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Enterprise Underway for TSTA

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051031-01
Release Date: 10/31/2005 8:24:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Jason Thompson, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) took in all lines from Naval Station Norfolk Pier 12, in Norfolk, Va., Oct. 29 for Tailored Ships Training Assessment (TSTA).

TSTA is a training regimen designed to prepare a ship for prompt and sustained combat operations at sea.

"When people start getting shot at is not the time to learn," said CMDCM(SS/SW) Robin Spelman, Enterprise command master chief. "We're going to be at General Quarters quite a bit, responding to nearly every major casualty we could have so we're prepared to handle any situation."

While prompt and sustained operations from sea are certainly the end goal, plenty of challenges and stepping stones lay in wait for the crew.

"At the end of TSTA, the ship will be emergency surge capable, ready to carry out the President's orders and answer any call our nation may have," Spelman said.

To make sure each Sailor aboard and each component of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group is ready for such a mission, the Afloat Training Group (ATG) is also aboard.

"ATG is here to conduct training and give us all guidance, from zebra setting to a major conflagration," explained Spelman. "At the end of TSTA, we'll have a final evaluation to make sure we are nothing less than 100 percent ready to go."

The scores achieved by the crew during the final evaluation will apply to the battle efficiency award, given to the Atlantic Fleet aircraft carrier most ready for combat operations.