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ESG 7 Completes Fleet Synthetic Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070430-18
Release Date: 4/30/2007 5:01:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Adam R. Cole, Task Force 76 Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Operating in a real-time environment without real movements, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7 completed a pierside Fleet Synthetic Training (FST) exercise April 17 - 19 that further developed the expeditionary strike group concept for forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF).

For the exercise, the flag staff of Expeditionary Strike Group 7 embarked USS Essex (LHD 2) and worked closely with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, the permanently embarked command staff for the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESXARG), to complete a set scenario.

Under today’s ESG concept, the ESG primarily functions under two O-6 Navy-Marine Corps commanders who share responsibility of the ESG’s mission execution. But when contingencies arise, whether for joint operations or humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, it may call for a flag-led ESG. This is why members of ESG 7, including the chief of staff for ESG 7’s commander embarked for the training.

While no assets were actually making maneuvers at sea, operations personnel from ships based in Sasebo and Yokosuka participated. Ships involved in the exercise included amphibious ships Essex, USS Juneau (LPD 10) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and destroyers USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Shiloh (CG 67) from Destroyer Squadron 15.

“This exercise played an important function in establishing integration between the flag staff and PHIBRON staff while allowing the two staffs, in a simulated environment, to operate as a comprehensive ESG,” said Capt. Samuel C. Howard, chief of staff, ESG 7.

The Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force, Amphibious Group 1, transitioned to ESG 7 on Oct. 1, marking a Navywide transition from traditional three-ship amphibious ready groups (ARGs) to a comprehensive warfare commander-centric strike group.

Even with the change, Sasebo-based ships still operate mostly as an ARG but pick up a destroyer escort for major operations such as training exercises in the region.

Though ESG mission execution in the U.S. 7th Fleet theater may be rare, the commander of 7th Fleet has now mandated specific training and certification criteria for ESG readiness, according to Howard.

Howard said that while ships in FDNF still may not form up like traditional ESGs when they deploy from the continental United States (CONUS), they will retain interoperability so they can “plug and play” as the mission calls for it.

“The new attention for ESG readiness puts a stronger emphasis for our staffs and the warfare commander [of cruiser/destroyer assets] to understand each other and be ready to work together,” said Howard. “This exercise was a major benefit for both amphibious and cruiser/destroyer watch teams to comprehend and work within the dynamics of a fully functioning ESG.”

While some kinks needed to be worked out, admitted training participants, the exercise overall was deemed a success.

“This was a good opportunity to learn how to [operationally] talk to each other, both from a human standpoint and ensuring connectivity of our systems,” said Chief Operations Specialist (SW) Eric A. Malker of the PHIBRION staff. “By working together, we can get the full tactical picture to make decisions and utilize the various air and fire power assets involved.”

Lt. Cmdr. Ted R. Johnson, ESG 7 information warfare officer, watched this FST unfold and the skill sets of the watch standers improve.

“Just in observing the methods of reporting and communicating, you could see that people were learning,” said Johnson. “Like any training, it makes a difference to practice and perfect your abilities.”

Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. ESG 7/Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa with an operating detachment in Sasebo.