• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Reagan Carrier Strike Group Wraps Up Successful ASW Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060120-04
Release Date: 1/20/2006 10:05:00 AM

From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS RONALD REAGAN, At sea (NNS) -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7, comprised of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) , Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 completed a four-day Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise Jan. 9-12 off the coast of Hawaii.

The goal of the exercise was to test the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group in real-world scenarios. Anti-submarine warfare is critical to support the “Sea Shield” pillar of the Chief of Naval Operation’s “Sea Power 21.” This concept calls for the ability to form a maritime shield to defend “Sea Base” areas against submarine and mine threats, and ensure a safe, protected sea passage of U.S. and coalition forces to and from the fight.

Rear Adm. Michael H. Miller, commander, CSG 7, said he was extremely impressed with the way the different components of the strike group worked together to be successful during the four-day ASW exercise.

“DESRON 7, Lake Champlain, Ronald Reagan and CVW 14 truly melded as a potent ASW team,” said Miller. “This ASW exercise proved that we have the ability to detect and destroy hostile submarines in support of COMPACFLT’s [Commander, Pacific Fleet] number one mission priority. Carrier Strike Group 7 is an example of how the Navy is able to carry out these types of missions anytime, anywhere in the world."

To aid CSG 7 with ASW, they are the first strike group to deploy with the Navy's improved surface ship sonar installed on both of their destroyers, explained Capt. David F. Steindl, comander, DESRON 7.

“The improved detection capability of our ships permitted rapid deployment of our ASW helicopter detachments, who engaged the opposition submarines swiftly and accurately. The impressive results of this exercise demonstrate that the right technology in the hands of highly trained Sailors delivers an incredible ASW capability,” said Steindl.

Cmdr. Scott Bischoff, commanding officer, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4, said he was also impressed with the success of the four-day exercise.

“It was a great opportunity to focus on ASW, one of our primary mission areas, for a sustained length of time while having our performance analyzed with great feedback. It surely makes us a better force,” said Bischoff.

“I’m very proud of the participation of the officers and crew of USS Ronald Reagan this past week,” said Capt. Terry B. Kraft, Reagan’s commanding officer. “Defending against the undersea threat tests our teamwork across a spectrum of tasks. We are better for it,” said Kraft

Reagan is currently on her maiden deployment to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf in support of the global war on terrorism and maritime security operations.