Carrier_ A Guided Tour Of An Aircraft Carrier Part 12

This job falls to the joint training office (J-7) of USACOM, which lays out the training regimes for units being "packaged" for missions in what are normally known as JTFs or Joint Task Forces. Getting a particular unit ready for duty in a JTF is a three-phased program, which is supervised by individual groups of subject-matter experts. For example, on each coast a Carrier Group (CARGRU) composed of a rear admiral and a full training staff is a.s.signed to prepare CVBGs for deployment. On the Pacific Coast, this is done by CARGRU One, while CARGRU Four does the same job for the Atlantic Fleet. The training CARGRUs supervise the various elements of the CVBGs through their three-phase workups. These break down this way: * Category I Training Category I Training-Service-specific/mandated training that focuses on the tactical unit level. Examples include everything from carrier qualifications to missile and ACM training at the ship/squadron/CVW level.* Category II Training Category II Training-This is joint field training, in which the various pieces of the CVBG come together in what are known as Capabilities Exercises (CAPEXs) and Joint Task Force Exercises (JTFEXs).* Category III Training- Category III Training-This is a purely academic training phase, which takes place just prior to the JTF deploying. Composed of a series of seminars, briefings, and computer war games, it is designed to give the unit commanders a maximum of up-to-the-minute information about the areas where they will likely be operating and the possible contingencies that they may face.

These exercises provide a multi-level training regime for every member of the battle group, from the sailors in the laundries to the CVBG commander and his staff. And most partic.i.p.ants will tell you that the pre-workup training is usually tougher than the actual overseas deployment. The old saying that sweat in training is cheaper than blood in combat remains true. In a world as uncertain as today's, we as a nation owe the men and women of our armed forces the very toughest training we can provide for them.74 All of this brings us down to the men and women of the All of this brings us down to the men and women of the GW GW group in the summer of 1997, facing a terribly real experience, designed to test the limits of their endurance and skills. group in the summer of 1997, facing a terribly real experience, designed to test the limits of their endurance and skills.

Getting the Group Ready: Part I The countdown to GW's GW's deployment in the fall of 1997 actually began in February of 1996. That is when the battle group based around the USS deployment in the fall of 1997 actually began in February of 1996. That is when the battle group based around the USS America America (CV-66) returned from their own six-month cruise to the Mediterranean Sea. (CV-66) returned from their own six-month cruise to the Mediterranean Sea.75 Since Since America America had been scheduled for decommissioning and eventual sc.r.a.pping, this was her final cruise. The had been scheduled for decommissioning and eventual sc.r.a.pping, this was her final cruise. The GW GW would replace her. Other ships in this combined CVBG/Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) were scheduled for deep maintenance as soon as they arrived back home. Thus the would replace her. Other ships in this combined CVBG/Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) were scheduled for deep maintenance as soon as they arrived back home. Thus the Wasp Wasp (LHD-1) and the (LHD-1) and the Whidbey Island Whidbey Island (LSD-41) were headed into dry dock for almost a year of overhaul. Replacing them would be the amphibious ships (LSD-41) were headed into dry dock for almost a year of overhaul. Replacing them would be the amphibious ships Guam Guam (LPH-9), (LPH-9), Ashland Ashland (LSD-48), and (LSD-48), and Oak Hill Oak Hill (LSD-51). At the same time, a number of the escorts and submarines were swapped out, as the personnel at Atlantic Fleet Headquarters and USACOM packaged the new CVBG. Even though the CVBG would make just one cruise in this form, the plans are to reconst.i.tute it again in a more permanent form for its 1998/ 1999 cruise. (LSD-51). At the same time, a number of the escorts and submarines were swapped out, as the personnel at Atlantic Fleet Headquarters and USACOM packaged the new CVBG. Even though the CVBG would make just one cruise in this form, the plans are to reconst.i.tute it again in a more permanent form for its 1998/ 1999 cruise.82 In February of 1996, while the thoughts of most of the group's personnel were on their upcoming leave periods and visiting with their families and friends, at the USACOM and Atlantic/2nd Fleet headquarters planning for the CVBG's training and deployment in 1997 had already begun. For starters, there was the scheduling of minor overhauls for the ships a.s.signed to the CVGB that would deploy in 1997, as well as managing the usual flow of personnel coming and going to new a.s.signments. These months of relative quiet offered a time for getting the new folks up to speed, and a chance for those remaining in the group's units to attend technical and service schools or to take some leave.

By the fall of 1996, the various pieces of the battle group were ready to begin their Category I training. So, for example, the Guam Guam ARG and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit-Special Operations Capable (MEU (SOC)) were beginning their own workups, supervised by teams of USACOM training mentors. Meanwhile, even as CARGRU Four personnel were deep into the training of the ARG and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit-Special Operations Capable (MEU (SOC)) were beginning their own workups, supervised by teams of USACOM training mentors. Meanwhile, even as CARGRU Four personnel were deep into the training of the John F. Kennedy John F. Kennedy (CV-67) CVBG (which would proceed the (CV-67) CVBG (which would proceed the GW GW group to the Mediterranean in the spring of 1997), the CARGRU staff had already begun to a.s.sign personnel to the group to the Mediterranean in the spring of 1997), the CARGRU staff had already begun to a.s.sign personnel to the GW GW group to start the workup process. At the same time, the various squadrons of Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) began to come to life at Naval Air Stations (Na.s.s) from Whidbey Island, Washington, to Jacksonville, Florida. About half of these squadrons would also be breaking in a new commanding officer, normally a freshly frocked commander (O-5) who had just "fleeted up" from the executive officer's job in the unit. Along with the command changes came in-squadron training. A group to start the workup process. At the same time, the various squadrons of Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) began to come to life at Naval Air Stations (Na.s.s) from Whidbey Island, Washington, to Jacksonville, Florida. About half of these squadrons would also be breaking in a new commanding officer, normally a freshly frocked commander (O-5) who had just "fleeted up" from the executive officer's job in the unit. Along with the command changes came in-squadron training. A lot lot of it! of it!

Getting a squadron ready to deploy starts with refresher/upgrade training for all the flying personnel in the unit. This brings everyone in the unit up to a common level of proficiency across a range of skills and missions. As they do this, the squadron maintenance chiefs begin to bring the squadron's aircraft up to standard. This is not to say that the aircraft have been allowed to go to seed. But since the squadron is not a "deployed" unit, and personnel were away on leave and at service schools, keeping every aircraft fully mission-capable has not been a priority. Deployed units get the pick of the "good" airplanes, as well as first priority on training ammunition and spare parts.

While the air units were starting on their road to deployment, so too were the crews of the ships of the battle group. And the officers and enlisted personnel were re-learning the details of their trade on short training cruises out of their home ports. During these cruises, the crews powered up all the ship's systems to find out the new capabilities and liabilities the yard workers had installed. Also, during these cruises the new crew members began the bonding process with their shipmates. This is especially important in the escorts (known as "small boys"), which will do so much of the work supporting and protecting the carrier and ARG.

