Guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) departed its homeport to participate in a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for its upcoming deployment as part of George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG), Nov. 28.

During COMPTUEX, the final phase in training for deployment, Philippine Sea will test its operational readiness through cooperative efforts within GHWBCSG.

Philippine Sea's participation in COMPTUEX is aimed to test the crew's ability to react proficiently and to cooperate with other assets of GHWBCSG in realistic and challenging scenarios which could potentially occur during deployment.

The exercise consists of a variety of training evolutions including anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, irregular warfare, counter piracy, counter proliferation, and maritime interdiction scenarios.

"It is incredibly exciting to be able to head out to sea and display the capabilities of this mighty warship," said Lt. Jeramy Brux, Philippine Sea's operations officer. "The Philippine Sea crew has been preparing for this event far in advance, and they are ready to take on the challenge."

GHWBCSG is comprised of aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron 22, guided-missile destroyers USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and USS Laboon (DDG 58), and guided-missile cruisers Philippine Sea and USS Hue City (CG 66).

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