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ESG 5 Completes COMPTUEX

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060728-19
Release Date: 7/28/2006 1:13:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Heather L. Hyatt, USS Boxer Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines with Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 successfully completed their Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) July 28 off the coast of Southern California.

COMPTUEX is the second of three at-sea training evolutions designed to prepare the strike group for its scheduled six-month Western Pacific deployment later this year.

“ESG 5 is a little unusual in its make up. We have eight ships, including a Coast Guard and Canadian ship. We also have the strike power of two destroyers and a cruiser,” said Rear Adm. Mark Balmert, commander of ESG 5. “We’re a formidable strike force. COMPTUEX is our first integrated exercise and a chance to see all of these components in action.”

ESG 5 uses COMPTUEX to evaluate the progress of its training, its ability to plan, and the execution of plans.

“The exercise is set up to expose mistakes so we can overcome them,” said Capt. Bruce Nichols, USS Boxer (LHD 4) commanding officer. “It’s a bit of trial and error.”

COMPTUEX has been the largest integration of forces thus far in ESG 5’s preparation for deployment.

“At one level, you want to get your crews trained and proficient in the skill sets required,” said Capt. David Angood, commander of Amphibious Squadron 5. “Likewise, we want a stress test to see how much the organization can handle at a high operational tempo.”

A key to ESG 5’s success is keeping everyone flexible. The strike group integrated Sailors and Marines into a team by training them at sea and on the ground.

“Until now, we were all like little pieces of a puzzle,” said Marine Sgt. Maj. Keith Stephens, 15th MEU command sergeant major. “When you bring together all the pieces of the 15th MEU and our Navy counterparts, you get the full view.”

Among the training exercises successfully completed during COMPTUEX were a non-combatant evacuation operation incorporated with a mass casualty drill, as well as visit, board, search and seizure, and special operations support scenarios.

“We have to make sure we continue to understand the importance of teamwork,” added Balmert. “Collectively, we are stronger than as individuals. COMPTUEX is helping us reach that goal.”

ESG 5 is comprised of a flag staff led by Balmert, Amphibious Squadron 5, the 15th MEU, Boxer, USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS Howard (DDG 83), USCG Midgett (WHEC 726), and HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341).

ESG 5 is scheduled next to participate in their Joint Task Force Exercise, their final qualification before deploying later this year.

For related news, visit the USS Boxer (LHD 4) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd4/.