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

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Chapter 2The participants in MPA operations include:P-3C Orion aircraft2.3.2.16 Mining OperationMining Operations consist of both mine laying and mine countermeasures. Mine laying training exercisesusually involve a single aircraft sortie. In the single aircraft mining exercise, the aircraft drops a series of(usually four) inert training shapes (MK-76, bomb dummy unit (BDU) 45, or BDU 48) in the water. Theaircraft may make multiple passes on the same flight pattern,dropping one or more shapes each pass. The shapes are scored foraccuracy as they enter the water. The training shapes are inert,expendable, and can be recovered.The second aspect of the exercise, mine countermeasures, caninvolve helicopters, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) divers,and marine mammals. For helicopter training, any or all of fivetypes of helicopter-towed mine detection and/or detonationequipment, may be used. The purpose of this training is for thehelicopter crews to practice the deployment, employment, and extraction of the mine-hunting andminesweeping gear. Nothing remains in the water. For EOD divers working together with speciallytrained marine mammals (bottlenose dolphins or sea lions), the training involves the use of mammals todetect and mark potential mines and for divers to dispose of the mines using practice demolition charges.Use of trained marine mammals is not subject to analysis in this EA/OEA because the Navy hasappropriate permits for their use in Mining Activities. Mining Operations take place offshore of thebeaches at NB Coronado, SCIRC, and MCB Camp Pendleton.The participants and assets necessary to conduct a MINEX include some or all of the following: Aircraft capable of laying mines, usually a P-3 EOD divers MK-V Marine Mammal System (MMS) Rigid Hull Inflatable boats Helicopter(s) 1-20-pound explosive2.3.2.17 Surge OperationA Surge Operation is designed to test the Air Wing’s ability to generate and sustain a high tempo of fixedwing flight operations over an extended period of time. This operation mimics the beginning stages of aconflict, where operations are routinely run around the clock. Additionally, Surge Operations not onlytest the aircrew’s ability to perform under demanding circumstances, but the individuals who maintainand fix the jets as well. Often times, Surge Operations involve a large number of CAS operations, as theobjective is to get the jet over the target to employ its ordnance, return, refuel and launch again. SurgeOperations occur within W-291.The participants in a Surge Operation include:Strike Fighter aircraft (including EA-6Bs and E-2C)2-25 February 2007