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IWO JIMA ESG Composite Unit Training Exercise/TR CSG and Joint Task Force Exercise 08-4 Public Affairs Plan Background: JTFEX 08-4 is a joint/combined exercise that will be conducted from July 21-31, 2008 off the Atlantic coast, principally in a maritime environment. The exercise serves as the certifying event for the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG) and the Iwo Jima Expeditionary (IWO ESG) Strike Group. For the Second Fleet Headquarters Staff, it will serve a sustainment event as a Joint Task Force Capable Headquarters (JTF HQ) and preliminary accreditation as a Maritime Headquarters with Maritime Operations Center (MHQ w/MOC). In addition to the TRCSG and the IWO ESG, a Navy Expeditionary Combat Task Group, the British carrier HMS Ark Royal (R07), the Brazilian frigate BNS Greenhalgh (F 46) and the French submarine FS Amethyste (S605) will also participate. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) will host a historic collaboration between the US and French Navies. French Rafale Fighter aircraft assigned to the 12th Squadron, and French E2C Hawkeyes assigned to the 4th Squadron will conduct carrier qualifications and participate in cyclic flight operations with Carrier Air Wing EIGHT during Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Groups Joint Task Force Exercise. This embark marks the first integrated US/French carrier qualifications and cyclic flight operations aboard a U.S. carrier. The IWO ESG will take part in a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) from 8-31Jul off the North Carolina coast as they continue to prepare for deployment. COMPTUEX is designed to provide realistic training environments for U.S. naval forces that closely replicate the operational challenges routinely encountered during military operations around the world. Training such as this will ensure that the IWO ESG is prepared to support any mission while providing an excellent opportunity to exercise joint and cooperative operating procedures with other U.S. military services and military services of our neighbors and allies. The BNS Greenhalgh is the first Brazilian Navy surface unit to fully participate in a US Strike Group. Greenhalgh and USS Iwo Jima will be the first two ships to operate the new CENTRIX IANTL at the tactical level which will allow the exchange of classified messages and chat. Further, COMPTUEX ensures U.S. forces attain the greatest capability, accentuating the need for a scalable, deployable force on short notice. In todays world, properly trained, combat-ready forces are essential. As such, the IWO ESG and Marine Corps personnel from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU) will train using equipment and systems that incorporate the latest advances in technology, and will support the full range of capabilities that may be required in various geographic areas. The British carrier HMS Ark Royal will also participate in the exercise. A Navy Expeditionary Combat Task Group (NECTG) consisting of a mixture of forces from the Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) will take part in JTFEX for the first time on the East Coast. NECTG is commanded by the commodore of Riverine Group One and will be conducting various Theater Security Cooperation and engagement missions reflecting NECCs capabilities to support the Maritime Strategy with a focus on cooperative relationships with maritime partners.

Goal: Educate and inform key audiences of the importance of training in deployment preparation.
Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --1-

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Approach: The communications approach for will be proactive and coordinated with: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Commander, US Fleet Forces (USFF) Commander, US 2nd Fleet (C2F) Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic (CSFTL) Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG) Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (IWO ESG) Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) Coalition Forces

Audiences: The major audiences are as follows: a. Internal: Senior leadership, USFF, US Second Fleet, CSFTL, TR CSG, IWO ESG, NECC, coalition forces, and Sailors, including their families. b. US Public: The media, the C2F Website and Navy Newsstand will be the primary means of informing Americans about this exercise. c. International Public: The media will be the primary means of informing international audiences about this exercise. Execution: Concept of Operations. PA activities for JTFEX 08-4 will be conducted in three phases as follows: a. Phase 1- Preparation (ongoing until 18 July). During this phase, a Media Advisory (MA) announcing the US Navys participation in JTFEX 08-4 will be prepared and issued regionally. Media queries will be referred to COMSECONDFLT PA who will coordinate responses with participating units as required. Appropriate coalition forces PAOs will facilitate international media coverage of events. NECC will issue a media advisory in the Wilmington, N.C., area to advise the local population of training in the vicinity. b. Phase 2- Media embark opportunities (21-31 July). C2F PA staff will coordinate media embarks onboard afloat units as appropriate. Multiple-day embarks will be considered on an individual basis. NECC PAO will conduct a media day 24 July at its operating locations in and around its area of operations in the vicinity of Wilmington and Elizabethtown, N.C. c. Phase 3- Exercise PA response evaluation (21-31 July). C2F PA will evaluate PA exercise participant response to injects. d. A robust and proactive internal information efforts will be made through out all phases. Release Authority:
Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --2-

