George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 74 text:

'I , n March 22,2002. GWheaded out (• for six weeks of flight operations, dan control drills and coordinated with tlu of the George Washington Battle On to take part in a rehearsal called Cor 'ite Training Unit Exercise and later the nt Task Force Exercise before dep ng for the six-month deployment. ( t the previous several months, GW and craft from Carrier Air Wing 17 had trail 1 in their specialties. COMPTUEX broi it the ships together to project force as a attle group. COMPTUEX is an inter diate-level battle group exercise desk d to forge the battle group into a cohe- o. fighting team a critical step in he p deployment training cycle and a irerec. 'ite for the battle group’s Joint Task •orcel creise. Dur g the exercise, GW, CVW 17 and he oil r battle group ships trained in nultipl mission areas, including overland trike and anti-air engagements. Succcs ally completing the COMPTUEX certifies the carrier and its air wing as qualified for open ocean operations. As usual, America s Carrier rose to the occasion. By the time GW pulled into the Caribbean island of St. Thomas in late April, Sailors were ready to relax and enjoy every ounce of their hard-earned liberty.