The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) began Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Jan. 28.
COMPTUEX is a series of training scenarios designed to certify the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) as a deployment-ready fighting force capable of completing operations in overseas theaters.
San Antonio will be joined by the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) during this exercise.
“COMPTUEX is the last major ARG exercise that the San Antonio will participate in before our deployment this spring,” said Cmdr. Greg Baker, executive officer of San Antonio. “It’s extremely important for us to take this last opportunity to integrate and demonstrate that we can complete any mission necessary while underway.”
The exercise will include a broad range of training from information operations to surface and shore capabilities.
“This evolution will challenge us in responding to many unforeseen events at a moment’s notice,” said Lt. j.g. Mauricio Blondet, assistant operations officer for San Antonio. “With this being the first time that the San Antonio, Carter Hall and Kearsarge will work together in a tactical environment, we’re looking forward to coming together and working for a common goal.”
The ARG’s core competency is the ability to operate as an integrated unit and, COMPTUEX plays a vital role creating team cohesiveness.
The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group is currently conducting Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration in preparation for a scheduled deployment this spring.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 30, 2013