For the men and women of the GW GW battle group, their final run to deployment started in May of 1997, with the departure of the battle group, their final run to deployment started in May of 1997, with the departure of the John F. Kennedy John F. Kennedy battle group. Now that that group was on its way, the CARGRU Four staff could devote their full attention to making the battle group. Now that that group was on its way, the CARGRU Four staff could devote their full attention to making the GW GW group ready for their early October deployment. Several key training events, whose dates had been previously been set by the USACOM J-7 staff, began to have immediate importance. These included: group ready for their early October deployment. Several key training events, whose dates had been previously been set by the USACOM J-7 staff, began to have immediate importance. These included: * Naval Strike and Air Warfare Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center Center Rotation- Rotation-Since "Boomer" Stufflebeem, the commander of CVW-1, had units spread over five bases in four different states on two coasts, the rare opportunities for getting his units together were more precious than gold. One of these golden opportunities happened at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) at NAS Fallon near Reno, Nevada. For over three decades, it has been Navy policy that every every CVW preparing to deploy do a rotation at the NSAWC. Over a period of three and a half weeks, the various CVW components are based at NAS Fallon, where they can practice the art of composite warfare together. While there, they undertake a series of air strikes against the target arrays up on the Fallon bombing range. Supervised by the Center Staff, and a.s.sisted by aggressor aircraft and ground units acting as surrogate enemies, the wing works up through a number of phases, culminating with the three-day Advanced Training Phase (ATP). CVW preparing to deploy do a rotation at the NSAWC. Over a period of three and a half weeks, the various CVW components are based at NAS Fallon, where they can practice the art of composite warfare together. While there, they undertake a series of air strikes against the target arrays up on the Fallon bombing range. Supervised by the Center Staff, and a.s.sisted by aggressor aircraft and ground units acting as surrogate enemies, the wing works up through a number of phases, culminating with the three-day Advanced Training Phase (ATP).76 During ATP, the wing must conduct a series of large "Alpha" strikes (usually involving between two and three dozen aircraft) against targets up on the Fallon ranges. All of this training brings the entire wing, from pilots and planners to maintenance personnel and photo interpreters, up to combat standards. With the air wing now molded into a unified fighting unit, it was time to merge it with the During ATP, the wing must conduct a series of large "Alpha" strikes (usually involving between two and three dozen aircraft) against targets up on the Fallon ranges. All of this training brings the entire wing, from pilots and planners to maintenance personnel and photo interpreters, up to combat standards. With the air wing now molded into a unified fighting unit, it was time to merge it with the GW GW and her battle group. The USACOM Category I training now completed, the and her battle group. The USACOM Category I training now completed, the GW GW group was ready to move onto the challenges of Category II. group was ready to move onto the challenges of Category II.* Capabilities Exercise (CAPEX)- Capabilities Exercise (CAPEX)-In mid-June of 1997, after CVW-1 had returned from NAS Fallon, the ships of the GW GW battle group met off the Virginia capes to conduct what is called a CAPEX. This exercise, which was run over two weeks, was designed to integrate CVW-1 into the rest of the battle group's operations. This meant doing a number of things in a very short time. Once the battle group had a.s.sembled, the CVW-1 aircraft and crews flew aboard from staging bases along the Atlantic coast. What followed were several days of carrier requalification for everyone in the wing, including Captain Stufflebeem. With qualifications completed, the wing and battle group began a series of training exercises, designed to show the CARGRU Four staff that they could safely and effectively conduct strike operations. During this time, the rest of the battle group practiced various skills, such as simulated Tomahawk cruise-missile strikes, and combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) training. The CAPEX was a test of skill and endurance, designed to stress everyone in the battle group met off the Virginia capes to conduct what is called a CAPEX. This exercise, which was run over two weeks, was designed to integrate CVW-1 into the rest of the battle group's operations. This meant doing a number of things in a very short time. Once the battle group had a.s.sembled, the CVW-1 aircraft and crews flew aboard from staging bases along the Atlantic coast. What followed were several days of carrier requalification for everyone in the wing, including Captain Stufflebeem. With qualifications completed, the wing and battle group began a series of training exercises, designed to show the CARGRU Four staff that they could safely and effectively conduct strike operations. During this time, the rest of the battle group practiced various skills, such as simulated Tomahawk cruise-missile strikes, and combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) training. The CAPEX was a test of skill and endurance, designed to stress everyone in the GW GW battle group from Admiral Mullen down to the chiefs of the various ships' laundries. Again, all went well, and its end had melded the a.s.sorted parts of the battle group into a fighting unit. Next came the final part of the GW group's Category II training, the JTFEX. battle group from Admiral Mullen down to the chiefs of the various ships' laundries. Again, all went well, and its end had melded the a.s.sorted parts of the battle group into a fighting unit. Next came the final part of the GW group's Category II training, the JTFEX.* Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 97-3 Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 97-3-Run over three weeks in late August and early September of 1997, JTFEX 97-3 was a "final exam" for the combined GW CVBG/CVW/ARG/MEU (SOC) team. JTFEXs-the crown jewels of USACOM exercises-are the largest and most complex series of exercises regularly run by USACOM. Even as the sea services are using them as benchmark exercises for Navy groups, the other services are utilizing them in the same way: to test their own fast-reaction units (such as the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, or the 2nd Bombardment Wing based at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana).

With the Category II training completed, the ships and aircraft of the battle group headed home for a final leave period. During this time, the Category III training and briefings for the battle group staff and leaders took place around Washington, D.C. While their actual sequence and locations are cla.s.sified, the briefings and war games were conducted by a variety of military and intelligence agencies, with the goal of sharpening the minds of the CVBG/CVW/ARG/MEU (SOC) leadership. When these exercises were finished, the CARGRU Four staff started preparing for the next group, which was based around the new Nimitz- Nimitz-cla.s.s carrier John Stennis John Stennis (CVN-74). (CVN-74).

JTFEX 97-3.

In the confusing (maybe anarchic is a better word) post-Cold War world of joint and coalition warfare, the USACOM staff must package and deliver to the unified/regional CinCs units that are ready to "plug in" to a joint/ multinational JTF. The JTF must start combat operations on almost no notice, and function in an environment where the ROE can change on a moment's notice. That means the units a.s.signed to the JTF must be trained with an eye to functioning in a variety of scenarios that were unimaginable as recently as a decade ago. Some of these may even involve situations where conflict may be avoided (if a show of force is sufficiently effective), or where conflict may not be an option (in what are called Operations Short of War).

