Gilman, commanding officer of Nimitz Air Combat Commander Capt. Charles Martoglio, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 23 Information Warfare Commander Capt. Ralph Janikowsky, commanding officer of USS Princeton (CG 59) Sea Combat Commander Capt. They consist of Air Defense Commander Capt. Locklear III, and other warfare commanders lead the different aspects of the battle group. This was an important development as continued problems with the ICAN system could have prevented the Nimitz from deploying in support of a war on Iraq. The team noted that ship systems performed extremely well and observed no maintenance or reliability problems. According to the COMOPTEVFOR team, the crew was enthusiastic about the systems and felt they received the proper training in operation and maintenance procedures. The COMOPTEVFOR team observed Nimitz's, crew operating and maintaining the ICAN components, and spoke with several crewmembers about the daily operation and performance of the system components. Members of the Navy's Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR), in coordination with the Program Executive Office for Aircraft Carriers, conducted an observation of capability of the machinery control systems, integrated voice systems, and navigation systems, all using the common ICAN core network. Upon successful completion of the exercise, C3F certified the Nimitz battle group ready for deployment and capable of conducting the full spectrum of naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction operations, leadership interdiction operations, non-combatant evacuation operations, various air strike and support missions, theater ballistic missile defense, logistics support, search and rescue, and command and control.Īn important element of the Nimitz COMPTUEX involved testing of the Integrated Communications and Advanced Networks (ICAN). This exercise was the culmination of nine months of training and preparation. The first two weeks focused on a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), and the last week concentrated on a Joint Task Force Training Exercise (JTFEX). By taking advantage of several efficiencies in the training pipeline, Commander, 3rd Fleet (C3F) was able to combine two normally separate training evolutions into one three-week exercise, expediting the battle group's availability for deployment. 10 to begin a compressed three-week training exercise. The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Battle Group got underway from San Diego Jan. It was believed that this was an additional week long cruise for engineering trials and other training. The report cited delays in completion of its RCOH in 2001, and various technical difficulties associated with its ICAN system. An article in the Daily Press on Novemreported that the Nimitz was experiencing significant technical problems and that its deployment would be unlikely to occur prior to Spring 2003. The Nimitz continued to depart San Diego for very short underway periods in late 2002 and it is possible that Nimitz was experiencing technical or engineering difficulties following her RCOH. However, as of mid-November the Nimitz had yet to take part in any additional major training exercises that would indicate that a deployment was forthcoming though there are indications that her crew has been alerted to the possibility of a January deployment if the need arises. Reports, both from the media and from the Navy through Fall 2002, indicated that the Nimitz was due to depart for WESTPAC in early FY'03 or by the end of 2002. In mid-October the Nimitz had left port for engineering work-ups. The Nimitz returned to San Diego in mid-September. This test of the CEC system was the first for the West Coast. In September 2002 Nimitz began TSTA II/III and also conducted exercises testing out its CEC system. TSTA One marked the first phase in a 16-week evaluation period of Nimitz crewmembers, as they were evaluated on their damage control knowledge and their ability to apply that knowledge to real life scenarios aboard the ship. The Nimitz began her training in preperation for her WESTPAC deployment in August 2002 when she began TSTA I on Aug 13. Nimitz ended her pier-side availability in May 2002 and conducted sea trials, the first step in preparation for her overseas deployment. Nimitz began a four-month Post-Shakedown Availability at Naval Air Station, North Island in January 2002. The Nimitz completed her refuelling in June 2001 and departed Norfolk on 21 September 2001 enroute for her new homeport in San Diego via Cape Horn. This deployment was the 10th overseas assignment for the 28-year-old carrier. Nimitz Strike Group WESTPAC 03 Deployment
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