The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) reached the midpoint of its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) ahead of an upcoming scheduled deployment.

Halsey's crew has participated in exercises including small boat operations, flight operations, electronic warfare and anti-submarine warfare for the past two weeks.

"In terms of training and learning, the crew has exceeded my expectations," said Cmdr. David L. Reyes, Halsey's commanding officer. "It really opens Sailors' eyes on what to expect during deployment."

Halsey is now set to begin the second phase of COMPTUEX which will certify the ship to deploy with the TRCSG as a presence maintaining maritime security abroad.

"In a few weeks, Halsey will finish this training better prepared to execute a wide variety of missions - in times of peace and in times of peril - to address the unique security challenges presented across the globe," said Cmdr. Michael A. Stoker, Halsey's executive officer. "That is the value of COMPTUEX; a well-trained, fully-integrated, mission-ready carrier strike group."

Halsey departed from San Diego, July 31, after leaving its homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in early June.

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is conducting its final pre-deployment evaluation to ensure safe and effective coordination within the strike group to achieve mission readiness and the ability to effectively execute the Navy's maritime strategy. Following the successful completion of COMPTUEX, the TRCSG will conduct worldwide operations in its upcoming deployment.

TRCSG is comprised of Carrier Strike Group 9 staff; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 staff; USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17; the DESRON 23 ships; the guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Sampson (DDG 102); and the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52).

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