JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Carrier-based jet fighters and other types of aircraft will be conducting training out of Naval Air Station Jacksonville starting Friday through Sunday, Dec. 18, according to Navy training schedules.
Residents in neighborhoods surrounding NAS Jacksonville may notice an increase in aircraft activity and noise during this training period.
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This training operation is in support of aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) and embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 staff, which departed Naval Station Norfolk to begin Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) on Nov. 28.
COMPTUEX is a robust test combining technology, training and tactics into multiple scenarios leading to certification for deployment.
"This culminating event builds confidence that we can employ the strike group as a maritime superiority force against any potential adversary, located anywhere in the world, regardless of their military capabilities," said Rear Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, CSG 2. "This is the most effective method to actually demonstrate how we adapt to an ever-changing world environment. There is no better training in preparation for deployment."
Throughout the exercise, fictitious geopolitical scenarios are used to replicate real-world circumstances that may be encounter during deployment.
"This is the closest training to real-world scenarios that is available," said Cmdr. Gabriel Mauldin, George H.W. Bush combat directions officer. "We have qualified several watchstanders during the training cycle, and this will test their knowledge in a new and elevated manner."
GHWBCSG is composed of George H.W. Bush; staffs of CSG 2, Carrier Air Wing 8 and its squadrons; Destroyer Squadron 22 staff and its guided-missile destroyers; and guided-missile cruisers USS Hue City (CG 66) and USS Philippine Sea (CG 58).
GHWBCSG is conducting its final pre-deployment evaluation to ensure safe and effective coordination with the strike group to achieve mission readiness and the ability to work alongside international allies in the execution of the Navy's maritime strategy.
"The crew has demonstrated their ability to meet the challenge of a shortened training cycle, and this will be their final test before deployment," said Cmdr. Tracey Gendreau, aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) operations officer. "Our sailors are ready for the evaluation; they are excited to demonstrate proficiencies while they learn, train, and fight."
OLF Whitehouse is a satellite airfield of Naval Air Station Jacksonville and is located north of Highway 90 near Whitehouse, Florida. It is configured for day and night carrier landing practice and is a key component for naval aviation readiness.
The email address for noise complaints is: NASJAX_NOISE_COMPLAINTS@NAVY.MIL.
For more information about GHWBCSG, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy or www.twitter.com/usnavy.