USS Abraham Lincoln rehearses strait transit maneuvers

US Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and ships from its carrier strike group (ABECSG) participated in a simulated strait transit off the eastern coast of the United States, Feb. 7.

Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 conducted the simulation as part of composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX) to test the strike group’s ability to navigate safely, while also dealing with threats that could be encountered during their upcoming deployment scheduled for later this year.

The Álvaro de Bazan-class Spanish navy frigate ESPS Méndez Núñez (F 104) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) joined Abraham Lincoln during the exercise.

“We train so it is second nature for when we do it in the real world,” said Cmdr. Kenneth Myrick, Abraham Lincoln’s intelligence officer. “In straits there is an increased opportunity for miscalculation. They are a prime space for those who may want to take advantage of our limited maneuverability. We need to understand how to defend ourselves while in straits if we find ourselves in that situation.”

Strait transits put ships in a particularly precarious position because they are navigating through narrow passageways of water, usually with only one clear path in and out. When a strike group makes this type of transit, it is in a higher protective posture than normal due to high traffic or the possibility of foreign threats or attacks. During the exercise, CSG 12 was confronted with various simulated threats, including low-buzzing aircraft, small surface contacts, mine-laying craft and submarines.

“This was my 36th time maneuvering the ship during restricted transit operations, and it was a lot different than any other time,” said Quartermaster Seaman Steven Pettit, the master helmsman during the simulation. “Without the training I had, I wouldn’t have known how to best execute as well as I did today. It was controlled chaos in the bridge, but I think it was the best I’ve seen the bridge team work together.”

The aim of the simulation was to help all participating assets understand what the environment could be like as CSG 12 transits the straits in international waters during its upcoming deployment.

“Until we actually go through it, you won’t know how well your team will handle it,” said Quartermaster 3rd Class Ryan Gouger, the quartermaster of the watch during the strait transit exercise. “After seeing the way the officer of the deck and the entire bridge team was able to stay organized and composed through the chaos, I think we are as ready for deployment as we could ever be.”

CSG 12 consists of flagship Abraham Lincoln, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and ships assigned to Destroyer Squadron 2: the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Mason (DDG 87), and USS Nitze (DDG 94). Also operating with CSG 12 is the Álvaro de Bazan-class Spanish navy frigate ESPS Méndez Núñez (F 104).