Shoup, Momsen Train for Strike Group Operations

By Lt. Jacquelyn R. Bengfort, USS Shoup (DDG 86) Public Affairs

USS SHOUP, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Shoup (DDG 86) and USS Momsen (DDG 92) departed Naval Station Everett, Wash., July 15 to participate in a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group.

The intermediate level battle group exercise is designed to forge together the battle group and its components into a fully functional fighting team.

The exercise is a critical part of the strike group's pre-deployment training designed to train the ship, embarked air wing and other units that make up the carrier strike group to function as one highly effective fighting force.

"It's invigorating to be steaming south, since these exercises are the culmination of everything we've been working toward," said Lt. j.g. Janel Hansen, Shoup's newest officer of the deck. "This is really the last step before we deploy and see these scenarios in the real world."

During the exercise, the strike group will simulate the type of scenarios that could be faced while deployed. The outcome will certify the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group for open-ocean operations and moves the strike group forward within the fleet response plan, allowing the Navy to deploy a flexible naval force capable of surging quickly.

Shoup and Momsen wasted no time once at sea, using July 15 afternoon to practice counter-piracy operations and small boat attack responses. Additionally, Shoup received training in electronic charting procedures from Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific and began a multi-day mock engineering inspection with the help of Regional Support Organization Pacific Northwest.

"This is the opportunity to show our strike group commander that Shoup is ready to deploy, and we're all in," said Lt. Paul Willis, Shoup's combat systems officer. "Above, on and below the sea, Shoup is prepared to do the nation's work, and our Sailors are up for the challenge."

Shoup is homeported in Everett, Wash. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is also comprised of Carrier Air Wing 2, Destroyer Squadron 9 and the USS Cape St. George (CG 71).