Second Fleet Commander Embarks First 2nd Fleet Unit Assigned, ABE, During COMPTUEX

by Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

31 January 2019 ATLANTIC OCEAN -- Vice Adm. Andrew “Woody” Lewis, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F), embarked Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), marking the first time the newly established Fleet has executed command and control over forces at sea, Jan. 31.
Under Lewis’s command, C2F will lead the Carrier Strike Group’s Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), ultimately charged with recommending certification of combat ready naval forces to deploy for maritime employment and operations around the globe.
“COMPTUEX is by far and away the most challenging training we do,” said Lewis. “But it is so important that we challenge ourselves in a secure environment where we are able to manage risk in order to train at the highest level.”
While embarked, the fleet commander met with leadership and received update briefings on the status of the ongoing training. The admiral also had the opportunity to interact with Sailors aboard and address the crew over the 1MC shipboard announcing system.
“I had the opportunity to observe many of you at work today,” Lewis said on the 1MC. “What you are doing over the course of this exercise and what you will do in the time following is pivotal to our national security, and I am deeply impressed with your professionalism and integrity.”
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG) recently commenced Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, and accompanied by the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and ships assigned to Destroyer Squadron 2: the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).
C2F, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, was established on 24 Aug. to exercise operational and administrative authorities over assigned ships, aircraft and landing forces on the East Coast and the North Atlantic. Additionally, it plans and conducts maritime, joint and combined operations and trains and recommend certification of combat ready naval forces for deployment.