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Amphibious Squadron 8 Gets Underway for COMPTUEX Aboard USS New York

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS111130-24
11/30/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jamica Johnson, Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs

USS NEW YORK, At Sea (NNS) -- Ships led by the Commander of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8, USS Iwo Jima, (LHD 7), USS New York (LPD 21) USS Gunston Hall (LSD 41), in conjunction with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, got underway for their composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), Nov. 29.

COMPTUEX is a major requirement for the Amphibious Ready Group pre-deployment certification that evaluates an ARG's ability to deploy and conduct major combat operations. It is designed to train the ship, embarked air wing and other units that make up the ARG to function as one highly effective fighting force. Evaluators from Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic will ensure the strike group's units are exercised in all warfare areas.

"This COMPTUEX is basically a dress rehearsal for deployment, where everyone in the amphibious ready group gets underway with a coordinated schedule of events with the Marines," said Command Master Chief Raphael Perez, a native of New York. "During the exercise we simulate various missions at a rapid level so we can be ready for anything we might encounter on our upcoming 2012 deployment."

New York is now in their advanced level of operational training. During the exercise, the crew will showcase their ability to handle multiple surface and air contacts, visit, board, search and seizure operations, as well as simultaneous well deck and flight deck operations.

"I have high expectations for my crew during this exercise. We have undergone months of training, starting at the most basic levels of safety and gradually intergrating more difficult techniques and missions. Throughout the training process we repeatedly executed scenarios, polishing the cannon ball if you will, so we are ready when the country calls on us," said Perez.

COMPTUEX got underway with the successful execution of the sea and anchor detail in conjunction with wet well operations.

"Today was a tough day to get underway, with the rain and bad weather," said Perez. "However, the crew handled both sea and anchor and bringing our LCACs (landing craft air cushion) on successfully and safely. I think it set a very good tone for the underway, and as long as we continue to operate at this level of professionalism, it will be a very smooth and safe underway."

With the holidays around the corner being underway can prove challenging, but Perez is confident in his crew's ability to stay focused on the task at hand.

"I'm proud of the crew up to this point," said Perez. "I know they are looking forward to completing the exercise and getting on to the holidays with their families, but they understand the importance of obtaining our qualifications and being deployment ready."