U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and ships from its carrier strike group got underway on August to start the final work-up phase prior to deployment scheduled later this year.
Composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) evaluates the strike group’s deployment readiness by testing command and control functions, crew safety evolutions, search and rescue operations, damage control testing and operational capabilities of a carrier strike group, ultimately certifying the TRCSG for deployment.
“COMPTUEX is the ultimate test before we go forward,” said Rear Adm. Steve Koehler , commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine. “Throughout work-ups and after a highly successful Group Sail, the TRCSG is integrated across all warfare areas into a comprehensive warfighting force ready to carry out the nation’s tasking.”
Surface, air, and anti-submarine elements began training for COMPTUEX separately at first, and then employed different exercises to integrate the teams for mission success.
“Each of the units has a role to play,” Koehler said. “COMPTUEX evaluates our ability to engage in operations safely and effectively while providing our crews with additional focus areas so as a team we are prepared for anything.”
Joining the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)for the COMPTUEX are sailors aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Preble (DDG 88), and USS Sampson (DDG 102).