The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) successfully completed a two-week Certification Exercise (CERTEX) April 21 off the coast of Southern California.
CERTEX is the final integrated-training event for the Essex ARG and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
Capt. Clint Carroll, commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 3, said:
We continue to train for every possible scenario, refining our procedure with each training mission. Coordinating, planning and executing the mission in an amphibious environment requires skill, attention to detail and the ability to adjust in a constantly evolving environment.
CERTEX is a comprehensive, complex training evolution that combines the Navy and Marine Corps maritime and ship-to-shore capabilities. Although routinely conducted to maintain readiness, this CERTEX introduced a unique training event. The ARG conducted an inaugural joint recovery force exercise with Army Special Forces (SOF), U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy personnel.
With an ever-increasing focus on joint operations, the scenario allowed the different services training in the event of a joint maritime operation.
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Image: US Navy