Training units for situations like these requires more than the simple force-on-force training that was good enough for the military services during the Cold War. Exercises like Red Flag (at Nellis AFB, Nevada) and those at training facilities like the Army's National Training Center (at Fort Irwin, California) were always based upon a.s.sumptions that a "hot" war was already happening. Because of this, the engaged forces' only requirement was to fight that conflict in the most effective manner possible. While the services teach combat skills quite well, teaching "short-of-war" training is a much more complicated and difficult undertaking. Only in the last few years (after high-cost lessons learned in Haiti, Somalia, and Bosnia) has progress been made on this daunting training challenge.

So far, the leader in this new kind of "real world" force-on-force training has been the Army's Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, Louisiana.77 The JRTC staff, for example, was among the first to insert into traditional force-on-force training what the military calls "friction" elements and non-traditional ideas like "neutral" role-players on the simulated battlefield, and to include a greater emphasis on logistics and casualty evacuation. JRTC's focus on these kinds of layered issues have made it a model for other joint training operations run by USACOM (such as the JTFEX-SERIES exercises, which are run approximately six times a year-three on each coast). The JRTC staff, for example, was among the first to insert into traditional force-on-force training what the military calls "friction" elements and non-traditional ideas like "neutral" role-players on the simulated battlefield, and to include a greater emphasis on logistics and casualty evacuation. JRTC's focus on these kinds of layered issues have made it a model for other joint training operations run by USACOM (such as the JTFEX-SERIES exercises, which are run approximately six times a year-three on each coast).

The result of all this thinking has been a gradual evolution in the scenarios presented to partic.i.p.ants in the JTFEXs. As little as three years ago, every JTFEX was essentially a forced-entry scenario into an occupied country that looked a lot like Kuwait, and the opposing forces were structured much like the Iraqis. The critics who were complaining that USACOM was preparing to "fight the last war" were making a good point. Today there'd be no justice in that criticism. Now, each JTFEX is made a bit different from the last one, or for that matter from any other. For one thing, USACOM has gotten into the habit of making the JTFEXs truly "joint," by spreading out the command responsibilities. By way of example, a JTF headquarters based at 8th Air Force headquarters at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, controlled JTFEX 97-2 (run in the spring of 1997), while the first of the FY-1998 JTFEXs will be an Army-run exercise, controlled by XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Now that each of the services has opportunities each year to be the JTFEX "top dog," the scenarios have tended to become not only more fresh and innovative, but also more fair in the distribution of training responsibilities and opportunities.

The quality of JTFEX exercises has also been improved by means of what is called a "flexible" training scenario-that is, a scenario without highly structured schedules and situations. In more structured scenarios, for example, partic.i.p.ants knew exactly when and how the exercise would transition to "hot war" status. In current JTFEXs, there is much more uncertainty. Furthermore, the actions of the partic.i.p.ants can affect the "flexible" elements of the scenario, and these actions can be scored positively or negatively. It is even possible that partic.i.p.ants might contain a JTFEX "crisis situation" so well that a transition to a "hot" war situation might never occur. But creative work by the USACOM J-7 staff makes this unlikely. Thus when a commander or unit does well, "friction" and challenges are added so no partic.i.p.ant gets a chance to "break" the scenario. On the other hand, if a unit has itself been "broken" by the situations it faces, the exercise staff may choose to give it additional support or opportunities to "get well enough to go back into the game," as it were. You have to remember that exercises like the JTFEXs are designed to build units up, not break them down.

For the GW GW group, the focus in the late summer of 1997 was getting ready for their particular "final exam," JTFEX 97-3 (the third East Coast JTFEX of FY-97). With their deployment date scheduled for early October 1997, every person in the battle group was eager to get through the exercise and move on to the Mediterranean. But the USACOM J-7 training staff wasn't going to make that easy. To that end, several new elements were being added to the scenario in antic.i.p.ation of new capabilities soon coming on-line. Within a couple of years, for example, the entire force of group, the focus in the late summer of 1997 was getting ready for their particular "final exam," JTFEX 97-3 (the third East Coast JTFEX of FY-97). With their deployment date scheduled for early October 1997, every person in the battle group was eager to get through the exercise and move on to the Mediterranean. But the USACOM J-7 training staff wasn't going to make that easy. To that end, several new elements were being added to the scenario in antic.i.p.ation of new capabilities soon coming on-line. Within a couple of years, for example, the entire force of Ticonderoga- Ticonderoga-cla.s.s (CG-47) cruisers and Arleigh Burke- Arleigh Burke-cla.s.s (DDG-51) destroyers will be receiving software and new Standard SAMs capable of providing the first theater-wide defense against ballistic missiles. Thus in JTFEX 97-3, the opposing forces were a.s.sumed to have a small force of SCUD-type theater ballistic missiles, some possibly armed with chemical warheads. The U.S. forces were not only expected to hunt these down, but to "shoot" them down with Patriot SAMs or with the Aegis systems on board several of the escorting vessels. The group's abilities in this area would be closely watched by USACOM.

[image]

The activities of JTFEX 97-3 in August and September 1997.

JACK RYAN ENTERPRISES, LTD., BY LAURA DENINNO.

In addition, CVW-1 was testing procedures for generating more sorties from the GW. GW. This effort was based on a demonstration called a "SURGEX"-or Surge Exercise-run the previous July off the Pacific coast by the This effort was based on a demonstration called a "SURGEX"-or Surge Exercise-run the previous July off the Pacific coast by the Nimitz Nimitz battle group. SURGEX attempted to discover how many sorties a single carrier/air wing team could generate over a four-day period. By augmenting the air wing and ship's company with additional air crews and flight deck/maintenance personnel, and by adding the services of a number of land-based USAF tankers to support the effort, the battle group. SURGEX attempted to discover how many sorties a single carrier/air wing team could generate over a four-day period. By augmenting the air wing and ship's company with additional air crews and flight deck/maintenance personnel, and by adding the services of a number of land-based USAF tankers to support the effort, the Nimitz Nimitz and her embarked air wing were able to generate 1,025 sorties in just ninety-six hours. This was almost 50% better than had been planned (though flight and deck crews wore out rather quickly). By the late summer of 1997, the and her embarked air wing were able to generate 1,025 sorties in just ninety-six hours. This was almost 50% better than had been planned (though flight and deck crews wore out rather quickly). By the late summer of 1997, the GW/C GW/CVW-1 team was already implementing these lessons. Though they wouldn't have the additional flight personnel used by Nimitz, Nimitz, the flying day would be extended, USAF tankers would be made available, and some new procedures for monitoring crew fatigue would be tried. By doing things smarter, it was hoped that the average of around one hundred sorties a day might be increased by as much as half. the flying day would be extended, USAF tankers would be made available, and some new procedures for monitoring crew fatigue would be tried. By doing things smarter, it was hoped that the average of around one hundred sorties a day might be increased by as much as half.

