The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) responded to a sailboat in distress at approximately 6:30 p.m., Oct. 21.

Gravely was in the area participating in a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) when it responded to a real-world distress call over VHF radio.

The sailboat’s sail fouled its propeller, but no medical assistance or emergency supplies were required.

Gravely remained near the sailboat until a Coast Guard ship arrived to further assist.

“We were very happy to ensure the safety of the people in need," said Cmdr. Justin Hodges, commanding officer, USS Gravely. "It speaks well of the Gravely team to be able to quickly switch mindsets from the training scenario to rendering real-world assistance.”

COMPTUEX is a Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 led final pre-deployment exercise that certifies the combined naval units’ abilities to conduct military operations at sea and project power ashore through joint planning and execution of challenging and realistic training scenarios. CSG 4 mentors, trains and assesses East Coast units preparing for future deployments.

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