USS Truxtun (DDG 103) Sailors participated in an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) rodeo on the mess decks aboard the ship, June 21.

The empty seats could be counted on one hand as Sailors packed onto the mess decks until it was almost standing room only. The turnout was so Sailors could receive training and inch one step closer to earning their ESWS qualification.

The rodeo was a way for Sailors to complete a large portion of the ESWS personnel qualification book at one time. Each department on the ship from Combat Systems to Supply had a knowledgeable representative in attendance to train Sailors eager to learn the necessary concepts.

Truxtun has held the surface warfare rodeo in the past. It was praised by the chain of command and requested by the Sailors.

"The ESWS rodeo is always such a big hit with the crew because it provides a one-stop shop for Sailors to meet with the subject matter experts and receive the majority of the required signatures needed for their qualification," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Brooke Stock, Truxtun's ESWS coordinator. "It relieves some of the stress of having to track down individuals during working hours or work around watch schedules which makes the overall ESWS program more efficient."

The ESWS program is designed to provide Sailors with a working knowledge of the ship and its war fighting elements. Earning the ESWS qualification requires a lot of hard work, discipline and intensive studying.

Truxtun is part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG).

GHWBCSG is comprised of the staff of CSG-2; aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77); the nine squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff; guided-missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Truxtun (DDG 103); and guided-missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Hue City (CG 66).

Truxtun is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet are of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

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