Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) successfully completed a fueling at sea (FAS) with guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102), Aug. 21.

This is the first time since 2015 that Theodore Roosevelt has successfully fueled another ship at sea.

"It sets the standard for the rest of the fleet," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Ryan Parker, leading chief petty officer of Deck Department aboard Theodore Roosevelt. "We are able to perform this evolution with the rest of the strike group. With the absence of an oiler, we can replenish the other ships."

Theodore Roosevelt is currently underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX tests a carrier's strike group for their ability to perform in situations similar to the ones they will face during deployment.

"It's a huge boost to mission capabilities. If we can't get an oiler out here to refuel one of the guided-missile destroyers, we have the ability to provide them with fuel," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Tyler J. Aytes. "We don't have to worry about ships splitting off and the strike group can stay together to protect the Theodore Roosevelt and keep the mission going."

Theodore Roosevelt rehearsed for the fueling at sea by previously conducting practice runs while underway with the guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Higgins (DDG 76) and Sampson where they came alongside, but did not transfer fuel.

"This is great opportunity to train our personnel and to train the other ships that haven't connected with a carrier before," said Parker.

Only three crew members that participated in the FAS have done it before aboard Theodore Roosevelt.

"This is pretty exciting evolution because we rarely ever get to do this," said Aytes. "We're looking forward to getting more people qualified."

Aytes participated as a line handler, an individual who works with the crew to heave in lines in-between the two vessels. Aytes said the FAS went smoothly and the practice refuels attributed to the success of the evolution.

During the FAS, Theodore Roosevelt sent 150,000 gallons of JP-5 jet fuel over to the Sampson.

Following the successful completion of COMPTUEX, the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (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, and 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), as well as the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52).

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