The amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) departed Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLCFS), July 15, to participate in the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group's (KSGARG) Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for the ship's upcoming deployment.

COMPTUEX is a series of training scenarios designed to certify the ARG as a deployment-ready fighting force capable of completing operations in overseas theaters.

"We look forward to further integrating with the Kearsarge ARG and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) team," said Cmdr. Orlando Bowman, Oak Hill's commanding officer, "as well as exercising several of the various capabilities that this great warship has to offer."

Oak Hill recently returned to JEBLCFS following her participation in the KSGARG/MEU Exercise. In addition, the ship sailed in the amphibious training exercise Bold Alligator 2014.

Oak Hill is the second dock landing ship to bear the name. Her namesake honors the residence of the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe, and serves as a proud monument to President Monroe and an important piece of American History.

Dock landing ships support amphibious operations to include landings by air, LCAC and conventional landing craft, onto hostile shores.

The KSGARG consists of the Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, 26th MEU, the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and Oak Hill (LSD 51).

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