The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group’s (HSTCSG) Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), reached its midpoint Sept. 18.
Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departed Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 2, to participate in COMPTUEX, a series of at sea-training scenarios meant to test proficiency in a range of areas including air warfare, strait transits, and responses to surface and subsurface contacts and electronic attacks.
The month-long exercise is designed to certify the strike group as a deployment-ready fighting force capable of completing operations in overseas theaters.
Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4, Rear Adm. Richard Butler is aboard Truman to conduct training and provide mentorship to leadership and watchstanders as well as evaluate HSTCSG throughout the exercise.
COMPTUEX replicates real-life scenarios to train and test the strike group in preparation for events that may occur on deployment. The exercise helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of the strike group in a training environment.
HSTCSG is scheduled to deploy later this year, and includes USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28, guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68), and guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) and USS Ramage (DDG 61).
Image: US Navy