ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) is underway June 5 for a final sustainment exercise (SUSTAINEX) before their upcoming deployment.
Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departed Naval Station Norfolk earlier this week along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 and 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron staff, have joined guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and USS Mason (DDG 87) for the exercise. The cruisers and destroyers departed their homeports of Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Station Mayport May 31.
The ships and embarked units training together are focusing on maritime security operations, air defense, counter-piracy and anti-submarine warfare.
"We've worked very hard to maintain our combat readiness these past few months," said Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10. "It's wonderful to be back at sea, training as an integrated strike group in a complex environment like we expect to see on deployment."
The exercise is similar to the composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX) the strike group completed earlier this year. Exercises such as SUSTAINEX and COMPTUEX ensure strike groups are trained and certified for an overseas deployment.