 FACSFAC Jax - Sealord North
314.375 Secure - Tiger / Glock AIC / Red Talon 11 / Cutlass / Nikel 22
318.325 TR Departure
318.600 Jax NAS W-158 Discrete - Ivan Control
320.425 Air Ops
320.525 Aerial Refueling
323.725 TR CCA Final A (Button 15)
324.750 Air Ops
326.825 RESCORT Frequency
328.425 TR Marshal
333.300 Aerial Refueling Boom - Omega
336.025 Air Ops - Ruger 11 / Slayer 01 / Red Talon 12 / Cutlass / Chill 21-22
340.100 Air-Air - VFA-136 Hawk ## F/A-18E (Button 13 Green)
340.125 Aerial Refueling Boom - 601, 602, Tiger 31/41 air-air Talon 22 / Tiger/Skull 21 calling Corvette
342.075 TR Tango Papa (CWC Strike Warfare)
342.325 Air-Air - Mako 31/32 air-air (not 93^rd FS), Nickel 73, Sweep 51
348.925 Air Ops - Button 13 - 602 going secondary Tac
349.150 Air Ops - Arrow ## (Unid OPFOR aircraft)
349.450 Air Ops
351.800 Jax Intl App/Dep
354.875 TR Tower
357.000 Pinecastle Range
357.375 Warrior Control
361.100 Air Ops
363.650 Air-Air - Overhead AR (Tentative)
363.775 TR FAD 1
363.825 Air Ops - (Button 14?) 212 calling Tango Sierra (Surface Warfare Commander) / Tango (E-2D, VAW-125) with Tango Zulu

365.925 Vanguard Control / Trial 23 (possible P-8A) calling for radio check

369.175 Air-Air - Ripper ##
370.750 Air Ops
371.050 TR CSG Red Crown - PIRAZ (Positive Identification Radar Advisory Zone)
371.175 Tiger / Magic
371.600 Air-Air VFA-211 TBolt ## F/A-18C / Shark ## Tac
374.000 TR Rep

376.900 NAS Jax W-157 Discrete
377.050 Jax Intl App/Dep
377.425 Dragon Slayer 615/616 wkg unid Control
384.100 Air-Air - OPFOR

Confirmed that the FACSFAC Jax airspace areas within W-157, W-158 have been renamed. Each area is now its own Warning area with a new number and letter. W136 begins closest to the coast and goes east to W140 and letters start at A and go south to G.

ALPHA BRAVO 5## - VAQ-137 F/A-18G
BOLT ### - KC-135, 6th AMW
CHAOS # - Tactical F/A-18 callsign
CHILL ## - B-52H, 5th BW
CORVETTE - Unid surface unit
COURAGEOUS WARRIOR
CUTLASS 4##/## - HSL-46 SH-60B
DART ##  - L-3 Communications Lear 35A
DELTA - CWC unid surface unit
DRAGON - Probable F-21 Kfir (Airborne Tactical Advantage Inc (ATAC)
DUSTY ## - F/A-18 Aircraft
FIDDLE - TSC Jacksonville
GLOCK - E-2D tactical call sign
GOLF - CWC unid surface unit
HAWK ## - VFA-136 F/A-18E
HOTEL - CWC unid surface unit
JULIET -  CWC unid surface unit
KILO - CWC unid surface unit
MAGIC - NATO AWACS backend
MAKO ## - A-18 Aircraft
MIKE - CWC unid surface unit
MOTHER 51/52 - Helicopters (Dragon Slayer 615/616)
MUSTANG
NIKEL ## - VFA-211 F/A-18/F
OPFOR - Opposing Forces
OMEGA 10 - KC10 N974VV
OMEGA 74 - KC135 N624RH
RAWHIDE ## - VRC-40 C-2A
RED CROWN - PIRAZ (Positive Identification Radar Advisory Zone)
RED TALON ## - VP-16 P-8A
RIPPER ## - VFA-11 F/A-18F
RIP TIDE 51 - L-3 Communications Lear 35A
RIVER - VFA-204 (OPFOR) F/A-18A+
RUGER ## - MAGIC tactical call sign
SHARK ## - F/A-18 Aircraft
SILENT WARRIOR (OPFOR)
SKULL 21 - B-52H, 96th BS
SLAYER - HS-11?
SWEEP ##
TALON ## - P-8A
TANGO - VAW-125 E-2D CWC call sign
TANGO FOXTROT - CWC Force Track Coordinator
TANGO PAPA - CWC Strike Warfare Commander
TANGO SIERRA - CWC Surface Warfare Commander
TANGO WHISKEY - CWC Air Defense Commander
TANGO ZULU - CWC Sea Combat Commander
TARBOX ##
TBOLT ## - VMFA-251 F/A-18C
TIGER 6##/## - VAW-125 E-2D
TIGER TAIL
TORINO - Unid surface unit
TRIAL ## - Possible VX-1 P-8A
TRIBE
TRON - VAQ-137 F/A-18G tactical call sign
VANGUARD CONTROL
VICTOR - VAW-125 E-2D CWC call sign
VIPER - Unid OPFOR aircraft (probable VFA-204)
VULTURE - E-8C 461ACW Backend
WARRIOR CONTROL

