Enterprise (CVN 65) - Naval Cruise Book

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TEXJE5. After 93 days in the calm waters and tropical climate of the North Arabian Sea, six days of liberty in the Philippines and visions of sailing beneath the Golden Gate for a happy holiday homecoming several weeks away, would the USS Enterprise Carrier Air Wing Eleven team be ready for FLEETEX 85? FLEETEX 85 challenged the men of Enterprise and CVW-1 1 to be at their very best in the demanding environment of ships and aircraft of three carrier battle groups operating in winter weather in a not-so- friendly sea. It was no easy exercise, coming as it did near the end of a long, arduous deployment. Opposition was provided by other Navy units and elements of the Air Force and Marine Corps, plus an occasional Soviet ' eavesdropper — - all eager to test the inter-operability of the battle groups in a simulated 7th Fleet tactical scenario. As soon as it got underway from the Philippines, the Enterprise had to make an end run to the south to evade a typhoon. Turning back north, the Big E faced icy winds, high seas, and airborne, surface and subsurface threats 24 hours a day as it maneuvered through the Philippine Sea and into the northwest Pacific Ocean off the east coast of Japan. Both the operational and logistical coordination involved in an exercise of such magnitude required extreme attention to detail, flexibility and cooperation by all ahnds. The men of the Big E CVW-1 1 team were more than equal to the task. They showed that even after a long deployment they sti 1 1 had the physical and emotional stamina to compete extremely well — and better than most — in the demanding FLEETEX environment. They demonstrated the same very finely tuned operation that had become commonplace during the long line period in the North Arabian Sea. The Big E CVW-1 1 team kept the simulated enemy forces from penetrating the battle group and stayed well ahead of ever-changing situations and taskings throughout the exercise. RADM John R. Batz- ler. Commander Carrier Group Three, noted that, in FLEETEX 85, Battle Flex Deck — thecapabilityof launching a variety of aircraft for different missions to meet changing situations at a moment ' s notice — came of age. This innovative concept, said RADM Batzler, which you (Enterprise CVW-1 1 team) pioneered, refined and de- monstrated, will influence the way the Navy does business for years to come. VADM J.R. Hogg, Commander Seventh Fleet, extended his per- sonal appreciation to the Big E CVW-1 1 team for its performance in FLEETEX. VADM Hogg said: The thorough planning, innovative thinking and precise execution were key in demonstrating our Navy ' s capability to carry out a large-scale sustained maritime operation in the Seventh Fleet. To accomplish an exercise of this magnitude required stressing the entire fleet infrastructure for logistics, repair, tech assist and environmental support. The enthusiasm and persist- ance exhibi ted by each command both ashore and at sea made this exercise a most noteworthy success. Enterprise not only took care of its own in outstanding fashion during FLEETEX, but also made crucial contributions to enable the carriers USS Carl Vinson and USS Midway to succeed in the exercise. The two ships sent Bravo Zulus after receiving vital aircraft repair parts from the Big E. The Carl Vinson said: Received a total of 133 parts from Enterprise during FLEETEX. Will enjoy the effects of their positive support for days to come. Many thanks. The Midway said: Should be able to get hummer ... in air. Working with Enterprise is almost as good as being parked next to Naval Supply Depot Subic. Thanks a million. VADM Hogg further added: Your achievements during FLEETEX 85 have resulted in numerous accolades, especially those made by the Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet, ADM Foley, to the highest levels of Navy leadership. I quote: ' The performance of all FLEETEX 85 participants was outstanding. I believe the last three weeks (of the exercise) have convincingly demonstrated that the Pacific Fleet is fully ready to sail into harm ' s way. ' VADM R.F. Schoultz, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare), concluded: Your standout performance in FLEETEX 85 . . . typifies the consummate professionalism of the Big ' E ' CVW-1 1 team. Well Done! 116 FLEETEX