Kearsarge ARG Wraps up COMPTUEX

By Mass Communication 1st Class Phil Beaufort, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) successfully completed its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) July 27

The three-week exercise is designed to test the interoperability and command and control capabilities of the Kearsarge ARG.

The in-depth, scenario-driven exercise focused on simultaneous mission sets and enhanced realism to stress the capabilities of the amphibious assault ship Kearsarge ARG, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4.

"The planners at Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic really put together an intensive training package," said USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Commanding Officer Capt. Baxter Goodly. "They designed scenarios that required Sailors, Marines and PHIBRON staff to work together in order to overcome each of the obstacles they placed before us to meet numerous objectives."

The obstacles included small boat attacks, mines, enemy aircraft and natural disasters.

According to Operations Specialist 2nd Class Thomas Weber, the operational tempo in Kearsarge's Combat Control Center was dynamic.

"Once you started working the scenarios, it could get pretty intense. At times you'd get so wrapped up that you'd forget that none of it was real, and it was just an exercise," said Weber. "But I think this was exactly the type of training we needed prior to deployment, especially for our younger Sailors who haven't gone on deployment yet."

According to Kearsarge Command Master Chief Ken Schmidt, integrating the Sailors, Marines and staff members into a cohesive fighting unit prior to deployment is one of the keys to a successful cruise.

"In addition to all the training everyone is getting, this underway really gives the Sailors and Marines an opportunity to get to know each other and learn to work together," said Schmidt. "Knowing who to go to in order to get things done is half the battle on any deployment."

Rear Adm. Dennis E. FitzPatrick, commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic, who embarked Kearsarge to monitor the progress of the exercise, said the Kearsarge ARG exceeded his expectations.

"I think Kearsarge, 26 MEU and the PHIBRON staff did an outstanding job responding to each of the scenarios we provided them," said Fitzpatrick. "We incorporated a large number of independent deployers role playing throughout the exercise."

Fitzpatrick said another addition to this COMPTUEX was the involvement of the Royal Navy.

"This COMPTUEX is unusual in that we had the participation of the British Navy," said Fitzpatrick. "Their participation will pay off on deployment when the ARG begins working with our coalitions partners."

Fitzpatrick said the importance of exercises like COMPTUEX can't be overstated.

"The Sailors and Marines who deploy overseas are representing the Navy and United States. We have to get this right, and everything I've seen out here tells me we will," said Fitzpatrick.