Composite Training Unit Exercises and Joint Task ... - Govsupport.us

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Chapter 33.9.3 AircraftMilitary aircraft in offshore areas operate under Visual Flight Rules and under visual meteorologicalconditions. The commanders of military aircraft are responsible for separating their aircraft from otheraircraft in the area, and for the safe conduct of the flight. Prior to releasing any weapons or ordnance,flight personnel must confirm that the impact area is clear of non-participating vessels and aircraft. TheOfficer Conducting the Exercise is responsible for the safe conduct of range training. During all trainingevents or exercises, a qualified Navy Safety Officer also is on duty, and can terminate activities if unsafeconditions exist. During operations on the range, aircraft are required to be in radio contact whenentering a designated traffic area.3.9.4 SubmarinesSubmarines routinely train on Southern California Offshore Range (SCORE). The range has an array ofhydrophones to track submarines, torpedoes, and targets. Vehicles on the Southern California Anti-Submarine Warfare Range (SOAR) are equipped with pingers (noise makers) to allow SCORE to trackthem. Submarines on SOAR are in continuous communication with SCORE. For the safety ofsubmarines on the range, minimum vertical and horizontal separation distances are specified. When twosubmarines are on the range simultaneously, vertical separation is maintained by operating the submarinesat different depths.3.9.5 ShipsFor COMPTUEX/JTFEXs, ships conduct anti-submarine training against submarines and submarinesimulatedtargets. During these exercises, ships maintain radio contact with range control. Prior tolaunching any weapon, ships are required to obtain a “Green Range" condition, which indicates that allsafety criteria have been satisfied and that the weapons/target recovery conditions and recoveryhelicopter/boats are ready to be employed.3.9.6 MunitionsOrdnance of various types is stored and used at military facilities in the SOCAL region. Ordnancestorage facilities include Ready Service Lockers (RSLs) and reinforced munitions bunkers. Munitions arehandled and stored in accordance with long-standing Navy protocols and procedures. The presence of amunitions storage site restricts the types of activities that can occur in its vicinity.The types and amounts of explosive material that may be stored in an area are determined by explosivessafety quantity-distance (ESQD) requirements established by the DoD Explosives Safety Board. ESQDarcs determine the minimum safe distance from munitions storage areas to habitable structures.3.9.7 MissilesFor Missile Operations, safety is the top priority and paramount concern. These operations are surface-tosurface.A Missile Operation Letter of Instruction is prepared prior to any missile firing operation. Thisinstruction establishes precise ground rules for the safe and successful execution of the operation. AnyMissile Operation participant that observes an unsafe situation can communicate a “Red Range” orderover any voice communication system.3.9.8 Ocean Areas (Southern California Operating Area)W-291 is the Warning Area associated with the SOCAL OPAREA. W-291 parallels the coast to thesouth of Los Angeles for a distance of approximately 288 nm (533 km), and extends seaward for up to800 nm (1,482 km). The nearshore waters of the SOCAL OPAREA are extensively used by recreationalFebruary 2007 3-80