JTFEX 97-3: Players, Places, and Plans The scenario for this JTFEX 97-3 was inspired by the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, with the coastal waters of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina providing the primary battle arena. But thanks to the magic of today's electronics and GPS satellite technology, USACOM has been able to dispense with the actual geography of these littoral s.p.a.ces and invent "synthetic" terrain for this and other recent exercises. Specifically, the USACOM staff created a series of "no-sail" zones off the East Coast that formed a simulated battles.p.a.ce that looks a great great deal like the Persian Gulf or Red Sea-long and narrow, with only a limited number of entrances and exits. It was into this arena that the deal like the Persian Gulf or Red Sea-long and narrow, with only a limited number of entrances and exits. It was into this arena that the GW GW battle group would sail during JTFEX 97-3. battle group would sail during JTFEX 97-3.

For JTFEX 97-3 the opposing players would be known as Koronans, and the neutral victims of Koronan aggression would be Kartunans. Kartuna's homeland would be the center of the scenario's crisis. The Koronan forces would be played by various elements of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 2nd Fleet at Norfolk, Virginia, and some Marine aviation units from the Marine Corps Air Stations at Cherry Point and New River, North Carolina and Beaufort, South Carolina.

While the simulated Koronan military would be nowhere as large as that of Iraq prior to the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, it would nevertheless have some distinct similarities. For example, Marine F/A-18 Hornet fighter/bombers from MCAS Beaufort would simulate Mirage F-1Cs armed with Exocet antishipping missiles and MiG-29 Fulcrums equipped with advanced air-to-air missiles (AAMs). Several Spruance- Spruance-cla.s.s (DD-963) destroyers and Oliver Hazard Oliver Hazard Perry Perry-cla.s.s (FFG-7) frigates would simulate Russian Kashin- Kashin-cla.s.s missile destroyers and Chinese missile corvettes. Finally, Marines based at Camp Lejeune would play Kartunan ground units, while Lejeune itself would play the part of the Kartunan homeland.

The forces of the Allied coalition would, of course, be played by the GW GW battle group and CVW-1, as well as their attached battle group and CVW-1, as well as their attached Guam Guam ARG and the embarked 24th MEU (SOC). Though a battalion of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division and a number of USAF KC-135 aerial tanker aircraft based at Langley AFB, Virginia, would also play, the focus of this particular exercise was naval and expeditionary. This meant that if combat units could not fly or float into the JTFEX 97-3 scenario, they would ARG and the embarked 24th MEU (SOC). Though a battalion of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division and a number of USAF KC-135 aerial tanker aircraft based at Langley AFB, Virginia, would also play, the focus of this particular exercise was naval and expeditionary. This meant that if combat units could not fly or float into the JTFEX 97-3 scenario, they would not not partic.i.p.ate. partic.i.p.ate.

One of the largest (and most interesting) of the partic.i.p.ants was Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAFORLANT). STANAFORLANT, established in 1967, was the Cold War equivalent of a World War II Hunter-Killer (HUK) ASW group-but with a unique twist. Each NATO nation involved was to a.s.sign a destroyer or frigate from their Navy to STANAFORLANT, and then the total force was placed under a single joint NATO commander. This arrangement has the advantage of providing the STANAFORLANT commander with an eclectic mix of weapons and sensors, and with personnel whose training, talents, and experiences are widely varied. Ships from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America form the permanent membership of STANAFORLANT (there are usually a half-dozen ships operating in it at any given time); but they are joined periodically by Naval units from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Portugal.

STANAFORLANT carries out a program of exercises, maneuvers, and port visits, and can be rapidly deployed to a threatened area in times of crisis or tension. Throughout the Cold War, STANAFORLANT provided a rapid-response escort group for NATO naval commanders, in case of a sudden "surge" by the submarine and naval forces of the former Soviet Union. Today, STANAFORLANT's mission has broadened from this Cold War mission. Now STANAFORLANT is one of several NATO ready-reserve naval units that provide sea control services to the alliance (another of these units is in the Mediterranean supporting operations around Bosnia); and it could easily be found enforcing a maritime embargo or providing disaster/ humanitarian relief. During JTFEX 97-3, it would practice all of these missions, and some others that would have been hard to imagine as little as ten years ago.

While STANAFORLANT would not technically be part of the GW GW battle group, it would nevertheless be attached to it. Since ships constantly cycle in and out of STANAFORLANT, there is no such thing as a "standard" mix of ships and weapons. However, the STANAFORLANT group that partic.i.p.ated in JTFEX 97-3 is representative. Let's look at it: battle group, it would nevertheless be attached to it. Since ships constantly cycle in and out of STANAFORLANT, there is no such thing as a "standard" mix of ships and weapons. However, the STANAFORLANT group that partic.i.p.ated in JTFEX 97-3 is representative. Let's look at it: STANAFORLANT Ships Partic.i.p.ating in JTFEX 97-3 [image]

[image]

As you can see, the STANAFORLANT group a.s.signed to partic.i.p.ate in JTFEX 97-3 was a compact, powerful surface action group (SAG) that could bring a wide variety of weapons and systems to bear on a particular threat or mission.

For this exercise, the command of STANAFORLANT fell onto Rear Admiral Peter van der Graaf of the Netherlands, a tall blond bear of a sailor, who was based aboard his flagship, HMLMS Witte De With Witte De With (F 813). With his vast smile and hearty laugh, Admiral van der Graaf quickly became a favorite of the (F 813). With his vast smile and hearty laugh, Admiral van der Graaf quickly became a favorite of the GW GW battle group. In fact, he would hoist his flag aboard the battle group. In fact, he would hoist his flag aboard the George Washington George Washington at one point during the exercise. That he was a superb ship handler and leader only made STANAFORLANT's presence in JTFEX 97-3 the more telling. at one point during the exercise. That he was a superb ship handler and leader only made STANAFORLANT's presence in JTFEX 97-3 the more telling.

One other small, but useful, naval force took part in JTFEX 97-3: a special mine warfare component. This unit would test a number of new ships, systems, and technologies designed to counter what most professional Naval a.n.a.lysts agree are the single greatest threat to naval littoral operations. These deadly "weapons that wait" are extremely cost-effective. They are not only relatively cheap to make, but they don't have to be high-tech to do the job. In fact, many current mines have basic technologies going back decades. At the same time, like their land-based counterparts, sea-based mines can make areas of ocean uninhabitable for years at a time. The fact that four of the five U.S. ships suffering combat damage in the last two decades have been hit by mines (the supertanker SS Bridgeton, Bridgeton, frigate frigate Samuel B. Roberts Samuel B. Roberts (FFG- 58), Aegis cruiser (FFG- 58), Aegis cruiser Princeton Princeton (CG-59), and helicopter carrier (CG-59), and helicopter carrier Tripoli Tripoli (LPH- 10)) only highlights the threat. I should note that three of these ships were damaged by mines whose Russian design actually predates the First World War. (LPH- 10)) only highlights the threat. I should note that three of these ships were damaged by mines whose Russian design actually predates the First World War.