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore  Roosevelt (CVN 71) and embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 staff  departed Naval Station Norfolk to begin Composite Training Unit Exercise  (COMPTUEX), January 8. The naval units completed their TSTA training in October 2014.

Theodore Roosevelt will join the rest of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) to conduct COMPTUEX, which tests TRCSG's ability to effectively react to real-world scenarios and perform as an integrated unit.

"Carrier Strike Group 4 is evaluating how the battle group defends itself, how it projects power and how well they execute pre-planned responses to multiple types of scenarios," said Master Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Todd Womack, CSG 4's senior enlisted advisor, from Cottonwood, Ala.

Throughout COMPTUEX, Theodore Roosevelt will face training scenarios that simulate real-world situations the ship could encounter during its upcoming deployment.

"TR and her crew will be conducting numerous flight operations, identifying contacts and displaying the information to the entire strike group," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Jeffery Lain, tactical data coordinator aboard TR.

"We will be as tactical as possible while performing in a carrier environment during a realistic wartime scenario," said Lt. Jeffery Mayer, an F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot from the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 11.

Following the successful completion of COMPTUEX, CSG 4 will declare TR capable of worldwide operations and ready for its upcoming deployment.

TRCSG is comprised of Carrier Strike Group 12 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 staff, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, and the DESRON 2 ships; the guided-missile destroyers USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), USS Farragut (DDG 99) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), as well as the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60).

There are eigh squadrons assigned to CVW-1:

VFA-11 Red Rippers 
VFA-136 Knighthawks 
VFA-211 Checkmates 
VMFA-251 Thunderbolts 
VAQ-137 Rooks 
VAW-125 Tigertails 
HS-11 Dragonslayers 
VRC-40 Rawhides 

During the TSTA training evolution in October the Carrier Strike Group used 8974.0 kHz USB for their HF CWC Voice Air Warfare Coordination Net (NCS Tango Whiskey). Other HF frequencies we have seen them on in the past include 5281.0 5714.0 6700.0 6703.0 and 8188.0 kHz.

As this training operation steps up here on the east coast, I hope to have further updates on the frequencies being used by the TRR CSG.

Theodore Roosevelt Returns to Norfolk as a Ready for Tasking Carrier

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) returned to its homeport, Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 29, after conducting Sea Trials following an extensive four-year refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH).

Sea Trials are a multi-day underway period to test the carrier's systems and overall mission readiness. Theodore Roosevelt conducted Sea Trials after departing from Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) shipyard at Newport News, Va.

