The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Sept. 2, to participate in a scheduled composite training unit exercise as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.

While at sea, the ship and crew, assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28, will conduct presence and combat exercises across the full spectrum of warfare mission areas.

"We have had a couple of group sails with our destroyer squadron and strike group, but this will help us raise the bar in our integrated operations and ensure combat readiness at the highest level," said Cmdr. Alysa L. Ambrose, Gravely 's commanding officer. "This is a great opportunity to rehearse some of the possible missions that we will be tasked with while deployed."

These missions are uniquely tailored to the challenges the strike group may face while overseas. Sailors will participate in such evolutions as maritime interdiction operations with the visit, board, search and seizure team, and anti-terrorism/force-protection with the small caliber action team.

For the Sailors, the element of the unknown is the most realistic part of COMPTUEX. "We are excited to get out there," said Sonar Technician Surface 1st Class Ariane Burrow. "This is when we get to practice all that we have learned during our work ups."

Gravely is a multi-mission ship with anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare surface combatant capabilities, designed to operate independently or with an associated strike group.

The ship is homeported in Norfolk and is expected to deploy later this year.

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is composed of Carrier Strike Group 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28, Carrier Air Wing 7, USS Anzio (CG 68), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Gravely (DDG 107), and USS Ramage (DDG 61).

For more news from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group visit https://www.navy.mil/ or https://www.ccsg8.navy.mil/.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.