Ships from the U.S. Navy’s Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group (TRCSG) completed tailored ship’s training availability (TSTA), final evolution problem (FEP) and group sail (GRUSL), May 12, in preparation for their upcoming deployment.
TRCSG units include USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Sampson (DDG 102), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), carrier air wing (CVW) 17, and carrier strike group (CSG 9) staffs.
Group sail is a pre-deployment underway which allows the TRCSG units to conduct exercises together in a maritime environment.
“We achieved two significant milestones this underway,” said Capt. Craig Clapperton, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “First we completed TSTA early and with above average evaluation scores. This is an exceptional accomplishment given our compressed training timeline, and a real testament to the hard work and preparation by the Rough Rider crew.”
Lt. Cmdr. David Crescitelli, assistant chief of staff plans officer, said this was TRCSG’s only practice session before the composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) starts.
“We have a solid foundation from which to develop into a lethal combat force ready to execute COMPTUEX with precision,” said Crescitelli. “The road will be long and not without struggle and hardship, but the resilience of our Sailors was readily apparent during group sail.”
These real-world evolutions allowed the ships to execute many quality events that were indicative of deployed operations.
With TSTA and FEP complete, Theodore Roosevelt returned to its homeport of San Diego and will begin preparations for its next test: COMPTUEX.