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COMSECONDFLT is the releasing authority for all pubic information on COMPTUEX and JTFEX 08-4 unless otherwise delegated. As such, COMSECONDFLT is responsible for reviewing all proposed press releases and imagery from US units participating in the exercises for political sensitivities and policy considerations. US units participating in the exercises should not make public affairs releases to any source, including base newspapers, without COMSECONDFLT approval. Release authority may be delegated to the strike group level as the exercises progress. Evaluation: Measurable PA Objectives. Simple and measurable objectives have been established in an effort to gain some indicators regarding the successful implementation of this plan. The objectives are as follows: Real-time Media Coverage. External media coverage is balanced and conveys exercise messages and themes identified in this plan. Success will be indicated by at least one piece meeting this criterion per media outlet in attendance. With the use of TIVOs, C2F PA will track local media reports on the exercise. Internal Coverage. Information, to include press releases, will be released to Navy Newsstand. Success will be indicated by at least one news story and one photograph published on Navy Newsstand. Information released to internal media outlets will be followed up and tracked. Search engines will be used to capture internal media clips for PA evaluation. . Imagery Releases. Photos and video will be released to internal and external media. Imagery will be distributed to C2F media distro list, if media desires imagery C2F will provide or media will be directed to Lighthouse. Success will be indicated by photo publication and video broadcast by civilian and military media outlets. Imagery released to media outlets will be followed up and tracked. Search engines, television channels and periodicals will be monitored and captured for PA evaluation. Communication Points: Overall themes: The following overall themes will be incorporated into any public discourse regarding JTFEX 08-4 or the global issue of joint, bilateral, inter-service cooperation: Readiness: The exercise provides a realistic training environment that ensures effective and intense training to ensure our forces are interoperable, capable are ready for deployment on short notice. Combined and joint operations: We train the way we fight. Military response, whether it be war fighting, peacekeeping, or humanitarian support, is a joint effort on the part of all the armed services. Just as important, we must continue to work with like-minded nations to deter, detect and deny terrorist activities, and enhance maritime security.
Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --3-

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o The combined operations are only a small part of Americas commitment to maximizing cooperation with allied partners in the ongoing war on terrorism. The U.S. Navy continues to work with partners to deter aggressors, protect the right to operate freely at sea, and provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief around the world.

People: Members of the U.S. armed forces and those of our allies are recognized as the worlds finest. The American people realize that well-trained military forces, using the newest technology and experienced in joint/combined operations and interoperability, will be best prepared for future missions. Presence: Deployed naval forces, immediately employable in support of our national interests remain an essential component of national security. This provides a force with the power to shape events. Forward-deployed forces provide combat power in the critical early stages of any conflict, while creating conditions to assure access for the entire combined/joint force. Sustainment: JTF Capable HQ sustainment for C2F core staff, reserve and individual augmentees. This exercise will also serve as the preliminary accreditation for Commander Second Fleet, Maritime Headquarters w/ Maritime Operation Center (C2F MHQ w/ MOC).

