Unity at Sea: Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and CSG-12 Units Unite for First Integrated Training Event

In a groundbreaking training event, the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG) has demonstrated its formidable capabilities with a successful Group Sail exercise. The exercise included five ships, over 60 aircraft, and approximately 5,500 sailors. The strike group serves as a vital asset for combatant commanders and national leaders, positioning itself as a key deterrent to adversaries while reinforcing alliances and ensuring U.S. security and economic stability.

This Group Sail marked the first cohesive training session for the Gerald R. Ford team, encompassing the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), Carrier Air Wing 8, and Destroyer Squadron 2. The aim was to integrate these elements into a seamless warfighting entity at sea. Rear Admiral Thomas P. Moninger, the commander of CSG 12, highlighted the value of this integration in enhancing tactical proficiency, emphasizing the commitment of the sailors and the support of their families in the lead-up to eventual deployment.

Carrier Strike Group 4, stationed in charge, orchestrated this exercise to train, guide, and evaluate strike groups, amphibious groups, and independent forces for potential global conflicts. Their combined efforts on the ship and onshore ensured the successful execution of the Group Sail training. Rear Admiral Max McCoy of CSG 4 stressed the significance of coordinated training efforts led by headquarters and supported by units like Tactical Training Group Atlantic.

Group Sail represents the initial at-sea phase of the integrated training sequence, overseen by CSG-4. Preceded by a Warfare Commander’s Conference, this exercise will be succeeded by further training events such as Fleet Synthetic Training in preparation for their final certification at sea, the Composite Training Unit Exercise. These rigorous programs are designed to secure the strike group’s readiness for global deployment.

CSG-4’s leadership in training strategies effectively incorporates live, virtual, and simulated training elements. Coordination with Fleet Forces Command and specialized centers like the Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona ensures advanced training execution. Preparation for these integrated phases begins well in advance, often running concurrently with other certification processes.

Capt. James Von St. Paul, Commodore of DESRON 2, praised the team’s swift adaptation and willingness to address mistakes as they transitioned from the Group Sail exercise. This proactive stance, he noted, distinguishes efficient teams from outstanding ones. With these developments, the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group sets a high standard for Navy readiness in facing contemporary global challenges.