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TACRON 11 Sailors Participate in JTFEX

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060126-01
Release Date: 1/26/2006 11:00:00 AM

By Lt. Elizabeth Pimper, Tactical Air Control Squadron 11 Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 11’s newest detachment, Det. 4, completed their final underway work-up training with Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 Jan. 26 on the strike group’s flagship, the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5).

Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 06-3 is the final exercise in a series of three underway periods aimed at integrating all components of the ESG, from surface combatants to the Marine Air Combat Element.

This exercise, unlike those before it, focused on qualifying the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as special operations capable. To accomplish this objective, all participants did not learn the operations plan until the start of each day.

TACRON 11, Det. 4, members said they were far busier during JTFEX than during the previous two exercises, Composite Training Unit Exercise and Expeditionary Strike Group Integration.

The detachment’s members were responsible for controlling and coordinating all flight events within the strike group. They also planned, coordinated and executed all air operations in support of each primary warfare commander across the spectrum of conflict.

Despite the unstructured nature of the daily schedule, all members of the detachment ensured all vital information was passed on quickly, provided the best possible air traffic control, and briefed all air crews on every aspect of the exercise.

Following completion of JTFEX, the detachment members will have a short time to take leave before departing to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleets for deployment.

"These folks did superb job during work-ups, and I have every confidence they will make us all proud during their upcoming deployment," said Cmdr. Scott Fish, TACRON 11’s commanding officer.

TACRON 11, based at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Calif., is home to more than 180 Sailors and officers who provide air traffic control and integration of air operations in support of ESGs. TACRON 11 Sailors represent a myriad of different naval ratings from operations specialist and air traffic controller to culinary specialist.