Aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departed its homeport of Norfolk to begin Tailored Ship's Training and Availability/Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP), Sept. 12.

TSTA, which is assessed by Afloat Training Group (ATG) Atlantic, is a multi-phase event meant to provide the GHWB crew with a solid foundation of unit-level operating proficiency as well as enhance the ship's ability to self-train following the assessment.

FEP is a culmination of the basic unit-level training and evaluates the ship's ability to conduct combat missions, support functions and survive complex, casualty control situations.

"The main focus during this evolution is crew training," said Lt. Cmdr. Alexandra Grayson, the ship's training officer. "When GHWB completes TSTA/FEP, the crew will be better prepared to handle any potential real-world casualties that may come our way."

ATG inspectors will assess the crew's knowledge and capabilities through medical, damage control, navigation and weapons drills. General quarters drills allow all of these subjects to be simultaneously graded through training scenarios and simulated attacks on the ship.

"As long as the crew continues to demonstrate that we train like we fight, the ship will have a successful TSTA/FEP," said Grayson.

GHWB will continue to conduct these drills throughout the underway period until ATG assessors determine the crew is proficient across the graded category spectrum.

The next major graded evolution in the pre-deployment certification will be a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), which will test all warfare areas of the ship during integrated strike group operations.

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