Despite the obvious threat presented by mines, over the last two decades mine warfare has been allocated less than one percent of the USN budget. The problem: Mine warfare is not glamorous. Compared with commanding a sleek destroyer or submarine, or flying a combat aircraft, it is considered decidedly "un-s.e.xy" by most naval professionals. Much like infantry combat in urban areas, it is a nasty, dangerous business. Clearing mines takes a lot of time, it's filled with headaches, it generates casualties, and failure is easy to come by-not a smart career move. All the same, if the U.S. sea services are to become a littoral-capable force, mine warfare will have to become an equal partner with surface, subsurface, and air components of the fleet. The Navy has been taking serious action to make this intention a reality.

For JTFEX 97-3, a "rainbow" mine warfare force of ships, helicopters, and personnel was a.s.sembled from units along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. These units represent the state-of-the-art of USN mine warfare technology and doctrine. Under the command of Captain Bruce Van Velle (who would act as the unit's Commodore and the mine warfare component commander), the unit was composed of the units shown below: JTFEX 97-3 Mine Warfare Task Force [image]

JTFEX 97-3 was the first occasion that the Navy's new emphasis on mine warfare was included in a major Atlantic Fleet joint exercise. The core of the mine warfare component was the converted helicopter carrier Inchon Inchon (MCS-12). Designed to act as a command ship for the mine countermeasures force of mine-hunting helicopters and minesweepers, the (MCS-12). Designed to act as a command ship for the mine countermeasures force of mine-hunting helicopters and minesweepers, the Inchon Inchon is the largest, most capable ship to ever take on this task. For JTFEX 97-3, she would act as a mobile air base for eight RH-53E Sea Dragon mine-countermeasures helicopters and four hundred personnel from Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15, the "Blackhawks"). Based at Moffet Field near Sunnyvale, California, and commanded by Commander John Brown, the Blackhawks are a mix of active and reserve personnel who fly one of the most interesting aircraft in the Navy inventory. Their MH-53E Sea Dragon, a modified version of the Marine CH-53 Super Stallion heavy transport, tows mine-countermeasures "sleds" and other equipment from a few hundred feet above the sea, and is one of the most effective means of clearing lanes through mine-infested shallow waters. Looking much like their Marine CH- 53E brethren, the Sea Dragon is easily distinguishable by the large side sponsons filled with extra fuel, which the MH-53E guzzles at low alt.i.tude. is the largest, most capable ship to ever take on this task. For JTFEX 97-3, she would act as a mobile air base for eight RH-53E Sea Dragon mine-countermeasures helicopters and four hundred personnel from Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15, the "Blackhawks"). Based at Moffet Field near Sunnyvale, California, and commanded by Commander John Brown, the Blackhawks are a mix of active and reserve personnel who fly one of the most interesting aircraft in the Navy inventory. Their MH-53E Sea Dragon, a modified version of the Marine CH-53 Super Stallion heavy transport, tows mine-countermeasures "sleds" and other equipment from a few hundred feet above the sea, and is one of the most effective means of clearing lanes through mine-infested shallow waters. Looking much like their Marine CH- 53E brethren, the Sea Dragon is easily distinguishable by the large side sponsons filled with extra fuel, which the MH-53E guzzles at low alt.i.tude.

Along with the Inchon Inchon and her mine-countermeasures helicopters, four new and her mine-countermeasures helicopters, four new Avenger Avenger (MCM-1) and (MCM-1) and Osprey- Osprey-cla.s.s (MHC-51) mine-hunters with their reserve crews would partic.i.p.ate in the exercise in order to demonstrate new ideas and technologies. These included an autonomous mine-detection vehicle, along with an explosive mine-clearing system to clear lanes for landing craft in the surf zone of an invasion beach. This increased emphasis on mine warfare is long overdue, and the efforts being pursued during JTFEX 97-3 are just the first of what will be many badly needed steps.

RH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters of HM-15 aboard the flagship of the Mine Countermeasures Task Force during JTFEX 97-3, the USS Inchon Inchon (MCS-12). (MCS-12).

OFFICAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO.

[image]

JTFEX 97-3 was under the control of the 2nd Fleet commander, Admiral Paul Reason, who would watch over the exercise from the fleet flagship, the USS Mount Whitney Mount Whitney (LCC-20). Aboard the (LCC-20). Aboard the Mount Whitney Mount Whitney would be the various warfare component commanders (air, naval, ground, special operations, etc.) that would run JTFEX 97-3, as well as many of the exercise observation personnel. JTFEXs and other large-scale exercises require significant numbers of people to manage and record what is going on. Thus, JTFEX 97-3 required the efforts of several thousand military and civilian personnel to observe, doc.u.ment, and a.n.a.lyze all that went on over the millions of cubic miles of battles.p.a.ce off the Atlantic coast. These included observation teams from the Center for Naval a.n.a.lysis (CNA-a U.S. Navy-funded "think tank") and members of the Senior Officers Observer Team (SOOT). The SOOT team is made up of ship, squadron, and other commanders who are temporarily detached from their own commands and a.s.signed to observe and evaluate the actions of their counterparts. would be the various warfare component commanders (air, naval, ground, special operations, etc.) that would run JTFEX 97-3, as well as many of the exercise observation personnel. JTFEXs and other large-scale exercises require significant numbers of people to manage and record what is going on. Thus, JTFEX 97-3 required the efforts of several thousand military and civilian personnel to observe, doc.u.ment, and a.n.a.lyze all that went on over the millions of cubic miles of battles.p.a.ce off the Atlantic coast. These included observation teams from the Center for Naval a.n.a.lysis (CNA-a U.S. Navy-funded "think tank") and members of the Senior Officers Observer Team (SOOT). The SOOT team is made up of ship, squadron, and other commanders who are temporarily detached from their own commands and a.s.signed to observe and evaluate the actions of their counterparts.

It was against this backdrop of objectives, plans, technologies, ships, aircraft, and personnel that John Gresham (my researcher for this series) and I traveled south to the Virginia Tidewater to take in the events of JTFEX 97-3 in late August and early September 1997-almost three weeks. Partly because s.p.a.ce doesn't permit, but even more because much of what I saw concerned operationally sensitive issues, I cannot begin to tell you about all of what went on there. Nevertheless, I'll show you some of the high points, as well as some of what life is like aboard U.S. warships.

Sunday, August 17th, 1997 August of 1997 was hot and humid in the mid-Atlantic. As if the challenges of the coming JTFEX were not enough, the weather G.o.ds were going to make the sailors and Marines suffer. On the afternoon before the group sailed, it was hot. Really hot! So hot that a new high-temperature record of 104 F/40 C had been set that afternoon at the Norfolk Naval Base. In this kind of heat, officers and NCOs had to watch closely for signs of heat stroke and exhaustion in their enlisted personnel as they labored to finish loading supplies and equipment, while ships and equipment had become so heat-soaked that they would stay hot for days to come. Even the heavy-duty air-conditioning of ships like the GW GW and and South Carolina South Carolina was having a hard time keeping up with it. was having a hard time keeping up with it.

