Carrier Strike Group 10, nicknamed IKE CSG, participated in the Fleet Synthetic Training - Group Commander exercise in Norfolk, Jan. 11-21.

The CSG-10 staff, aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)(IKE), Carrier Air Wing 3, and Destroyer Squadron 26 joined forces to exercise the strike group's ability to integrate and perform during various synthetic scenarios throughout the two-week exercise, which was broken into academic and execution phases.

The training placed the strike group in a realistic training scenario to complete taskings that progressively built into more challenging requirements. Participants included personnel from the U.S., Great Britain, Denmark, and Germany as well as guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Monterey (CG 61), and guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

"By simulating the operational environment, participants are able to focus on the planning and execution of high-end operations," said Cmdr. Matthew Rick, CSG-10 operations officer.

Leading the exercise was Tactical Training Group Atlantic (TTGL), a tenant command of Carrier Strike Group 4, whose mission is to provide advanced tactical training to improve proficiency in warfighting and joint operations to the CSG. Computer-generated environmental conditions, political unrest and foreign military provocations tested the warfare commanders and operators' decision making process and pre-planned responses to these complex situations.

"FST-GC is an invaluable training tool for exercising our ability to integrate, innovate, and work together as a strike group and alongside our coalition partners," said Rear Adm. Jesse Wilson, the commander of IKE CSG. "The completion of this exercise is another milestone in preparing for our upcoming deployment which helps to build confidence and teamwork - aiding in our success during combat operations."

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.