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Kearsarge Underway for COMPTUEX

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS130129-07
1/29/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Hunter S. Harwell, Navy Public Affairs Support Element

USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors from amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the East Coast of the United States, Jan. 28.

Kearsarge, with amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), comprise the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSG ARG), led by Amphibious Squadron 4.

"A successful MEU and ARG relationship during COMPTUEX is essential to an effective deployment," said Capt. Brad Skillman, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 4. "Our partnership allows us to go into any environment and be an effective team when called upon."

COMPTUEX is a necessary training evolution, required before an ARG is approved to deploy. The ships of the ARG will train as individual units and at an integrated level concentrating on ship-specific capabilities and systems. Kearsarge Sailors will be expected to develop their knowledge and skills during the training exercise.

"'Team Kearsarge' Sailors are the best in the Fleet at what they do," said Kearsarge Commanding Officer, Capt. Rick Nielsen. "And they're only going to continue to get better and become a more effective combat team over the course of the next three weeks. I couldn't be more impressed by their efforts so far and so quickly after leaving dry dock on Dec. 20."

Throughout the three-week exercise, KSG ARG Sailors will be trained on command, control and communications in an ARG setting, developing unit cohesion.

"Our Sailors will be tested in multiple ways in all of our capabilities, from amphibious warfare and air warfare all the way to special missions," said Cmdr. Eric W. Covington, operations officer aboard Kearsarge. "It will be an intense experience with very little time to rest and catch our breath."

Following amphibious squadron / marine expeditionary unit integration (PMINT), the KSG ARG began a schedule of events tailored to their ship-specific purposes as part of the ARG. A final three-day exercise will bring the ships together during a Final Battle Problem (FBP).

"I know the Sailors and Marines are prepared and I see that they are excited," said Covington. "I believe that they are ready to tackle the challenges that we face ahead."

The KSG ARG is scheduled for deployment this spring to the 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.