"I can't tell you how proud I am of this ship and crew," TR's commanding officer Capt. Daniel Grieco told the crew. "You've done a fantastic job putting the ship through her paces, testing every system and ensuring TR is a ready for tasking aircraft carrier and asset to Naval aviation. Enjoy the holiday weekend, then come back rested and ready to show the fleet that the 'Big Stick' is back and ready to be the pride of the fleet."

Throughout the ship, Sailors were excited to have their ship become operational, as some have spent most of their time aboard while in the shipyard.

"Heading to Norfolk means that we are going to be underway a lot, which is fun for me because I am in the Navy, and this is what I like to do," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd class Anna T. Brightwell.

Theodore Roosevelt is the fourth aircraft carrier to have successfully completed 25 years of service and to undergo RCOH. Next, TR begins focusing on additional training and certifications to once again become deployment ready.

USS Theodore Roosevelt Launches Op EF sorties

The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group Completes Multinational Exercise

By Lt. j.g. Michael P. Quisao, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Ships from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG), assigned to Commander U.S. 6th Fleet, participated in a one-day theater security cooperation (TSC) exercise with units from the South African and French navies while underway in the Indian Ocean Oct. 9.

The Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) (TR) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) operated with three South African ships and one French Navy ship in a variety of tactical exercises aimed at increasing coordination and interoperability.

The TSC exercise consisted of tactical communications, coordinated shiphandling maneuvers and an aerial photo shoot of the ships in formation, highlighting the growing interaction between the U.S. and South African navies.

"It was a pleasure working with the South African Navy during this seamanship exercise. Their skills were superb," said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. "This exercise demonstrates our shared desire for security and stability in the region and is an important step toward strengthening the capabilities needed to achieve those goals."

TR and Monterey were joined by the South African Navy frigate SAS Isandlwana (F146), oiler SAS Drakensburg (A301), patrol boat SAS Isaac Dyobia (P1565), and the French Navy frigate FN Floreal (F730) for the multinational exercise.

This exercise follows TR's historic port visit to Cape Town, marking the first carrier visit to South Africa in more than 40 years. During the port visit, TR and Monterey (CG 61) hosted thousands of visitors, participated in multiple regional security cooperation activities and completed community relations activities.

TRCSG is conducting operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

TR Completes South African Port Visit

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Monique K. Hilley, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) pulled anchor as it departed Cape Town, South Africa Oct. 7, after its three-day port visit to the area.

This port visit was a historic event as it marked the first time a U.S. aircraft carrier has visited South Africa in 41 years. The last time a carrier visited Cape Town was USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1967.

Crew members were provided many opportunities to experience the culture and environment of South Africa. TR's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) organized several tours for the crew including wine tours, an African safari, a tour of Cape Point and hiking Table Mountain.

"A total of 800 Sailors took MWR tours on Monday, Oct. 6, and we have gotten nothing but rave reviews from everyone that went on the trips," said Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate (AW) Bryan Neal, TR's MWR fun chief. "At the end of the day, we were able to accommodate Sailors by giving them the opportunity to see the country."

TR was anchored in the harbor of Table Bay with the dramatic Table Mountain as its backdrop. Table Mountain is considered one of the most recognizable and most visited sites in the region. MWR provided bus rides and tickets to the crew so they could ride the cableway up the mountain and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.

"The view was breathtaking, and I was totally surprised at how close we were able to get to the edge of the mountain," said Lt. j.g. James Knepp. "It was one of the most enjoyable experiences I had in port."

One of MWR's tours was the Bushman Experience which offered Sailors a chance to visit an ostrich farm as well as the opportunity to visit a local village where tours were provided by a local Bushman who demonstrated their way of life.

"It was crazy to see how other parts of the world live," said Storekeeper Seaman Lacy Frye. "My favorite part was definitely sitting on an ostrich. That is something you do not get to do back home."

Crew members also got the chance to dine on some very unique cuisine while on liberty in Cape Town including warthog, gazelle, crocodile and caribou steaks.

