| Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic | |
|---|---|
CSFTL emblem |
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| Active | c. 1940 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | Fleet |
| Role | Atlantic Fleet Integrated/Advanced Training |
| Part of | U.S. Fleet Forces Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Station Norfolk, VA |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Rear Admiral Dennis Fitzpatrick |
Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic (CSFTL or COMSTRKFORTRALANT) is the U.S. Fleet Forces Command formation charged with training and certifying Atlantic Fleet Carrier Strike Groups, Amphibious Ready Groups, and independently deploying surface ships. Its mission is to “Conduct safe and effective Strike Force Training of the Atlantic Fleet.”[1]
The command was previously known as Carrier Group FOUR/Commander, Carrier Striking Force (CCG-4).
CSFTL is a one star command under the three-star Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and is based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Tactical Training Group, Atlantic (TTGL) and Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic (EWTGL)[2] are subordinate commands. Additionally, Destroyer Squadron 24 and its four frigates also fall under CSFTL.
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CSFTL began as Commander Carrier Division Four (ComCarDiv 4) and generally operated in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Mediterranean. USS Forrestal deployed to the Mediterranean from 3 August 1962 to 2 March 1963 as flagship for ComCarDiv 4. From 1970 to 1971, Rear Admiral George C. Talley commanded Carrier Division FOUR and Task Force 60 from USS Enterprise in the Mediterranean. Between 1971 and 1975 the organization became Carrier Group 4, affiliated with NATO Striking Fleet Atlantic, part of SACLANT. In 2004 it became Carrier Strike Group 4.
CSFTL trains carrier strike groups primarily during Composite Training Exercises (COMPTUEX) and Joint Training Force Exercises (JTFEX) off the eastern seaboard of the U.S. CSFTL also trains Amphibious Ready Groups (ARG) with their embarked Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU), as well as other surface combatants not associated with a CSG or ARG. CSFTL participates in United Kingdom led Joint Warrior exercises twice per year.[3]
Composite Training Exercises (COMPTUEXs) are designed to integrate all warfare areas of the CSG or ARG/MEU.
JTFEXs provides the Strike Group with realistic training in joint operations prior to deployment. The exercise requires integration of the CSG’s existing warfighting ability with other Joint and Combined assets to support warfare under a challenging threat scenario. Upon successful completion, CSFTL recommends deployment certification to Commander, Second Fleet.
In addition, Fleet Synthetic Training (FST) is used throughout the training cycle to prepare units to go to sea. Synthetic training utilizes simulators and role players, and prepares units to go to sea at considerable savings (in fuel, material, etc.)
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