Amphibious transport dock USS Somerset completes COMPTUEX

The U.S. Navy’s amphibious transport dock USS Somerset has completed COMPTUEX, a series of simulations, exercises and drills designed to prepare a ship’s crew for deployment.

Somerset, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is preparing for its upcoming maiden deployment.

“COMPTUEX afforded the blue-green team onboard Somerset to exercise our skills while tackling more complex problems over a compact two week schedule,” said Capt. Darren Glaser, commanding officer of Somerset. “Our ability to integrate with our Marine counterparts through rapid planning and response scenarios further strengthens our relationship as a combat ream.”

During the exercise, the crews responded to a variety of drills including maritime interdiction operations, air-defense operations, and electronic warfare operations.

Key components of COMPTUEX include communication and cooperation, not only between the ships, but also between the Sailors and Marines aboard.

The completion of COMPTUEX marks the 2nd of three required pre-deployment certifications.

USS Somerset is the ninth San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship and is named in honor of the crew and passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed near Shanksville, Pa., in Somerset County during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.