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USS Gettysburg Completes JTFEX

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110224-06
2/24/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Betsy Lynn Knapper, USS Gettysburg Public Affairs

AT SEA (NNS) -- USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, completed a successful Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) as part of the George H.W. Bush (GHWB) Carrier Strike Group, Feb. 20.

JTFEX is the culmination of training and final preparation for deployment. The exercise requires the U.S. Naval and allied forces to integrate and accomplish missions in a multi-threat, multi-dimensional environment.

"JTFEX provided us a chance to work with the other units in the George H.W. Bush Strike Group and improve our ability to conduct multi-ship operations at sea," said Cmdr. John Gray, USS Gettysburg executive officer. "This exercise also afforded us an opportunity to work with our allies, the French and Spanish, which will play huge dividends as we look towards deployment in May."

During JTFEX, Gettysburg participated in day and nighttime gunnery exercises, plane guard air defense exercises, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), underway replenishments (UNREP), vertical replenishments (VERTREP), a Tomahawk land-attack missile exercise (TLAMEX) and flight operations.

"JTFEX allows Gettysburg to operate in various conditions, covering every major warfare area," said Gray.

Gettysburg's primary mission during JTFEX was to serve as the George H.W. Bush Strike Group's air defense commander. They worked with the attached air wing, George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and other surface ships in the strike group to provide integrated air defense.

"Any chance to train at sea is very valuable, and an opportunity to work with multiple ships over an extended period makes it even more valuable," said Gray. "This gives us a chance to work the crew and the ship through their paces and ensure Gettysburg is ready, in every respect, to deploy."

Following the completion of JTFEX Gettysburg pulled into its homeport of Mayport, Fla.