Exercise messages: Provides a graduate-level exercise to ensure US and coalition forces are interoperable, capable and ready for deployment on short notice. In todays world, properly trained, combatready forces are essential. Military response is a joint effort on the part of all the armed services. JTFEX 08-4 will be joint and combined, including two US strike groups, the British carrier HMS Ark Royal, the Brazilian frigate Greenhalgh, and the French submarine Amethyste. Participating forces will train using equipment and systems that incorporate the latest advances in technology, and will support the full range of capabilities that may be required in various geographic areas. The TR CSG is made up of: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71); Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two (CCSG-2); Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8); Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22 (CDS-22); the guided missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); guided missile destroyers USS The Sullivans (DDG 68, USS Mason (DDG 87), and USS Nitze (DDG 94); and the attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761). The French submarine Amethyste (S 605), Rafale fighter aircraft and Hawkeye early warning aircraft will also operate as part of the TR CSG. The IWO ESG consists of USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Commander, Amphibious Squadron Four (CPR-4), The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU), the amphibious transport dock ship San Antonio (LPD 17), the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), and the attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768). The British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal and the Brazilian frigate Greenhalgh will also operate as part of the IWO ESG.

Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --4-

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The Navy Expeditionary Combat Task Group (NECTG) is made up of: Riverine Group One staff augmented with personnel from throughout the NECC force, Riverine Squadron One, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Ten (Reserve command based in Jacksonville, Fla.), an air detachment from Naval Construction Forces Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Eleven based in Gulfport, Miss., Navy Cargo Handling Battalion Three (Reserve unit from Alameda, Calif.), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Six plus EOD Support Unit from Little Creek, Va. The NECTG is a mixture of Reserve and active forces, reflecting the importance of the total force nature of NECC and the commands unique requirement to activate Reservists to execute its routine missions -- fully 47 percent of NECCs forces are Reserve Component. JTFEX 08-4 is NECC s first participation a JTFEX as a stand-alone task group operating on the same command level as carrier and expeditionary strike group. JTFEX 08-4 will encompass operations on the east coast from Norfolk to Florida, demonstrating COMSECONDFLTs ability to command a vast coalition across great distances in a distributed staff configuration. The training received in JTFEX 08-4 will help build improved military capabilities that are interoperable and meet combatant commander requirements. Our new Maritime Strategy A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower emphasizes the need for increased global cooperation to promote global peace and prosperity. This combined training exercise will help to build stronger relations between the US, the French and the Brazilian Navies, making future cooperation in the search for global security and stability easier to achieve.

Interoperability Messages: The US and coalition forces have the responsibility and authority to act in a mutually supportive manner in response crises of common interest and to conduct operations to deal with these crises using all available maritime, land and air assets at their disposal. Our Navy operations with allied nations are a critical part of the global cooperation needed to make the worlds oceans safe and accessible to all lawful and legitimate users. COMPTUEX and JTFEX 08-4 are excellent opportunities to take part in a simulated training scenarios in order to confirm joint operating procedures and work closely and cooperatively with military services of our neighbors and allies. COMPTUEX and JTFEX 08-4 allow all of us to rehearse our interoperability and to confirm our coalition bilateral and inter-agency lines of communication. US and coalition forces taking part in COMPTUEX and JTFEX 08-4 are highly trained and motivated and well equipped to respond to threats such as those being exercised.
Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --5-

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The benefits of interoperability are reciprocal. All staffs will gain a broader understanding and insight into combined operations by working jointly during COMPTUEX and JTFEX 08-4. Training opportunities such as COMPTUEX and JTFEX 08-4 enhance the preparedness of all personnel to jointly respond to threats.

Royal Navy Messages This presents the Royal Navy with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate its contribution to medium scale carrier strike capability in a testing maritime exercise with a major coalition partner. JTFEX is a great opportunity to share training, work together, understand capabilities and improve tactical development. The exercise promotes the continued development of combined and Joint capabilities with maritime and air assets from an allied nation. It allows the Royal Navy to gain an enthusiasm and appreciation for working with very professional allies. JTFEX demonstrates the versatility of RN ships, emphasizes worldwide operational capability and flexible global reach, while helping to strengthen international peace and stability.

French Navy Messages The security, prosperity, and other vital interests of the United States are increasingly joined to those of other nations. Our nations interests are best served by fostering a peaceful global system comprising of interdependent networks of trade, finance, information, law, people and governance. No nation can do it alone. Training opportunities such as this joint US/French airwing collaboration enhance the preparedness of all personnel to jointly respond to threats. In order to maximize our ability to respond to any threat, cooperation with our allies permits us to leverage our force to provide needed stability to any region. In order to perform successfully during an unforeseen emergency, it is essential to practice possible techniques for coordinated action with our partners. Coalition partners help to maintain our combat power to provide credible deterrence against the threat of criminal and terrorist action.

Brazilian Navy Messages COMPTUEX and JTFEX will be a great opportunity to enhance the interoperability between Brazilian Navy and other coalition partners in a realistic scenario within a United Nations Mandate.

Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --6-

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Traditional partners like Brazil, France, UK and US need to be prepared on how to assist one another in using the sea for legitimate purposes, while restraining use by those who threaten national, regional, or global security. This effort shows BRN is engaged in a "multinational way" to solve world common problems. "Through collaboration we stand." These events motivate our ranks and allow our sailors to demonstrate their pride and willingness to join with allies to build peace throughout the world.

Maritime Headquarters w/ Maritime Operations Center MHQ with MOC enhances joint integration and interoperability by aligning with sister services operational-level organizations. Significantly expands Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) by globally networking with other services, coalitions and allies, federal, state, local agencies, and non-government organizations (NGOs). Provides more efficient and effective command and control of forces, globally and regionally. MHQ with MOC affords the Navy a sustained state of readiness, delivering manning, training and equipment needs to the Navys operational-level commands.

Releasable/Non-Releasable Information: The guidelines below define the items of information that are, or are not, releasable. They are limited to those required to preserve military security and to ensure the principle of making the maximum amount of information regarding COMPTUEX and JTFEX 08-4 available to the public. a. Releasable Information General o o Major units supporting these exercises, after official release. Approximate strength figures of US and coalition forces supporting the exercises, by service, after official release.

Ground/Naval Operations o o Size of US and coalition forces supporting the exercise, using general terms such as multi-ship force or strike group. Non-sensitive information regarding details of the exercise when release has been authorized by C2F.

Air Operations o Type of aircraft used.

Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --7-

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o o Whether aircraft were land or carrier based. Weather en route.

b. Information Not Releasable Under Any Circumstances General o o o Any information, general or specific, regarding any aspect of actual or conceptual future military plans, activities or operations. Information on any command, control, personnel, operational or support vulnerabilities, weaknesses or shortfalls. Information on unit/command strengths supporting these exercises, on-hand equipment or supplies. The presence, activities and methods of operation of specifically designated units or equipment. Information on security and deception measures/countermeasures.

Air, Ground and Sea Operations (past and present) o Specific information on friendly force current operations, movements, deployments and dispositions of forces supporting these exercises.

Other Deliverables from units: TR and Iwo Jima Photography/VI Support: Combat Camera and Photolab Daily imagery sent to CHINFO Daily imagery sent to JCCC All Hands Television packages

TR SOE: Media Embarks- 22-23 and 26-27 July Flight deck and shipboard access DV Embarks- throughout the exercise

IWO JIMA SOE: Flight deck and shipboard access DV Embarks- 22-23 July

NECTG: Media Day 24 JUL

Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --8-

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Imagery sent to CHINFO/JCCC Stories sent to C2F for release to Naval Media Center

Written Products: SMEs: TR/IWO JIMA Strike Group Commanders TR/IWO JIMA Commanding Officers HMS Ark Royal Commanding Officer BNS Greenhalgh Commanding Officer Commander, Air Wing EIGHT Commodore, Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-TWO Commodore, Navy Expeditionary Combat Task Group Navy Expeditionary Combat Task Group Unit Commanders CVW-8 Pilots Tactical Action Officers Operations Officers TR drafts for C2F release COMPTUEX and JTFEX kick off releases COMPTUEX and JTFEX wrap-up releases Significant event releases (as necessary)

Accidents and Incidents: The initial release of information following an accident or incident during COMPTUEX and/or JTFEX 08-4 is essential in ensuring a complete and timely flow of information reaches the chain of command, media reporting on the event and families waiting for accurate information. It is essential that units involved in an accident or incident include a public affairs assessment in all OPREP-3/UNIT SITREP reports, and that proposed Public Affairs Guidance (PAG) be provided to COMSECONDFLT within one hour of the initial report. a. Action. Proposed PAG related to exercise incidents should be forwarded by immediate message to COMSECONDFLT, INFO COMFLTFORCOM, Norfolk, Virginia, the units operational and
Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --9-

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administrative chains of command and local releasing authority within one hour of incident. Basic guidelines for the preparation of PAG include: 1) Proposed PAG will provide a brief statement discussing the accident/incident in general terms. Make no assumptions and stick to known facts. 2) Proposed PAG will include proposed questions and answers for use in response to query only. 3) Special care will be exercised not to release names of personnel casualties involved to the media until next-of-kin (NOK) notification has been confirmed. 4) Following confirmation of NOK notification, regardless of condition/status of those involved, a supplemental proposed PAG identifying the names and homes-of-record of the individuals involved (if death or significant injury is involved) will be forwarded to COMSECONDFLT for approval. 5) Additional care will be made not to speculate on the cause of the accident/incident. 6) Keep message limited to unclassified information. Do not disclose any type of classified information. b. Release. PAG proposed to COMSECONDFLT will be reviewed for accuracy, local sensitivities and appropriate disclosure of information. COMSECONDFLT will approve the press release with any modifications for release as appropriate by local releasing authority. Environmental Background: Pursuant to Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508) implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, and in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 12114, Environmental Effects Aboard of Major Federal Actions and the CNO Instruction (OPNAVINST) 5090.1C, the Navy gives notice that a combined Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)/Finding of No Significant Harm (FONSH) has been issued for the Expeditionary Strike Group Composite Training Unit Exercise and Carrier Strike Group Joint Task Force Exercise. Major Atlantic Fleet training exercises are designed to closely approximate the emerging threats and operational conditions that U.S. Armed Forces and Allied partners could encounter during forwarddeployed operations around the world. Major exercises include Carrier Strike Group Composite Training Unit Exercises, Expeditionary Strike Group Composite Training Exercises, Joint Task Force Exercises and Combined CSG COMPTUEX/JTFEXs. The purpose of these exercises is to certify naval forces as combat-ready. These forces must be well trained to respond, at minimal personal risk to sailors and marines, to the myriad of tasks that might confront them. General SOE: 14 Jul: 21 Jul: 22-23 Jul: C2F Embark BAT BAT Underway STARTEX French media embark (TR) Navy General Council/Solicitor General Emb (TR) IWO DV Day
Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --10-

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24 Jul: 24-25 Jul: 24-25 Jul: 26-27Jul: 28-29 Jul: 31 Jul: NECTG media date C2F DV Embark dates (TR) French media visit to Chamber Field and Oceana (TBD) Media embark (TR) C2F DV Embark dates (TR) FINEX

Questions and Answers: GENERAL Q1. What is the purpose of JTFEX 08-4? A1. JTFEX 08-4 is a joint and combined exercise designed to provide realistic training environments for US and coalition forces that closely replicate the operational challenges routinely encountered during military operations around the world. Training such as this ensures our military forces are prepared to support any missions they may be tasked to execute. Q2. Where will JTFEX 08-4 take place? A2. JTFEX 08-4 will occur in designated operations areas off the US east coast - from the waters off Virginia to Florida. The units are making use of the following ranges for JTFEX 08-4: Navy and Air Force Dare ranges (near Dare, VA), Townsend (near Beaufort, SC), BT-9 and BT11 (MCAS Cherry Point, N.C.); and operating in the vicinity of Camp LeJeune, N.C., Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, the Cape Fear River, the Intercoastal waterway between Cape Fear and Camp LeJeune, and Elizabethtown, N.C. Q3. How many ships are participating? A3. More 30 ships from four nations will participate in the exercises. INTEROPERABILITY Q4. How many personnel are participating in the exercise? A4. A robust, multinational force of more than 15,000 service members will participate in the exercise, The personnel taking place in JTFEX 08-4 are highly trained and motivated, and well equipped to respond to threats such as those being exercised. Q5. What forces are participating? A5. A robust force of more than 15,000 US and coalition partners, including the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (Commander Carrier Strike Group 2) and the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (Commander Amphibious Squadron 4) wil participate in the exercise. U.S. and coalition naval assets underway for JTFEX 08-4 include the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima with associated units, the British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, Brazilian frigate BNS Greenhalgh and the French submarine FS Amethyste. The TR CSG is made up of: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71); Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two (CCSG-2); Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8); Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22 (CDS-22); the guided missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); guided missile destroyers USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Mason (DDG 87), and USS Nitze (DDG 94); the attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761); and the French submarine FS Amethyste (S 605).
Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --11-

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The IWO ESG consists of USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Commander, Amphibious Squadron Four (CPR-4); the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU); the amphibious transport dock ship San Antonio (LPD 17); the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80); the attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768); British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (R07); and the Brazilian frigate BNS Greenhalgh (F 46). The Navy Expeditionary Combat Task Group (NECTG) is consists of: Riverine Group One staff augmented with personnel from throughout the NECC force; Riverine Squadron One; Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Ten; an air detachment from Naval Construction Forces Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Eleven; Navy Cargo Handling Battalion Three; and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Six plus EOD Support Unit. Q6. What non-U.S. units are participating? A6. The British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (R07), the Brazilian frigate BNS Greenhalgh (F 46), FS Amethyste (S 605) as well as French Rafale fighter aircraft assigned to the 12th Squadron; French E2C Hawkeyes assigned to the 4th Squadron and British helicopters from the 854 SQN will participate in the exercise. Q7. What French aircraft are involved in the exercise? A7. The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) will be the platform for a historic collaboration between the US and French Navies. French Rafale Fighter aircraft assigned to the 12th Squadron, and French E2C Hawkeyes assigned to the 4th Squadron will conduct carrier qualifications and cyclic flight operations with Carrier Air Wing EIGHT during Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Groups Joint Task Force Exercise. This embark marks the first integrated US/French carrier qualifications and cyclic flight operations aboard a US Carrier. TRAINING Q8. What are cyclic flight operations? A8. Cyclic flight operations involve the launch and recovery of aircraft for a series of training missions. This develops a cycle of launches and recoveries as each new group of aircraft is launched prior to the recovery of the previous group. Q9. What type of training does JTFEX 08-4 involve? A9. JTFEX 08-4 provides realistic training environments for US and coalition forces that closely replicate the operational challenges routinely encountered during military operations around the world. It is an excellent opportunity to confirm joint operating procedures and work closely and cooperatively with military services of our neighbors and allies. Q10. What training ranges will be used in the exercise? A10. All exercise events will be conducted at the operating areas and training ranges along the east coast. The strike groups are making use of the following ranges for JTFEX 08-4: Navy and Air Force Dare ranges (near Dare, VA), Townsend (near Beaufort, SC), BT-9 and BT11 (MCAS Cherry Point, N.C.). Additionally, NECTG forces will be operating in the vicinity of Camp LeJeune, N.C., Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, the Cape Fear River, the Intercoastal waterway between Cape Fear and Camp LeJeune, and Elizabethtown, N.C. Q11. How often are Joint Task Force exercises conducted?
Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --12-