To my good fortune, I managed to miss much of the heat wave, since I would fly into the exercise several days later. But for John Gresham, the heat and humidity would become part of his permanent memory of JTFEX 97-3. John arrived late in the afternoon, thus missing the worst of the midday heat. As he pulled his car up to the long row of carrier docks, he could see all manner of ships. Two other big Nimitz- Nimitz-cla.s.s carriers, the Theodore Roosevelt Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and (CVN-71) and John Stennis John Stennis (CVN-75), were tied up in the deep-water berths next to the (CVN-75), were tied up in the deep-water berths next to the GW. GW. The The "TR" "TR" was about to head into Dry Dock 12 across the river at Newport News Shipbuilding for her first major overhaul, while the was about to head into Dry Dock 12 across the river at Newport News Shipbuilding for her first major overhaul, while the "Johnny Reb" "Johnny Reb" was working up for her first overseas deployment in 1998. was working up for her first overseas deployment in 1998.

Hauling his bags up the long brow to the hangar-deck-level entrance, together with what seemed like thousands of other officers and men, John felt very small and very diminished. And well he might. For in fact, the GW was full. GW was full. Every single bunk, stateroom, and cot was filled; some were actually being Every single bunk, stateroom, and cot was filled; some were actually being shared shared by contractor, observation-team, and training personnel who were augmenting the normal ship's crew. Though Lieutenant Joe Navritril, the capable young Public Affairs Officer (PAO) for the ship and battle group, had managed to find a stateroom for me up on the 02 level, John had to make do in somewhat less comfortable accommodations lower in the ship. Meanwhile, as John waited for Lieutenant Navritril to escort him below, he was able to meet a number of the ship's officers, including Captain Rutheford and the newly appointed Executive Officer (XO), Commander Chuck Smith. by contractor, observation-team, and training personnel who were augmenting the normal ship's crew. Though Lieutenant Joe Navritril, the capable young Public Affairs Officer (PAO) for the ship and battle group, had managed to find a stateroom for me up on the 02 level, John had to make do in somewhat less comfortable accommodations lower in the ship. Meanwhile, as John waited for Lieutenant Navritril to escort him below, he was able to meet a number of the ship's officers, including Captain Rutheford and the newly appointed Executive Officer (XO), Commander Chuck Smith.

After the young PAO arrived, he and John headed into the interior of the ship and went below. Once they reached the third deck, they headed aft to a small fifteen-man bunk room that was being used for overflow berthing during the coming exercise-hardly what you would call "plush" accommodations. Yet a quick look showed that n.o.body under the rank of lieutenant commander, or less than a contractor's technical representative, was getting even these berths. So John, counting himself lucky, wedged his gear and large frame into a center bunk to get some rest.

Even after nightfall, the entire ship was still like a sauna bath from the brutal pounding of the day's sun. Despite the best efforts of the air conditioners, some s.p.a.ces would not cool down during the coming voyage. Unfortunately, John's bunk room was going to be one of these (it was located directly over one of the reactor/machinery s.p.a.ces). Stoically accepting what couldn't be changed, John and his shipmates settled down for the night, quietly sweating away the hours until the carrier sailed the following morning.

Monday, August 18th, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 1 : The situation in the Gulf of Sabani continues to grow worse, with the forces of Korona continuing to ma.s.s along the Kartunan boarders. Responding to requests from the Kartunan government, Allied coalition naval forces are being a.s.sembled to move to the Gulf to protect Allied interests, and to be prepared for possible contingencies such as evacuations of civilians and other endangered personnel .

After 0600 reveille, John rolled out of his rack to start the first of what would be many long, hot days at sea. Despite his cramped and steamy accommodations on the third deck, his location offered some advantages. For one thing, he was close to a nearby officers' head (bathroom), complete with shower facilities; and the main officers' dining room was located just a few steps forward of his berthing room. "Wardroom 3," the largest of the officers' dining areas aboard the GW, GW, with room for over a hundred personnel to sit at once, is the social center of the ship. Service comes in two ways there. You can either pa.s.s through a cafeteria-style serving line, or you can have a mess specialist take your order. with room for over a hundred personnel to sit at once, is the social center of the ship. Service comes in two ways there. You can either pa.s.s through a cafeteria-style serving line, or you can have a mess specialist take your order.

This morning, since he wanted to have a good view of the sailing, and Captain Rutheford had announced that the ship would slip moorings promptly at 0700, John hurried through his breakfast. Afterward, he headed up to "Vultures Row" on the island and found a place outboard to watch the proceedings. "Yank" Rutheford was prompt, and the lines were slipped at the top of the hour. Overhead, an HS-11 HH-60G helicopter kept watch for signs of trouble, as well as to feed the traffic situation in the channel down to Captain Rutheford. Gently putting a few turns of reverse power on the screws, he eased the big flattop far enough away from the pier for the three tugs to take a hold on the carrier's hull.

All of these actions are done with exquisite precision and patience. On the one hand, the berths in this part of the harbor give a Nimitz- Nimitz-cla.s.s carrier only about ten feet/three meters of clearance from the muddy bottom. On the other, the huge propellers tend to stir up the mud and sand, which can clog the delicate seawater inlets and condensers, and thus they are used carefully until the ship is in the middle of the main channel.

After backing carefully away from the pier, Captain Rutheford conned the ship in a wide reverse "Y" turn, leaving the GW GW aimed directly down the main channel leading to Hampton Roads. Calling, "All ahead one third," he now began the run down the channel to the right-hand turn that leads to Hampton Roads and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. aimed directly down the main channel leading to Hampton Roads. Calling, "All ahead one third," he now began the run down the channel to the right-hand turn that leads to Hampton Roads and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

Meanwhile, other ships of the battle group and ARG were pulling out of their berths behind the GW, preparing to follow her down the channel. These included the cruisers Normandy Normandy (CG-60) and (CG-60) and South Carolina South Carolina (CGN-36), the (CGN-36), the Seattle Seattle (AOE-3), and the (AOE-3), and the Guam. Guam. The cruisers would act as guards for the The cruisers would act as guards for the GW GW until the other ships of the battle group arrived to a.s.sist with that job. The until the other ships of the battle group arrived to a.s.sist with that job. The Guam Guam was on her way to meet up with the other three ships of her ARG, which were based down the Bay at Little Creek. From there, they would head south to Moorehead City, North Carolina, to pick up the personnel and equipment of the 24th MEU (SOC). was on her way to meet up with the other three ships of her ARG, which were based down the Bay at Little Creek. From there, they would head south to Moorehead City, North Carolina, to pick up the personnel and equipment of the 24th MEU (SOC).

