I found this paper to be well-written, easy-to-read, and extremely informative. The background sections explain what experiments are being run and why, and the experiments themselves are quite thorough. Incorporating CVMix in GOTM is a novel approach to modeling vertical mixing that will hopefully be a boon to the rest of the community. The paper provides enough details for others to repeat the experiments on their own, and I agree with how the authors interpret the results.

The only small quibble I have is with the sentence beginning on line 184 (in section 3.1): "KPP-CVMix predicts an enhanced turbulent viscosity than GLS-C01A..."; "predicts an enhanced turbulent viscosity than" is a klunky phrasing. I'd recommend "predicts more enhanced turbulent viscosity", but there are probably other ways to clean up that sentence as well.

The authors implemented three different KPP-based vertical mixing schemes in the GOTM, among two of which include LT-enhanced vertical mixing or entrainment, and then systematically assessed their performances by comparing to observations of three oceanic scenarios, yielding consistency with previous studies and improvements in the LT-parameterized schemes, particularly in significant mixed layer deepening events during winter. This work provides both framework and example of implementing LT-effects into ocean models, which benefits the ocean modeling community. In general, the paper is well written and supports its conclusions as well as findings except for some minor places, which may need to be further clarified.

1. In section 3, table 1, the flags for Ekman depth limit and MO length limit are both false while there exist strong heating events (re-stratification in FLEX) and significant mixed layer deepening (Gotland Basin). Can you clarify why these two depth limits are not considered here?

2. In your Fig.5, panel IV, why the temperature bias in the well-mixed upper layer is much greater than the salinity bias in the same layer? It seems the salinity prediction is generally better than temperature. Can you briefly explain why?

3. Section 3.2, Page 12, do you have any discussion on wind-wave misalignment effects on LT intensity and thus their effects on turbulent mixing?

4. Page 16, L335-336, Can you be more specific about why a second-order turbulence closure scheme will be more helpful?

5. Page 19, L371-375, small Langmuir number is also occasionally observed in the spring or summer, can you explain why LT effects are most pronounced in the winter? Is it easier for LT to erode halocline than thermocline?