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USS Nimitz Battle Group Commences Southern California Training Exercise

Navy Newsstand

1/13/2003 7:02:00 PM

From Commander, 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Battle Group, led by Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group (CCDG) 5, Rear Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, got underway from San Diego Jan. 10 to begin a compressed three-week training exercise.

More than 8,800 Sailors, 15 ships and submarines, and various types of aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CAW) 11 will participate in the exercise, which is scheduled to last until Jan. 29.

By taking advantage of several efficiencies in the training pipeline, Commander, 3rd Fleet (C3F) was able to combine two normally separate training evolutions into one three-week exercise, expediting the battle group's availability for deployment. The first two weeks will focus on a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), and the last week will concentrate on a Joint Task Force Training Exercise (JTFEX).

Nimitz arrived in San Diego in November 2001, and after an in port maintenance period, commenced their training May 2002. This exercise will be the culmination of nine months of training and preparation.

Upon successful completion of the exercise, C3F will certify the Nimitz battle group ready for deployment and capable of conducting the full spectrum of naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction operations, leadership interdiction operations, non-combatant evacuation operations, various air strike and support missions, theater ballistic missile defense, logistics support, search and rescue, and command and control.

Commands directing and evaluating the exercise include C3F, amphibious command ship USS Coronado (AGF 11) and Commander, Carrier Group 1.

Joining Nimitz as participants in the exercise will be CCDG-5; CAW-11; Destroyer Squadron 23; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 Detachment (Det) 1; cruisers USS Chosin (CG 65) and USS Princeton (CG 59); guided-missile destoyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and USS Benfold (DDG 65); guided-missile frigate USS Rodney M Davis (FFG 60); destroyer USS Oldendorf (DD 972); attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752); and fast combat support ship USS Bridge (AOE 10).

Aircraft squadrons taking to the air for the exercise are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41; VFA-14; VFA-94; VFA-97; Electronic Attack Squadron 135; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117; Sea Control Squadron 29; Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 6; and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 Det 3.

Opposing the battle group in the exercise will be forces not assigned to the battle group, including USS George Phillips (FFG 12); USS Curts (FFG 38); USS McCampbell (DDG 85); USS Decatur (DDG 73); USS Rentz (FFG 46); USS Jarrett (FFG 33); USS Zephyr (PC 8); USS Portsmouth (SSN 707); and USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716).