USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has departed Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton to take part in a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX).
Designed to integrate units of a carrier strike group (CSG), COMPTUEX is an intensive exercise. In the training exercise, tests will be conducted on CSG’s ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea.
Within every core warfare area of the mission, associated ships, squadrons and staff will be tested.
The test exercises will be conducted through simulated and live events, including air warfare, strait transits, and responses to surface and subsurface contacts and electronic attacks.
Prior to the deployment, Nimitz concluded a 27-day quarantine period and the whole crew was tested for Covid-19.
USS Nimitz commanding officer captain Max Clark said: “From the beginning, they have done all that I and the navy leadership have asked them to do, face coverings, social distancing, continuous ship sanitisation, testing and periods of quarantine, all executed with precision and professionalism.
“Without their hard work and personal sacrifices, getting this warship out to sea would not have been possible. And I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge our navy families that serve as our bedrock of support.”
Nimitz CSG ships and units scheduled to conduct COMPTUEX include missile cruisers USS Princeton (CG-59) in San Diego, missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) in Hawaii, USS Sterett (DDG-104) in San Diego, and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) in Everett.
Other units conducting the exercise are Destroyer Squadron 9 based in Bremerton and Carrier Air Wing 17 and its associated squadrons and personnel from Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, NAS Lemoore, NAS North Island and Naval Base Ventura County.
All participating units will complete Covid-19 testing prior to deployment for the exercise.
