San Antonio gets underway for COMPTUEX

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Lacordrick Wilson | A Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 2 assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, approaches the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). San Antonio is participating in Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the Coast of the United States in preparation for a scheduled deployment this spring. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lacordrick Wilson/Released)  

ATLANTIC OCEAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

01.30.2013

Courtesy Story

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lacordrick Wilson
USS Kearsarge

ATLANTIC OCEAN – Amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio began Composite Training Unit Exercise after departing Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 22.

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 amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and 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 USS 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 moments notice,” said Lt. j.g. Mauricio Blondet, assistant operations officer for USS 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.”

As an ARG, the core capability is operating as a joint 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.

• Date Taken: 01.30.2013
• Date Posted: 01.30.2013 15:59
• Story ID: 101249
• Location: ATLANTIC OCEAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA