Guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) and embarked Helicopter Squadron (HSM) 74 crew departed Naval Station Norfolk to begin Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), March 12.

Nitze joined the rest of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to conduct COMPTUEX, which tests the CSG's ability to work as a cohesive unit in training scenarios in preparation for their upcoming deployment.

"Nitze and her crew are glad to be back into the fight," said Cmdr. Paul J. Kaylor, commanding officer. "We are excited to be joining up with such a professional team of war fighters to hone our tactical skills and prepare for the deployment that lies ahead. The Eisenhower Strike Group represents the best of what our Navy is about and we couldn't be prouder to be a part of it."

During COMPTUEX, Nitze will face multiple training scenarios constructed to mimic potential real-world scenarios they may encounter on when forward deployed.

COMPTUEX is the final major training evolution of the integrated phase of training for the IKE CSG, which is scheduled to deploy this summer.

Along with Nitze, the IKE CSG is comprised of CSG-10 staff, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 4, Destroyer Squadron 26 staff and associated ships: guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), as well as guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61).

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For more news from Carrier Strike Group 4, visit http://www.navy.mil/.