The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Feb. 1, to participate in the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

COMPTUEX is the final phase in preparing the ship for its upcoming deployment. The purpose of COMPTUEX is to exercise the integration and interoperability of all deployable assets within the HSTCSG, and evaluate their mission readiness., through both simulated and live fast paced events resembling real-world scenarios.

"COMPTUEX is a very demanding and stressful exercise where we'll encounter many different, realistic scenarios," said Cmdr. Jamie Murdock, Forrest Sherman's commanding officer. "I'm confident in the training and abilities of my crew to rise to the occasion and perform at the highest level."

Throughout COMPTUEX, fictitious geopolitical scenarios are used to replicate real-world circumstances that could be encountered during deployment. Facing realistic and challenging scenarios in an exercise setting allows the strike group to gauge their warfighting capabilities in every core warfare area within their mission sets, including maritime interdiction operations, counter-piracy, and strike warfare.

"The exercise will vastly improve Forrest Sherman's integration with the Truman Strike Group and make us a war-fighting team prepared for anything we may face during our deployment," said Cmdr. Ryan O'Loughlin, Forrest Sherman's executive officer.

Upon successful completion of COMPTUEX, Forrest Sherman will be certified for its upcoming deployment with HSTCSG.

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