In fact, all along the eastern seaboard of the U.S., warships were leaving port to join up with the GW GW for the coming exercise. At the submarine base at Groton, Connecticut, the nuclear attack submarines for the coming exercise. At the submarine base at Groton, Connecticut, the nuclear attack submarines Toledo Toledo (SSN-769) and (SSN-769) and Annapolis Annapolis (SSN-760) cleared the Thames River channel and Long Island, heading south to join up with the rest of the group. Similarly, down at Mayport, Florida, the destroyers (SSN-760) cleared the Thames River channel and Long Island, heading south to join up with the rest of the group. Similarly, down at Mayport, Florida, the destroyers Carney Carney (DDG-64) and (DDG-64) and John Rodgers John Rodgers (DD-983) and guided-missile frigates (DD-983) and guided-missile frigates Boone Boone (FFG-28) and (FFG-28) and Underwood Underwood (FFG-36) were clearing the mouth of the Saint John's River and heading north to the rendezvous point off of the Carolina coast. Finally, STANAFORLANT was finishing its trans-Atlantic run, planning to arrive several days hence. (FFG-36) were clearing the mouth of the Saint John's River and heading north to the rendezvous point off of the Carolina coast. Finally, STANAFORLANT was finishing its trans-Atlantic run, planning to arrive several days hence.

While all of this activity was going on, the various elements of CVW-1 were finishing their movement to airfields in the mid-Atlantic region and preparing to conduct their "fly-on" to the GW GW the following day. For most of the squadrons, things had gone quite well. Most of the air wing would fly aboard the following afternoon, after which they would conduct several days of carrier qualifications prior to the actual start of the JTFEX scenario. the following day. For most of the squadrons, things had gone quite well. Most of the air wing would fly aboard the following afternoon, after which they would conduct several days of carrier qualifications prior to the actual start of the JTFEX scenario.

As they proceeded toward the open sea, the crew of the GW GW concentrated on getting things squared away after several months of berthing in Norfolk. All over the ship, electrical lines, hoses, and other pieces of equipment were being coiled, stowed, and put away. Even before the ship pa.s.sed over the Hampton Roads Tunnel, there was a buzz of activity all over concentrated on getting things squared away after several months of berthing in Norfolk. All over the ship, electrical lines, hoses, and other pieces of equipment were being coiled, stowed, and put away. Even before the ship pa.s.sed over the Hampton Roads Tunnel, there was a buzz of activity all over Gw. Gw. Captain Rutheford had several training evolutions to run before the carrier exited the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay-anchoring drills in the forecastle and tests of the various firefighting and damage-control systems. After Captain Rutheford had several training evolutions to run before the carrier exited the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay-anchoring drills in the forecastle and tests of the various firefighting and damage-control systems. After GW GW pa.s.sed the outer bay, Captain Rutheford ordered course 090 (due east), and headed for the Virginia capes, where they met the two cruisers, and began a run south to pick up the air wing. pa.s.sed the outer bay, Captain Rutheford ordered course 090 (due east), and headed for the Virginia capes, where they met the two cruisers, and began a run south to pick up the air wing.

Tuesday, August 19th, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 2: The war of words between Korona and Kartuna continues, with additional Kartunan military units being brought to a heightened state of readiness. In addition, Allied National Intelligence Sources have begun to track suspected Kartunan SCUD ballistic missile units to their training and test ranges.

That morning the GW GW and her cruiser escorts were operating in clear sunshine about 125 nm/230 km southeast of MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. Earlier they had broken into an area of high pressure and lower humidity, allowing the air-conditioning to get a start on removing the heat soak from the ships. Meanwhile, the GW flight deck crews were getting ready to take aboard their first jet aircraft of this cruise-not CVW-1 jets, but a group of USMC AV-8B Harrier II jump jets from Cherry Point. About 1100, the Harriers arrived, attracting lots of attention up on Vultures Row. Many of the young sailors had never seen a Harrier perform a vertical landing, a wondrous sight to folks used to the normal arrested landings of conventional carrier airplanes. After a short break for lunch, the Marines were off, so that the deck would be clear for the aircraft of CVW-1 arriving that afternoon. and her cruiser escorts were operating in clear sunshine about 125 nm/230 km southeast of MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. Earlier they had broken into an area of high pressure and lower humidity, allowing the air-conditioning to get a start on removing the heat soak from the ships. Meanwhile, the GW flight deck crews were getting ready to take aboard their first jet aircraft of this cruise-not CVW-1 jets, but a group of USMC AV-8B Harrier II jump jets from Cherry Point. About 1100, the Harriers arrived, attracting lots of attention up on Vultures Row. Many of the young sailors had never seen a Harrier perform a vertical landing, a wondrous sight to folks used to the normal arrested landings of conventional carrier airplanes. After a short break for lunch, the Marines were off, so that the deck would be clear for the aircraft of CVW-1 arriving that afternoon.

1300 found the GW GW and her escorts steaming into the gentle southwest wind, preparing to take aboard the first of the aircraft from CVW-1. This was a particularly dangerous time for the pilots and crews of the air wing, since landing skills are easily lost without practice and it had been several months since their last "traps" aboard the and her escorts steaming into the gentle southwest wind, preparing to take aboard the first of the aircraft from CVW-1. This was a particularly dangerous time for the pilots and crews of the air wing, since landing skills are easily lost without practice and it had been several months since their last "traps" aboard the GW GW during the CAPEX. For that reason, everyone on board the ship and in the air was being extra careful. Across the deck public-address system came the booming voices of the "Air Boss," Commander John Kindred, and his a.s.sistant, the "Mini Boss," Commander Carl June. Neither was risking ruining their perfect safety record during their a.s.signments on board the during the CAPEX. For that reason, everyone on board the ship and in the air was being extra careful. Across the deck public-address system came the booming voices of the "Air Boss," Commander John Kindred, and his a.s.sistant, the "Mini Boss," Commander Carl June. Neither was risking ruining their perfect safety record during their a.s.signments on board the GW. GW. After making sure that the Landing Signals Officers (LSOs) were on their platform, the deck/safety crews were ready, the plane guard helicopter from HS-11 was overhead, and the cruisers were at their stations, the Air Boss and Mini Boss turned on the lights of the landing system and began to bring the air wing aboard. After making sure that the Landing Signals Officers (LSOs) were on their platform, the deck/safety crews were ready, the plane guard helicopter from HS-11 was overhead, and the cruisers were at their stations, the Air Boss and Mini Boss turned on the lights of the landing system and began to bring the air wing aboard.

