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USS Monterey Participates in USW Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060507-04
Release Date: 5/7/2006 2:56:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Katherine Favell, USS George Washington Strike Group Public Affairs

USS MONTEREY, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Monterey (CG 61) and other assets of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Strike Group conducted unit-level training April 29 in the Caribbean Sea during a detection and tracking exercise with the British submarine HMS Trafalgar (S 207).

The goal of the Combined Anti-Submarine Exercise (CASEX) was to test the undersea warfare (USW) capabilities of the GW Carrier Strike Group in real-world scenarios.

Monterey Sailors practiced identifying and tracking the sub, a nuclear-powered attack sub, using both active and passive detection techniques. Monterey’s sonar technicians launched the Tactical Towed Array System (TACTAS), a string of sensory modules designed for passive detection of submarines.

Senior Chief Sonar Technician (SW/IUSS) Paul Mikovits, Monterey’s weapons department leading chief petty officer, said the exercise was a success and provided invaluable training for all involved.

“Putting out our towed array is a bonus to my operators. Detecting and tracking submarines using passive sonar is an art form that requires a lot of training and practice,” Mikovits said. “We can simulate some of that with our on board training systems, but nothing beats the real thing.”

The CASEX also provided visual training for watch standers, enabling them to identify submarines at periscope depth by sight alone.

Monterey’s Weapons Officer, Lt. Russel Sanchez, said the crew shines during unique training evolutions like the CASEX.

“My people love it," he said. "It’s not a very common training opportunity and when they get it, they’re really in their element.”

USW is critical to support the “Sea Shield” element of the Chief of Naval Operations' “Sea Power 21” operational conccept. This concept calls for the ability to form a maritime shield to defend strategic areas against submarine and mine threats and ensure a safe, protected sea passage for U.S. and coalition forces to and from the fight.

The GW Carrier Strike Group, which includes Monterey, GW, USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Underwood (FFG 36), is operating in the Caribbean Sea as part of “Partnership of the Americas.”

Monterey expects to return to her homeport in Norfolk, Va., later this spring.