The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) departed Norfolk Naval Station, Aug. 30, in preparation for participation in the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

During COMPTUEX, the final phase in preparing the cruiser for its upcoming deployment, Anzio will test its operational readiness through cooperative efforts within HSTCSG. Anzio will be evaluated on its ability to defend key assets in the battle group by exercising pre-planned responses through a series of varied scenarios.

Facing realistic and challenging scenarios during COMPTUEX will allow the strike group to gauge readiness on multiple mission sets, including maritime interdiction operations, counter-piracy, and strike warfare.

"I am very excited to see how COMPTUEX plays out," said Lt. j.g. P. Lawton, Anzio's anti-terrorism officer. "We will be running through scenarios with other warships to suppress, and even defeat, the enemy as one war-fighting unit."

The exercise will vastly improve Anzio's familiarization with HSTCSG, and establish a proficient war-fighting team. Upon the successful completion of COMPTUEX, Anzio will be considered capable of worldwide operations.

HSTCSG consists of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Graveley (DDG 107), USS Ramage (DDG 61) and Anzio.

The Strike Group is scheduled to deploy later this year.

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