One of the first to land was Captain "Boomer" Stufflebeem, flying an F/A-18C Hornet. Behind him came the approximately seventy aircraft of CVW-1. As soon as each plane was safely down and the arresting wire was cleared of the tailhook, the pilot was directed forward to a parking area ahead of the island. There the aircraft were either chained down or directed two at a time to one of the elevators, where they would be struck below to the hangar deck. There they would be carefully parked, sometimes with only inches between each bird. The crews then headed below to their squadron ready rooms down on the O-2 level, where they would check their landing scores from the LSOs. These scores were important to the flight crews, since each of them would have to requalifiy to land aboard the GW GW before being allowed to fly operationally in the coming JTFEX. For the next several days in fact, carrier qualifications would be the major activity of before being allowed to fly operationally in the coming JTFEX. For the next several days in fact, carrier qualifications would be the major activity of GW GW and CVW-1. Until each squadron's entire complement of air crew had successfully completed their required day and night "traps," the and CVW-1. Until each squadron's entire complement of air crew had successfully completed their required day and night "traps," the GW GW would be nothing more than a training base. All of this took several days of nearly round-the-clock flight operations, and was to be the first real test of endurance for the would be nothing more than a training base. All of this took several days of nearly round-the-clock flight operations, and was to be the first real test of endurance for the GW GW and her crew. and her crew.

Wednesday, August 20th, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 3 : At the direction of the U. S. Department of State, all U. S. citizens in Korona and Kartuna have been ordered to evacuate due to the threat of armed conflict . In particular, due to the threat of Koronan armed intervention, the National Command Authorities of the United States have ordered the 24th MEU (SOC) to conduct a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) . This will be composed of U. S. citizens and other at-risk personnel from the Kartunan capital as soon as they can take up station in the Gulf of Sabani. In addition, elements of the George Washington Battle Group, the Guam Amphibious Ready Group, STANAFORLANT, and other units will stand by to support the NEO and other operations as required.

My own expedition to join JTFEX 97-2 began at midday, when I boarded a VRC-40 C-2A Greyhound Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) aircraft of VRC-40 at NAS Norfolk. As I had been warned, the flight was fully booked and every seat filled. Everyone traveling out to the battle group had only the three COD flights to and from the GW GW as available transport. as available transport.

Flying as a pa.s.senger on board a C-2 is unlike any other flying experience I've known. For starters, you sit in mildly uncomfortable "bucket" seats, facing aft in rows of four. Since payload and range are more important than creature comforts, the Greyhound has no sound-deadening material, and the air-conditioning system is decidedly crude, though robust. In the killing heat and humidity of the NAS Norfolk ramp, the vents spewed a chilling fog, which did not let up until we climbed to cruise alt.i.tude.

To help protect the pa.s.sengers against the noise of the twin turboprop engines, we were each issued a "Mickey Mouse" cranial helmet with ear protectors. In addition, we each wore a "float coat" life preserver, just in case we had to ditch during the flight. When all of us were strapped in, the two crew chiefs gave us a safety briefing, then raised the rear cargo ramp, and the flight crew started the engines. As soon as these had warmed up, the aircraft was taxied to the end of the runway, and we were off.

Once the C-2A reached 10,000 feet/3,048 meters, the ride became more comfortable. The fog from the air-conditioning vents had become a flow of fresh air, and except for the constant rumble of the twin turboprops, everything was pleasant. As the aircraft turned southwest, we crossed over the coast and went "feet wet." From my small window, I could see the four amphibious ships of the Guam Guam ARG loading up the elements of the 24th MEU (SOC). When they finished this task, they would join up with the rest of the battle group, now operating approximately 200 nm/370 km offsh.o.r.e. ARG loading up the elements of the 24th MEU (SOC). When they finished this task, they would join up with the rest of the battle group, now operating approximately 200 nm/370 km offsh.o.r.e.

It took us just under an hour to reach the battle group's operating area, at which point we were put into a wide port turn to hold for landing. Since qualifying pilots is considered more important than landing VIPs, we circled the battle group for almost a half hour before the command came from the GW GW's air traffic control center to get into the landing pattern. Soon after the Greyhound broke into the landing pattern, the flight crew gunned the engines and headed onto the final approach to the carrier.

Back in the pa.s.senger/cargo compartment, the crew chiefs ordered all of us to brace ourselves. After a big "thump" when the wheels touched down, I was jammed back into my seat as the tailhook snagged one of the arresting wires. Once the aircraft was stopped, the deck crews quickly disengaged the hook and began to fold the wings. The flight crew then taxied forward to a parking s.p.a.ce ahead of the island, where the deck crews immediately began to chain the bird down.

Moments later, I was following the other pa.s.sengers to a hatch in the island structure, and then down a ladder to the GW GW's Air Transport Office (ATO) on the O-2 level. There we checked in with the ATO watch officer, handed in our survival gear, and picked up our bags. By this time, John Gresham and Lieutenant Navritril had arrived to escort me to my stateroom on the O-2 level. After a shower and a quiet dinner in Wardroom 3 with John and Lieutenant Navritril, I went to bed. Even the pounding noise of aircraft launching and landing one deck above did not keep me from sleeping.

Thursday, August 21st, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 4: The Koronan government has continued to threaten their Kartunan neighbors. They are claiming that the Northern Kartunan province of Khemis is legally part of the Koronan homeland, and are demanding its concession to avoid hostilities. Meanwhile, the various personnel to be evacuated during the planned NEO have begun to a.s.semble at the American emba.s.sy in the Kartunan capital city of Temal.

I awoke at 0600, showered, and headed down the ladders to Wardroom 3 for breakfast. There I met John and Lieutenant Navritril. As we finished breakfast, Lieutenant Navritril informed us that we would be meeting with Admiral Mullen later that morning to discuss his plans for the upcoming exercise and his philosophy of running a carrier battle group.

Promptly at 1000, we arrived in the flag officers quarters in "Blue Tile" land on the O-2 level, and soon after that we headed into the admiral's sitting room. There Rear Admiral Mike Mullen, the commander of Cruiser-Destroyer Group Two (CRUDESGRU 2) and the GW battle group, warmly greeted us. Admiral Mullen is a surface line officer, one of the new generation of battle group commanders now sharing command opportunities with naval aviators. He is a handsome man, cool and intellectual; it's no surprise that he has a Harvard master's degree. At the moment, he was clearly preoccupied with getting the battle group set up for the coming JTFEX 97-3 exercise.

s.p.a.cing his remarks between the metallic roars of Catapult Number One (located directly above his stateroom), he discussed his vision of CVBG operations. Back in the Cold War, he explained, the Navy feared that the Soviet Union would try to eliminate the U.S. naval presence by sending multiple regiments of Tu-22M Backfire and Tu-16 Badger bombers armed with huge air-to-surface missiles (ASMs). The idea was to kill the CVBGs, after which Soviet submarines and surface groups would clean up the survivors with their own SSMs. It was against this threat that systems like the F-14 Tomcat fighter and Aegis were developed; their function was to shield the CVBG from waves of incoming missiles.

Today the world has greatly c