Page:Iran Air Flight 655 investigation.djvu/43

 13,500 climbing to an assigned altitude of FL 140 (14,000 FT), on course of 209.5T, at 383 KTS. (IO Exhibits 91 and 102).

(10) (U) Air Traffic Control Center at Abu Dhabi neither gained radar video nor established communications with Iran Air Flight 655. (IO Exhibits 306, 275).

6.

a. Training and Readiness.

(1) (U) USS VINCENNES deployed 25 April 1988, on short notice, to the Persian Gulf/Middle East Force. (IO Exhibit 166: Encl 1 and 4).

(2) (U) USS VINCENNES was directed on 20 April 1988 to detach from FLEETEX 88-2 for immediate return to homeport and a 21 April 1988 deployment to the Persian Gulf/Middle East Force. USS VINCENNES transit was to be directly from San Diego to Subic Bay and onward to Middle East Force with an arrival in the Persian Gulf of 16 May 1988. (IO Exhibit 166: Encl 2).

U (3)  Upon notice of deployment on 20 April 1988, USS Vincennes was in the highest state of training and readiness: C1 in Personnel, Supply, Equipment and Training; M1 in AAW, AMW, ASW, ASUW, C3, EW, and training areas. (IO Exhibit 166: Encl 2A; Definitions of readiness and training ratings included in IO Exhibit 166: Encl 2B).

U (4)  Prior to deployment on 25 April 1988, USS VINCENNES participated in interim refresher training (26 Oct – 6 Nov 1987), FLEETEX 88-1/COMPUTEX 88-3 (1-12 FEB 88) and a portion of FLEETEX 88-2 (8-19 APR 88). On completion of interim refresher training, USS VINCENNES was found to be fully capable of performing duties as AAWC or LAAWC in Battle Group operations. (IO Exhibit 166: Encl 2b, 3a, 4, 2c).

U (5)  During FLEETEX 88-1, USS VINCENNES participated in a Middle East Force Exercise (MEFEX) 5-8 FEB 88. This exercise simulated an "Earnest Will" escort mission, and provided: anti-silkworm training, terrorist aircraft training, terrorist small boat defense, and anti-swimmer defense. (IO Exhibit 166: Encl 2a, 3, 4, 2c).

U (6)  USS VINCENNES did not complete FLEETEX 88-2 due to her early deployment; however, USS VINCENNES participated in the following training evolutions during FLEETEX 88-2: extensive war-at-sea strike exercises (WASEX); Silkworm missile attacks; training in ROE; and fast patrol boat attack simulations. (IO Exhibit 166: Encl 2a, 3, 4, 2c).