Essex ARG’s Marines Complete COMPTUEX

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U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked aboard the Essex Amphibious Ready Group’s three ships March 16-April 1, for Composite Training Unit Exercise, or COMPTUEX, off the coast of San Diego.

These at-sea periods prior to deployment integrate the MEU and the ARG as a single unit and develop a stronger bond while executing full-mission profiles aboard the USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and the USS Rushmore (LSD 47).

COMPTUEX specifically, is the Navy’s chance to get all the qualifications needed in order to deploy. U.S. Navy Airman Michael Miniear explained some of the training they had to do.

The Essex ARG completed a replenishment at sea, refueling, and practiced maneuvering through straights. They are evaluated at a smaller level, each section having to meet certain qualifications.

During COMPTUEX, the MEU and the ARG completed almost a mission every day.

CERTEX is the MEU’s last at-sea period prior to deployment. This will be the Marines’ turn to get evaluated and qualified to deploy. They will continue to integrate and grow as a team while at sea, but they will be well equipped for anything that comes their way after the many repetitions during their work-up periods.

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Image: US Navy