Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) conducted visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) exercises in preparation for its upcoming deployment as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, July 3.

Mahan is part of the group sail in order to improve at-sea interoperability with other Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 and CSG-2 assets. VBSS encompasses boarding and maritime interdiction operations that may occur while on deployment.

"Our VBSS team has been working tirelessly to meet all of the training requirements necessary to certify our team," said Lt. j.g. Samir Shaikh, Mahan VBSS officer.

"Our team experienced a large turnover of personnel following our latest deployment," Shaikh said. "The team's hard work and countless hours spent training have prepared them for the situations that may arise during the upcoming deployment."

Participating in the exercises with Mahan are Training Support Vessels Hugo (TSV-2) and Narragansett (TSV-4). The VBSS exercises are one of many warfare areas of the integration phase of group sail.

Mahan is underway conducting routine training and operations in preparation for its upcoming deployment with the George H.W. Bush Strike Group.

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