Enterprise Departs for Training Assessments

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Guerra, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 began their tailored ship's training assessment (TSTA)/final evaluation period (FEP) Aug. 3.

The operations are being conducted in conjunction with carrier qualifications for CVW-1 and mark the beginning of the official work-up phase for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12.

TSTA is a training regiment designed to prepare a ship for prompt and sustained combat operations at sea while also developing and enhancing the ability to self-train and evaluate.

"We begin our work-up cycle today," said Capt. Ryan Scholl, Big E's executive officer. "This is the 'preparing for battle' part of all that we have been working on to date."

While the TSTA/FEP exercise is conducted during a single underway period, there are actually three distinct phases. The first phase focuses on navigation, seamanship, engineering and damage control.

The second phase assesses the capabilities of the flight deck crew and increases scrutiny on combat systems, engineering and the ship's damage control efforts.

The final phase of TSTA requires increased integration of the air wing through complex exercises. Once TSTA is complete, Enterprise will move directly into the FEP portion of the underway period.

FEP is a two-day event which serves as the final exam. It is designed to evaluate CSG-12's ability to fight as a cohesive unit.

Upon completing the work-up cycle, the strike group will be "surge" capable, ready to deploy in support of national tasking.

Afloat Training Group Atlantic is also aboard during the underway period, providing training and evaluating various systems and processes throughout each event.

Enterprise is at sea conducting work-ups leading to its 21st deployment.