A Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 approaches the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Starkey By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Michael Starkey, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs
The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) is participating in a composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX) July 8-Aug. 1 to prepare for deployment.
"COMPTUEX provides realistic training environments that closely replicate the operational challenges routinely encountered during military operations around the world," said Capt. Brian T. Smith, commander, Amphibious Squadron 4.
"We train the way we fight, and training opportunities such as this enhance the preparedness of all personnel to ensure our forces are interoperable, attain the greatest capability and are ready for deployment."
The Iwo Jima ESG consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) with the embarked 26 Marine Expeditionary Unit; the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768).
COMPTUEX is a critical step in pre-deployment training.
"Participating in COMPTUEX is a great way for the entire ESG to interact in preparation for deployment," said Chief Operations Specialist Charles Blair, operations department leading chief petty officer. "It gives our ship the opportunity to work out any last-minute deficiencies."
Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet scheduled the exercise led by Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic.