August 31, 2009

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) wrapped up a 10-day Regional Security Education Program (RSEP) sponsored by the Naval Postgraduate School Aug. 23.

RSEP is an answer to the chief of naval operation's call for new initiatives preparing operating forces for regional security missions and threats, as well as a critical element to the Maritime Strategy.

The briefs held on board Nimitz were led by retired Rear Adm. Steven Loeffler, director of RSEP, and his team of regional experts.

Loeffler discussed the importance of the carrier's role in diplomacy and the overall mission of the Navy.

"Diplomacy is an important aspect of the Maritime Strategy," said Loeffler. "In order to maintain peace, keep trade flowing, and deal with the global economy, we have to keep the sea lanes open and to do that we need to maintain good relationships with other nations."

Loeffler and his team travel around the fleet to brief deploying strike groups and expeditionary units. This marks the third visit RSEP has made to Nimitz.

"Decision-makers and operators really need and appreciate this kind of research, expertise and assessment," said Lt. Jeremy Wagner, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 targeting officer, who attended a brief. "Having a variety of perspectives and insights can help us better understand our mission."

Though the program is designed to provide graduate-level education, the information is applicable to all ranks, from strike group commanders to junior enlisted checking on board Nimitz for the first time.

"Most of our briefings are the same lectures that our professors give to their students who are working toward Master's degrees at Berkley, Stanford, and the Naval Postgraduate School," said Loeffler. "We discuss topics that range from Indonesia's war for independence, to how to bargain for the best price on pearls in Singapore."

Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Miller, Commander, CSG 11, is comprised of Nimitz, the guided-missile destroyers USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS Sampson (DDG 102) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin (CG 55) from Commander, Naval Surface Group, Mid Pacific and the Perry-class frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46) from DESRON 1. Squadrons from CVW 11 include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA 14, the "Warhawks" of VFA 97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA 86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117. Detachments from the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, the "Battle Cats" of HSL 43, the "Wolfpack" of HSL 45 and the "Scorpions" of HSL 49. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10) embarking the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 also accompany Nimitz CSG.