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Vol. 23, No. 40 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 10.08-10.14.15
Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group successfully completes COMPTUEX By MCSN L. A. Preston USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs
ATLANTIC OCEAN
The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) completed Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) on Sept. 30, in preparation for a future deployment. Commander, Carrier Strike Group 4
graded the exercise evaluating how well the strike group performed in warfare scenarios such as simulated surface, air, undersea, strike and electronic attacks. They also assessed simulated search and seizure scenarios, live-fire evolutions and strike group formations. Cmdr. Alysa Ambrose, commanding officer of USS Gravely (DDG 107), said one of the best aspects of the training
was the anti-terrorism and force protection exercises which allowed watchstanders to work together to assess and neutralize incoming threats. “It has built a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork both on the ship and between ships,” said Ambrose. The completion of COMPTUEX demonstrates the strike group’s deployment readiness and the ability to fight
Comfort returns from Continuing Promise Continuing Promise 2015 Public Affairs NORFOLK
The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, Sept. 30, officially completing Continuing Promise 2015 (CP-15), the six-month humanitarian and civil assistance mission to Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
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and defend itself. “My crew is exhausted – in a good way,” said Cmdr. Joel Lang, commanding officer of USS Ramage (DDG 61). “We have run as hard as we could over the last month, engaging in every warfare area refining our internal processes while integrating with the other units
» see TRUMAN | A7
Sailor helps train fellow CSs for competition By Jim Kohler
Top photo: Damage Controlman 3rd Class R. Berens, left, and Damage Controlman Fireman D. Barber fight a simulated fire during a drill aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Photo by MC3 A. A. Cruz.
IKE RECEIVES FACE LIFT FOR F35C
NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Office of Corporate Communications
MCSN Casey J. Hopkins The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk following a six-month deployment.
The mission provided medical, engineering and veterinary services to 11 countries, sending a strong message of commitment to Central America, South America and the Caribbean. The CP-15 team planned, coordinated and facilitated the requests and needs of each mission stop, working with the 11 host nations, their
By MC2 Hillary Browning USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs
NORFOLK
ministries and their governments to effectively partner with each country. “Continuing Promise 2015 offered an opportunity to strengthen bonds and friendships on a level that is unique and special to this mission,” said Capt. Sam Hancock, CP-15 mission commander.
A Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Norfolk Navy Food Management Team (NFMT) instructor traveled to Naples, Italy to train Sailors there to use a variety of advanced culinary skills, Sept. 12-20. Culinary Specialist 1st Class Naomi Alba, joined Chief Culinary Specialist Michael Edwards of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and Senior Chief Culinary Specialist
» see COMFORT | A7
» see CULINARY | A7
ATLANTIC OCEAN
With a next generation aircraft, the F-35C, going through its developmental test phase, aircraft carriers are making modifications to keep up with the latest technology. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), who is currently hosting the Navy’s newest warplane, began these upgrades months ago while still in the shipyard.
» see IKE | A7
FLOODING FROM HURRICANE JOAQUIN AFFECTS EAST COAST
ENERGY ACTION MONTH 2015 Worldwide throughout the month of October, naval commands are using Energy Action Month 2015 as an opportunity to strengthen their workforce’s commitment to responsible energy use as an enabler of the mission.
» see A6
» see B6
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