Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group begins COMPTUEX

USS KEARSARGE, ATLANTIC OCEAN

07.16.2015

Courtesy Story

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aren Everett, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Public Affairs

USS KEARSARGE, Atlantic Ocean – Sailors from the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG) and Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed Norfolk, to participate in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the East Coast of the United States, July 16.

The KSGARG consists of the Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, 26th MEU, the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and the dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51).

“COMPTUEX is our final certification exercise before our fleet commander determines that we are cleared for major combat operations,” said Capt. Larry Getz, Kearsarge executive officer. “It’s important that we go to sea and exercise our capability with the Marines so that we can execute the duties when we deploy to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) later this year.”

The ships of the ARG will train as individual units and at an integrated level, concentrating on ship-specific capabilities and systems.

“We’ve prepared well,” said Ensign Valeta Wilson-James, Deck Department 2nd Division officer. “I think one of the great things about this ship is everyone has the opportunity to learn everything that we will be doing.”

COMPTUEX supports the Navy's mission of training to improve war fighting capabilities and preparing to operate forward when the nation calls.

Wilson-James said she believes COMPTUEX will be a successful exercise based on what she saw during PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) and ARGMEU Exercise earlier this year.

“I think we’re going to do very well,” said Wilson-James. “The captain, the XO, everyone, they’re very comfortable. The crew is very competent.”

The KSGARG deploys later this fall to provide an overseas forward presence and maintain maritime security to the 5th and 6th Fleet AORs.

• Date Taken: 07.16.2015
• Date Posted: 07.16.2015 17:39
• Story ID: 170255
• Location: USS KEARSARGE, ATLANTIC OCEAN