[MilCom] Carrier Strike Group 8 Begins COMPTUEX

[Tom Ziko]

Carrier Strike Group 8 Begins COMPTUEX

By Journalist Seaman Manhea Kim, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

ABOARD USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (NNS) -- The officers and crew of USS Dwight 
D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and Commander, 
Carrier Strike Group 8 (CCSG 8) departed Naval Station Norfolk April 12 and 
began their Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), a major requirement 
for the Eisenhower Strike Group's certification as ready for deployment.

COMPTUEX is 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. Evaluators from Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic 
will ensure the strike group's units are exercised in all warfare areas.

Completing COMPTUEX will qualify the strike group to go on regular, 
non-emergency deployments.

"It's very important to bring all of the carrier strike group components 
together to work and train as we build on our combat readiness and prepare 
for deployment. COMPTUEX is an excellent opportunity for us to hone our 
warfighting skills and train as one team," said Rear Adm. Allen Myers, 
commander, Carrier Strike Group 8.

One aspect will be an increase in flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class 
aircraft carrier due to simulated combat conditions.

"At times, we'll be flying 100 to 130 missions daily, launching, recovering 
and tanking," said Ike Air Operations Officer Cmdr. Brian Allen. "COMPTUEX 
will prove that we can defend the ship and demonstrate our teamwork with the 
other ships in the strike group."

A critical step in pre-deployment training, COMPTUEX will build upon the 
strike group's combat readiness by simulating the type of scenarios the 
strike group may face while deployed. The outcome will certify Ike and her 
air wing 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.

CCSG 8 is comprised of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Anzio (CG 68), USS 
Ramage (DDG 61), USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Newport News (SSN 750) and USNS 
Arctic (T-AOE 8).

CVW-7 includes Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 
"Tigertails," Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 "Pukin' Dogs," VFA-131 
"Wildcats," VFA-103 "Jolly Rogers," Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 
"Patriots," VFA-83 "Rampagers" and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 5 
"Nightdippers."