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Kitty Hawk Underway in Support of Summer Pulse '04

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- This summer, USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) will continue to make history as she participates in the Navy’s Summer Pulse ’04 Exercise.

Making this event historic is the fact that seven aircraft carrier strike groups (CSG) are simultaneously deploying in five operational theaters across the globe. This deployment demonstrates the Navy’s ability to provide credible combat power worldwide with other U.S. allied and coalition military forces.

“Summer Pulse ’04 and the Fleet Response Plan (FRP) are not about how often and how long we can deploy,” said Rear Adm. James D. Kelly, Kitty Hawk CSG commander. “They are about being able to answer the nation’s call in force – six CSGs in 30 days and two more within three months – by providing credible combat power where and when it’s needed. Summer Pulse '04 is the proof of our readiness.”

Summer Pulse ’04 is the Navy’s first exercise using the Fleet Response Plan. The FRP is the Navy’s response to the requirements of a 21st century global security environment. FRP includes the organization, manning, training and equipping of our Navy.

Under FRP, deploying as quickly as this would only happen during a national crisis. But being America’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, Kitty Hawk is continually ready to deploy.

“Kitty Hawk’s crew will be doing what we do best – training, launching aircraft and at the same time meeting the mission of the Navy,” said Kitty Hawk Command Master Chief (AW) Cliff Yager.

Continuing through the summer, Summer Pulse ’04 will include scheduled deployments, surge operations, joint and international exercises, and other advance training and port visits.

In response to a national crisis or emergency, FRP maintains the fleet’s increased force readiness and the ability to provide significant combat power at the president's direction.

Kitty Hawk has been actively working as a part of Summer Pulse throughout the current in-port period while conducting repairs and rehabilitation. The ship will soon be underway and, along with six other CSGs, will implement the FRP.

“The crew can look forward to a challenging and exciting mission," said Yager. "They have the knowledge that we are operating with other carriers on a global scale. It heightens attention to world events, keeps training levels up to where they need to be and helps to maintain a continual state of readiness."

“They also have the goal to support and visualize the U.S. Navy’s mission of rapid response,” he added.

Of the six other aircraft carriers participating in Summer Pulse ’04, three are Norfolk-based: USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS Enterprise (CVN 65). USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) is operating out of San Diego. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) is participating while enroute to its new hompeport also in San Diego. USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) out of Mayport, Fla., completes the list.