The guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Sept. 2, as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group to participate in a composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX).

During COMPTUEX, Bulkeley will work with other ships within the HSTSG on a variety of missions and multi-ship operations that include the launch and recovery of helicopters, maritime interdiction operations and shipboard emergency drills woven into a complex simulated training scenario.

Bulkeley is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer designed with modern warfare to excel in high-threat areas. The exercise will focus on simulating air, surface, and sub-surface threats that will assess the crew's tactical and ship handling capabilities within the strike group.

"Team Bulkeley is excited to have this opportunity to hone our warfighting skills in advance of our upcoming deployment. Carrier Strike Group 4 has developed a very aggressive and challenging exercise for us, and we are both privileged and eager to display our talents against the wide variety of threats that this exercise will present," said Cmdr. Hank Allen, Bulkeley's executive officer.

Upon completion of this final phase of training Bulkeley will be certified for its upcoming deployment with HSTSG to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Harry S. Truman Strike Group is composed of Carrier Strike Groups Eight, Destroyer Squadron 28 (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 USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.