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A11. On the average, Joint Tasks Forces Exercises are conducted on the East Coast twice yearly, depending on the needs of the Navy in regard to world events. To stay apace of the increased demand for forward deployed naval forces, under the Fleet Response Plan, our goal is to be able to provide the nation six-plus-two carrier strike groups (CSG); specifically six CSG's deployed or ready to deploy within 30 days and an additional two CSG's ready to go within approximately 90 days. The goal is to get ships ready sooner, and ensure they remain ready longer, to respond to missions as they arise. Q12. Does this training prepare forces for contingencies in support of Iraq and Afghanistan? A12. JTFEX 08-4 is a recurring exercise that ensures our forces are trained in preparation for missions they may receive while deployed in support of the war on terror. Training opportunities such as JTFEX 08-4 enhance the preparedness of all personnel to jointly respond to threats. ENVIRONMENTAL Q13. What is the environmental impact of this exercise? A13. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and a Finding of No Significant Harm (FONSH) have been signed for this exercise. Our environmental analysis concluded that there would be no significant impacts to the environment. Modeling indicated the potential for effects on sperm whales from mid-frequency active (MFA) sonar use. The Navy consulted with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) regarding these potential effects, and they issued a Biological Opinion (BO) concluding that the exercise would not jeopardize threatened or endangered species. Protective measures required by the National Defense Exemption (NDE) from the Marine Mammal Protection Act for MFA sonar use will be implemented, along with measures required by the NMFS BO. An exercise-specific measure that restricts MFA sonar use to east of the 100-fathom curve has been imposed for major exercises in this area since 2005. Q14. Where can I find the official documents relating to the environmental impact of this exercise? A14. A Notice of Availability of Finding has been published in the Federal Register, as well as in local newspapers. The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Finding of No Significant Harm (FONSH) are available for public viewing or download at http://www.navydocuments.com. Q15. What specific measures are being taken to protect sea life during the exercise? A15. Many protective measures are implemented to mitigate the impact on sea life in the exercise area. Among them are: Training for exercise personnel in species identification; Survey of areas prior to sonobuoy release, and release down current of observed sea turtles if feasible; report of all aerial sightings of sea turtles to all participants to avoid collision; avoidance of algae mats, seabird and jellyfish clusters; and the monitoring of sea conditions as a cue to increase lookout vigilance. MHQ w/MOC Q16. What is MHQ w/MOC? A16. Maritime Headquarters with Maritime Operations Center is a construct that organizes people, processes and systems with consistency. It will be implemented in each numbered fleet to enable operational level planning and execution with diverse sets of partners in flexible organizational constructs that change in capacity to reflect mission requirements. MHQ w/MOC is a capability, rather than a specific facility or department within a fleet headquarters.
Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --13-

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Q17. What sets MHQ w/MOC apart from Commander, Second Fleet during JTFEX? A17. As the Second Fleet Staff participates in JTFEX, sustaining its certification to operate as a Joint Task Force Headquarters, it will at the same time be accomplishing the accreditation of its MHQ w/MOC capability. These processes will be intertwined, and the MHQ w/MOC processes will be flexed along with Second Fleets other fleet management responsibilities and JTF HQ role. Q18. After being certified during JTFEX what is the next step for MHQ w/ MOC? Will it be its own command center or will it still fall under C2F? A18. MHQ w/MOC is not seen as a separate entity from C2F, nor is it even an autonomous department or directorate. It is seen as a construct, or capability, that will enable fleet commanders to deliver global maritime capabilities throughout the full range of military operations. Eventually, the intent is to develop an effective, agile, networked and scalable set of MHQs w/MOC that employ common doctrine, standardized processes and common systems able to operate in diverse organizational constructs with diverse partners (joint, interagency and combined) across the range of military operations. NECC Q19. What is NECC? A19. Navy Expeditionary Combat Command serves as the single functional command for the Navys expeditionary forces and as central management for the readiness, resources, manning, training and equipping of those forces. Q20. Why is NECC participating? A20. NECCs participation in JTFEX is to implement the Adaptive Force Package concept articulated in the commands Concept of Operations, allowing the command to tailor forces specific to each mission. Q21. How has NECCs participation changed the exercise scenario? A21. NECCs participation in JTFEX provides for an ongoing engagement mission scenario that will be ongoing at the start of the exercise, reflecting the real-world Naval presence throughout all theaters of operations, as exemplified by missions such as Africa Partnership Station and Global Fleet Station. Q21. What is an Adaptive Force Package? A22. An Adaptive Force Package is a task-organized group of NECC forces sized to meet mission needs that are commanded and controlled by an NECC staff designed to meet a specific mission.

Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --14-

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Draft News Release:

DRAFT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 18, 2008

JTFEX 08-4 Operation Brimstone begins off East Coast NORFOLK, Va. - More than 15,000 service members from four countries will participate in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 Operation Brimstone, July 21-31 in North Carolina and off the U.S. coast from Virginia to Florida. JTFEX 08-4 serves as a ready-for-deployment certification event for the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG) and the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Stike Group (IWO ESG). The exercise will also serve as a Joint Task Force Capable Headquarters sustainment event and Maritime Headquarters with Maritime Operations Center preliminary accreditation for the Second Fleet staff. This exercise is a tremendous opportunity to train; not only as the Navy and Marine Corps team, but with our joint and coalition partners as well, said Commander, Second Fleet Vice Admiral Marty Chanik. JTFEX 08-4 will flex our warfighting capabilities from the operational level through expeditionary strike force and strike group operations with several of our coalition partners France, Brazil and the United Kingdom. The exercise also marks the first time that forces from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command are participating in an East-Coast JTFEX. NECC forces operating in the littorals and riverine environment are supporting integrated operations. "Navy Expeditionary Combat Command provides a self-contained adaptive force package with a command element tailored to support the full spectrum of operations from major combat operations to unconventional and irregular warfare," said NECC commander RDML Mike Tillotson.

Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --15-

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U.S. and coalition naval assets underway for the exercise include the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) with associated units including the British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (RO 7), the Brazilian Navy frigate Greenhalgh (F-46) and the French submarine FS Amethyste (S 605). BNS Greenhalgh is the first Brazilian Navy Ship to operate integrated in a U.S. strike group. French Rafale fighter aircraft assigned to the 12th Squadron, and Hawkeye early warning aircraft assigned to the 4th Squadron will conduct carrier qualifications and cyclic flight operations with U.S. Carrier Air Wing Eight during Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Groups Joint Task Force Exercise. This marks the first integrated U.S. and French carrier qualifications and cyclic flight operations aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier. The TR CSG is made up of: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71); Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two (CCSG-2); Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8); Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22 (CDS22); the guided missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); guided missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87), and USS Nitze (DDG 94) homeported in Norfolk, Va.; the attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) homeported in Groton, Conn.; and guided missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) homeported in Mayport, Fla. The IWO ESG consists of USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Commander, Amphibious Squadron Four (CPR-4) based at Little Creek, Va.; the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU) based at Camp Lejune, N.C.; the amphibious transport dock ship San Antonio (LPD 17); guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); and guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), homeported in Norfolk, Va.; the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) homeported at Little Creek, Va.; the guided missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) homeported in Mayport, Fla., and the attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) homeported in Groton, Conn.
Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --16-

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The Navy Expeditionary Combat Task Group (NECTG) is made up of: Riverine Group One staff augmented with personnel from throughout the NECC force, Riverine Squadron One, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Ten, based in Jacksonville, Fla.; an air detachment from Naval Construction Forces Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Eleven based in Gulfport, Miss.; Navy Cargo Handling Battalion Three, based in Alameda, Calif.), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Six plus EOD Support Unit based at Little Creek, Va. In addition, the following forces are participating in the exercise simulating opposition forces: guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64), homeported in Mayport, Fla.; guided missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Anzio (CG 68) and USS Normandy (CG 60), guided-missile destroyers USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81); and the guided missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52), all homeported in Norfolk, Va. - USN For more information on this exercise, contact the Second Fleet Public Affairs Office at (757) 443-9850 (x47122).

Prepared by U.S. Second Fleet Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. --17-

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