US Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) started its deployment with ships and aircraft from carrier strike group CSG-10 on February 20.
The ship officially started operations after completing the final pre-deployment exercise, the Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), which included the Royal Canadian Navy, the French Navy and the Danish Navy.
French anti-submarine frigate FS Normandie (D651), Royal Danish Navy frigate Iver Huitfeldt (F361) and Canadian Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec (FFH 332) participated in several events throughout the exercise. Their participation brought a new layer of depth and increased the training value for all units.
COMPTUEX is designed to fully integrate CSG-10 as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force, and test the group’s ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea.
“There is simply no substitute for our integration among our navies,” said Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander, US 2nd Fleet. “It is the bedrock of our ability to assure our allies, respond to threats and enable global operations. Our allies’ participation in COMPTUEX directly enhances defense relationships and improves overall coordination and interoperability among our militaries.”
The aircraft carrier deployed after undergoing an 18-month overhaul that concluded in late March 2019. The planned incremental availability procedure that the 41-year-old carrier underwent was initially expected to take only six months to complete. The navy said at the time that the carrier’s age complicated the repairs.
The Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG is a multiplatform team of ships, aircraft and more than 6,000 Sailors, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe.
Deploying ships and aircraft of the strike group, commanded by Rear Adm. Paul J. Schlise, include flagship USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), and guided-missile destroyers of DESRON 26, USS Stout (DDG 55), USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), and USS Truxton (DDG 103) stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