"We were honored to be able to experience the amazing culture of South Africa. This visit to Cape Town was a rare opportunity for our Sailors, one that I know will remain long in the memories of every member of the crew," said Capt. Ladd Wheeler, TR's commanding officer.

Theodore Roosevelt CSG Arrives in Cape Town, South Africa

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Monique K. Hilley

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- Ships from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG), assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, have arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, as part of an on-going effort to reinforce relationships, increase interoperability and address maritime issues.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) anchored off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, Oct. 4. The cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) is pier side in Cape Town after arriving Oct. 3.

The TR CSG ships are scheduled to host formal visits, regional security cooperative activities, military-to-military exchanges, and participate in a variety of community relations activities. Senior officers from the ships will also conduct office calls with South African government and military leaders to discuss maritime safety and security.

"The South African government has invited us to visit Cape Town, and we are grateful for the opportunity," said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. "We look forward to strengthening the relationship with the South African Navy."

During the port visit, crewmembers will have the chance to enjoy the culture and beauty of Cape Town, participate in a wide variety of community relations projects and tour some of the surrounding areas. In total, more than 4,600 Sailors will visit Cape Town.

"We appreciate the opportunity to be here in Cape Town as representatives of the American people," said Capt. Ladd Wheeler, commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt. "Getting the chance to learn about and interact with different militaries and cultures is an invaluable experience for our Sailors."

The TR visit to Cape Town marks the first time a carrier has visited South Africa in more than 40 years. The last carrier to visit South Africa was USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1967.

Sailors aboard TR are looking forward to the new experiences they will get to enjoy during visit to Cape Town.

"I'm really excited to be able to get off the boat and see things I haven't seen before and eat something exotic," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Cherry Ravnell, a member of the V-2 division of TR's air department.

Other Sailors are highly anticipating the opportunities they will have to interact with a different culture and increase their knowledge about another part of the world.

"I'm very fortunate for the opportunity to see different cultures, including the way they live and their customs and traditions. This is my third cruise, but this is definitely something new. It adds another piece to my puzzle of the world, and I'm glad that I've been blessed with the chance to experience it," said Culinary Specialist Second Class John Davis, one of the many chefs that make up S-2 division of TR's supply department.

The Sailors of Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group who are currently visiting Cape Town are grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime experience they are getting during this historic port visit in Cape Town, South Africa.

Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group to Deploy Early September

More than 7,300 Sailors from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) will deploy early September as part of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe.

The aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt will depart Norfolk Naval Station Sept. 8. While the guided-missile USS Monterey (CG 61) and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 3) will deploy Sept. 10. The guided missile destroyers USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94); and the attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) will deploy Sept. 12

The Theodore Roosevelt CSG is made up of the Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 2 staff; USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71); Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW 8); Commander, Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 22 staff; the guided missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); the guided missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94), all homeported in Norfolk, Va.; the guided missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (CG 55), homeported in Mayport, Fla.; the attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761), homeported in Groton, Conn.; and the Fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), homeported in Earle, N.J.

Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW 8) consists of strike fighter squadrons VFA-15, VFA-31, VFA-87 and VFA-213; tactical electronics warfare squadron VAQ-141; carrier airborne early warning squadron VAW-124; and helicopter anti-submarine squadron HS-3.

The strike group recently returned from participating in a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) with elements of the French, Brazilian, Peruvian and British militaries.

They successfully completed a series of complex training events, which included integrated cyclic flight operations off the U.S. east coast with French and U.S. strike aircraft. JTFEX serves as a joint and combined exercise designed to provide realistic training environments for US and coalition forces that closely replicate the operational challenges routinely encountered during military operations around the world. Training such as this ensures our military forces are prepared to support any missions they may be tasked to execute.

The strike group's ships are prepared to conduct a variety of missions, including forward naval presence, maritime security operations, crisis response and theater security operations.