USS George Washington Battle Group Begins Use of Vieques Inner Range

Navy Newsstand ^ | 4/3/2002 | U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

VIEQUES, Puerto Rico (NNS) -- Ships and aircraft of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Battle Group commenced use of the Vieques Island inner range in conjunction with their Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX). The exercise, which began April 1, will also utilize the Northern and Southern Puerto Rican Operating Areas and will involve complex battle group training events, naval surface fire support training and air-to-ground bombing.

COMPTUEX is an intermediate level battle group exercise designed to forge the Battle Group into a cohesive, fighting team.

Conducted by the commander of Carrier Group 4, Rear Adm. Lindell Rutherford, it is a critical step in the pre-deployment training cycle and a prerequisite for the battle group's Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX), scheduled for later this month. Successful completion of COMPTUEX also certifies the carrier and its embarked air wing as qualified for open-ocean operations.

In accordance with presidential directives, all training on Vieques will utilize inert (non-explosive) ordnance.

The George Washington Battle Group is commanded by Rear Adm. Joseph A. Sestak Jr. Units participating in COMPTUEX include USS George Washington (CVN 73) with Carrier Air Wing 17 and Destroyer Squadron 26 embarked; guided-missile cruisers USS Normandy (CG 60) and USS Monterey (CG 61); guided-missile destroyers USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Mahan (DDG 72); destroyer USS Arthur W. Radford (DD 968), guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59), attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) and oiler USNS Supply (T-AOE 6).

For information on U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, go to: http://www02.clf.navy.mil/usnavso.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Latest word is that the protester turnout has been very low and much more tame. Guess the Puerto Ricans are catching the vibe that we are serious. But for anybody who wants to try the Al Sharpton prison diet, I suggest taking a trip down. Scream and chuck a couple of rocks at the security guards and you're in!!

[HiJinx]

Bump-Ping!

Hey, Canteeners, here's another group of America's finest getting spun up to go and prove their mettle!

If any of you with the USS George Washington Battle Group are lurking -- We wish you smooth sailing and the best of luck with what lies ahead!

[Snow Bunny]

Thanks HJ for the ping to this.

Excuse M B.thanks for the thread about the USS George Washington.

[4TheFlag]

Thanks HJ...seems the protests are down..hmmm, maybe 9/11 had something to do with that.

May God watch over this Battle Group in the hard days ahead.

[SK1 Thurman]

Good afternoon. Thanks for the ping. What an article !!! I sit here in much amazement on the end about US Southern Forces web page. Ya know, that's my boss??? My command works directly under COMUSNAVSO, Admiral Green. Just wanted to share that info. SK1 T