USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Kearsarge groups conduct JTFEX 99-1
NAVY WIRE SERVICE (NWS) - 16 February 1999 
by 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

     NORFOLK (NWS) -- More than 24,000 U.S. joint service
members as well as personnel and units from allied nations
are participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 99-1,
Feb. 12 - March 2, 1999. The exercise is being directed by
Commander-in-Chief, United States Atlantic Command, Adm.
Harold W. Gehman, Jr. Conducting the exercise is Vice Adm.
William J. Fallon, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and Commander,
Striking Fleet Atlantic. When in a training role, Fallon is
designated as Commander, Joint Task Force 950.
     Featuring the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Carrier
Battle Group and the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Amphibious Ready
Group (ARG), JTFEX 99-1 replicates emerging threats and
operational challenges our military forces may encounter
around the world. It is designed to meet the requirement for
quality, realistic training to fully prepare our forces for
joint operations when forward deployed.  Participating
forces will train using equipment and systems which
incorporate the latest advances in technology, and which
support the full range of capabilities that may be needed in
various geographic areas where forces serve during theirdeployment.
     "This Joint Task Force Exercise will train operational
units from all services in a battlefield environment that is
designed to specifically prepare them for the types of
challenges the military faces today," said Fallon. "It
provides our battle group and amphibious ready group units
valuable experience in operations with forces of other
services and other nations, while giving them an opportunity
to refine joint and combined warfighting skills. It also
provides a challenging test of their capabilities, and
completes the training and evaluation process which supports
certifying the battle group and ARG as 'ready to deploy.'"
     In addition to U.S. forces, units from Great Britain,
the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Bolivia
and Brazil are participating in the exercise.  This kind of
combined training enhances the readiness of both U.S. and
allied forces, and is representative of the way nations
often assign forces to deal with modern crises today.
     JTFEX 99-1 incorporates significant special operations
forces (SOF) participation, as well. More than 2,500
personnel from Navy, Army and Air Force SOF units are coming
together during the exercise to practice many of the
missions that they may be called upon to perform in a joint
task force environment.
     JTFEX 99-1 is taking place in the waters off Virginia
and North Carolina, as well as the Puerto Rican and
Jacksonville, Fla., operating areas. The exercise provides
"graduate level" training for CVBG and ARG units prior to
their deployment.  During the exercise, participating forces
will be tested on their ability to deploy rapidly, conduct
joint operations during a crisis and refine tactics,
techniques and procedures in joint force operations.
     Forces will train in a simulated high-threat
environment that involves air, naval and ground operations,
and which incorporates surveillance, rescue and other
operations such as maritime interdiction, embassy support
and non-combatant evacuation.