USS San Jacinto (CG 56) departed Naval Station Norfolk to begin composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), March 16.

San Jacinto will join the rest of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to conduct COMPTUEX, which tests the strike group's ability to effectively react to real-world scenarios and perform as an integrated unit.

"The entire strike group coming together to train for the future is important," said Capt. Dennis Velez, commanding officer of San Jacinto. "COMPTUEX gives us that opportunity like never before."

Throughout COMPTUEX, San Jacinto will face training scenarios that simulate real-world situations the ship could encounter during its upcoming deployment.

"San Jacinto is ready and her crew is ready to work hard and prepare for our deployment; this is the real deal," said Lt. j.g. Bobby Dixon, training officer and anti-air warfare coordinator.

"We will be as tactical as possible while performing in a realistic wartime scenario," said Lt. j.g. Christian Asaban, anti-terrorism officer and the lead surface warfare coordinator.

Following the successful completion of COMPTUEX, Carrier Strike Group 4 will declare San Jacinto and the entire Ike CSG capable of worldwide operations and ready for its upcoming deployment.

Ike CSG is comprised of the Carrier Strike Group 10 staff, aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Carrier Air Wing 3, guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and Destroyer Squadron 26 with its associated ships: USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.