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

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Executive SummaryINTRODUCTIONEXECUTIVE SUMMARYThis Environmental Assessment/Overseas Environmental Assessment (EA/OEA) has been prepared bythe Department of the Navy (Navy) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)of 1969 (42 U.S. Code [U.S.C] § 4321 et seq.); the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulationsfor Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations [C.F.R.] §§1500-1508); Department of the Navy Procedures for Implementing NEPA (32 C.F.R. 775); and ExecutiveOrder 12114 (EO 12114), Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions. The NEPA processensures that environmental impacts of proposed major Federal actions are considered in the decisionmakingprocess. EO 12114 requires environmental consideration (e.g., preparation of an OEA) foractions that may significantly harm the environment of the global commons. This EA/OEA satisfies therequirements of both NEPA and EO 12114.BACKGROUNDThe training mission of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) is to provide fully trained U.S.combat ready forces to Combatant Commanders, as dictated by the National Command Authority. Infurtherance of this mandate and in support of the Navy’s Fleet Readiness Training Plan (FRTP) the U.S.THIRD Fleet (headquartered at Naval Base Point Loma) regularly conducts Composite Training UnitExercises (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercises (JTFEX) at military installations and operatingareas in the southwestern United States and offshore of Southern California. These complex,deployment-preparation exercises require varied land, sea, and undersea training environments toproperly demonstrate the full range of capabilities required of deploying naval forces.U. S. Navy ships are normally assigned to and deploy as a package or formation called a Strike Group.Strike Groups are further divided by function into a Carrier Strike Group (CSG) or Expeditionary StrikeGroup (ESG). A CSG is normally formed around an Aircraft Carrier (CVN) with an embarked Air Wing(CVW). A CSG is frequently supported by three to five other types of ships aimed at power projection,and gaining and maintaining sea control. An ESG is formed around an Amphibious Assault Ship (LHAor LHD) with an embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). An ESG is also normally supported bythree to five other types of ships. An ESG and CSG have certain similar capabilities. However, an ESGis unique in its ability to move embarked MEU elements ashore via helicopter or amphibious-type craft.Thus an ESG will often train to different, expanded warfare capabilities from the sea to land areas.The FRTP is a “stair step” training process that is divided into three, increasingly complex Phases: Basic,Integrated and Sustainment.COMPTUEX is in the Integrated Phase of the FRTP and may involve either a CSG or an ESG. ACOMPTUEX is conducted as a series of scheduled training events that occur according to a given timeschedule against an opposition force. The COMPTUEX provides an opportunity for the Strike Group tobecome proficient in the myriad of required warfare skill sets. Additionally, it stresses the integration orcoordination of the different warfare areas and provides realistic training on in-theater operations. TheCOMPTUEX is normally more structured than the JTFEX, so it is longer in duration.JTFEX is in the Sustainment or Final Phase of the FRTP and may involve either a CSG or an ESG. It isa scenario-driven, at-sea training exercise designed to evaluate the Strike Group’s preparedness forforward deployed contingency and combat operations. JTFEX also utilizes a simulated (mock)opposition force and serves as the venue for U.S. THIRD Fleet to assess the readiness, interoperability,ES-1 February 2007