102: Training Fundamentals

102.1 Discuss the following turnaround training evolutions:

a. Carrier Qualification

The over all training objective is to establish and maintain a sustained, high level of combat readiness. Training readiness is continuous and the goals established must direct effort toward increasing readiness. Air wing commanders and squadron commanding officers shall focus their efforts to ensure squadrons attain the highest possible levels of readiness in all primary mission areas and monitor unit progress in relation to planned training. Prior to the commencement of squadron training, aircrews should be flight refreshed and current in order to begin training without delay. Available training facilities will be utilized to regain those qualifications which may have lapsed during deployment and require specialized ranges and/or equipment. At sea training opportunities generally include independent ship exercises, Carrier Qualifications and TSTA periods.

b. Tailored Ship Training Assessment (TSTA)

The primary objective of TSTA is ship’s training. A secondary objective is refresher carrier landings for air wing pilots. It is imperative that the ship/air wing team develops basic shipboard skills prior to commencing normal cyclic operations. TSTA constitutes a large portion of the Basic Training Phase. The air wing is embarked to conduct carrier qualification, receive training in vital shipboard survival and damage control skills and to help the ship complete training exercises, which require air services.

c. Competitive Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) / Intermediate Training Assessment (ITA)

The purpose of the ITA is to provide a measurement of the ability of the carrier and air wing to operate as a coordinated and combat ready unit. Additionally, the ITA will determine the level of the ship/air wing operational readiness and potential for integration into battle group operations. Using established measures of effectiveness, the air wing will be evaluated on number of qualified aircrew, aircraft MC/FMC rates, sorties data, flight hours, landing averages and exam results for TACMAN, NATOPS, RECCE and OPORDERs. Specific warfare areas will be evaluated to include Conventional Strike Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Close Air Support and Electronic Warfare. Also evaluated will be cyclic and flex deck operations, EMCON flight operation and strike rescue operations.

The ITA will consist of 72 hours of day and night simulated combat operations. The tempo of operations will be sufficient enough to realistically assess the ability of the carrier and embarked air wing to conduct offensive and defensive primary missions of the type anticipated in actual combat.

d. Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX)

This nominal 21-day underway period will emphasize carrier/air wing integration into the battle group. Operational control of the carrier / air wing during the advanced training phase belongs to the deploying battle group commander. The fleet commander will continue to monitor and assist the training until deployment. The final phase of the turnaround training includes full battle group operations culminating with the FLEETEX.