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USS Lake Champlain Participates in Sentry Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100203-26
Release Date: 2/3/2010 9:38:00 PM

By Lt. j.g. Desiree Timmons, Surface Forces Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) participated in a Sentry exercise during an at-sea period Jan. 26-28.

The exercise was developed to increase tactical proficiency of Air Intercept Controller (AIC) watchstanders and provide real world defensive counter air coordination and integration with a variety of fighter aircraft. The exercise is an essential element of training for fighter aircraft and aegis ships that allows them to train for maximum protection and power projection in an air combat environment.

"Our ability to take advantage of training opportunities like the Sentry exercise while in the Southern California operation area ensures our continued success in preparations for deployed operations," said Capt. Kevin P. Campbell, commanding officer, Lake Champlain.

This year's exercise consisted of 10 commands from the Air Force, Air National Guard, Marine Corps, and the Navy. The multi-service event provides increased opportunities for improvement with joint operations in a high threat environment.

Lake Champlain's AICs, Operations Specialist 1st Class Bradlee Hughes and Operations Specialsit 1st Class William Hoback, and Operations Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Patnode, were key players in the success of Lake Champlain's participation in the exercise. They were responsible for the control and supervision of aircraft, operation of radar, communications and associated equipment, and the correct positioning of aircraft in specified areas. Together, they completed more than 17 intercepts; vectoring aircraft to their assigned station, one of the major roles of the AIC.

"I'm overwhelmed with excitement to have an opportunity to take part in an exercise that truly demonstrates our ability to integrate with our joint forces and effectively bring the fight to the enemy," said Patnode.

Having recently finished his course studies at Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, Patnode is one of the newest AICs aboard Lake Champlain. "Control didn't differ much [from the schoolhouse]. It was everything we were trained to do, only this was the real deal. The stress level is vamped up and there isn't room for error. Those fighters rely on us to be their third wing man."

Lake Champlain's Air Defense Officer Chief Warrant Officer Jerome Davis conducted the planning and coordination for Lake Champlain during the exercise. Responsible for link coordination with the 3rd Fleet Joint Information Control Office, communication coordination with participating E2 aircraft, and the equipment set-up and briefings for the Combat Information Center, Davis had a vested interest in the success of the exercise. "This exercise is one of the central enablers of continued proficiency as Air Defense Commander, it provides all around great training opportunities for each combat watchstander."

Lake Champlain is a part of the Carl Vinson Strike Group and is conducting unit level training in preparation for a regularly scheduled deployment.