The guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans departed Mayport, Florida, to begin composite training unit exercise, Sept. 5.

The Sullivans will join the remainder of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) to conduct COMPTUEX, which tests HSTCSG's ability to effectively react to real-world scenarios and perform as an integrated unit. Throughout COMPTUEX, The Sullivans will face challenging training scenarios that simulate real-world situations the ship could encounter during its upcoming deployment.

"COMPTUEX is the final in a series of training exercises designed to certify the ship prior to deployment, and Team Sullivans is excited to demonstrate the warfighting capabilities and operational excellence of the crew," said Command Master Chief Herbert Stephens. "As a ballistic missile defense platform, the crew rarely has the opportunity to operate with a carrier strike group. Our operations and combat systems teams are ready for the challenge."

"COMPTUEX will be an exciting experience for many of us, as we have not conducted operations as part of a carrier strike group before," said Ensign J. Duffy, operations intelligence division officer. "The schedule will be busy, but it will be a great opportunity to see and use all of our systems with other ships."

"We've been working hard to ensure that our communications systems are up to the test, and are excited to demonstrate our readiness," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class T. Snyder.

Following the successful completion of COMPTUEX, The Sullivans will be certified capable of worldwide operations and battle-ready for its upcoming deployment.

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