Harry S. Truman CSG Triumphs in Joint Force’s Most Challenging Training Event

The Department of the Navy demonstrated its commitment to delivering highly capable, integrated naval forces with the recent completion of COMPTUEX (Composite Unit Training Exercise). This crucial exercise promotes national security and prosperity, deters aggression, and provides versatile options to the nation’s leaders.

COMPTUEX evaluates the Navy’s readiness, delivering valuable insights for future warfighting development. It focuses heavily on a carrier strike group’s ability to project combat power as required by national leadership. Rear Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, extolled the world-class strike package that CSG 8 offers, highlighting its capability to conduct operations in multiple domains and meet combatant commanders’ needs globally.

This exercise brings various components together, including a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, Destroyer Squadron, Carrier Air Wing, guided-missile cruiser, and Information Warfare team, to form a unified fighting force. Rear Adm. Max McCoy, Commander of CSG 4, stressed the mission’s importance, emphasizing the training and mentorship provided to ensure readiness for global contingencies. “Winning in combat is the ultimate metric of success,” he stated.

Approximately 10,000 Sailors from the HSTCSG participated in live, virtual, and constructive training exercises during at-sea operations. This led to deployment certification recommendations for U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, Commander of CSG 8, praised the team’s cohesion, noting that their combined efforts allow them to train and operate at unprecedented levels. Such capabilities offer flexibility and a competitive advantage for fleet commanders.

COMPTUEX also allowed HSTCSG to enhance warfighting capabilities while collaborating with Allies. Notably, the exercise included the Italian Navy’s ITS Carabiniere, showcasing a commitment to NATO cooperation. “Integrating a NATO ally like Italy into our operations demonstrates our dedication to fostering cooperation and advanced capabilities with our Allies,” said Bailey, underscoring the collective force’s strength in promoting security and stability.

The exercise also facilitated important visits, including from the Harry S. Truman Library and Institute. These visits connect the Navy’s efforts with the American public. Capt. Dave Snowden, commanding officer of USS Harry S. Truman, expressed pride in his crew’s hard work and readiness for future deployment. “It was awesome to have guests aboard and share the spirit of our namesake,” Snowden remarked.

USS Harry S. Truman has a storied history, with 10 deployments since its commissioning in 1998. During its 2022 deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, it provided air support in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, exemplifying the Navy’s role in global defense. Adm. Caudle commended the Truman’s Sailors, highlighting their impressive culture and readiness for the coming deployment.

The HSTCSG includes the USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 1, multiple staffs, USS Gettysburg, and two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, USS The Sullivans, and USS Oscar Austin. Carrier Strike Group 8 aims to conduct sustained combat operations at sea to achieve joint force objectives, while Carrier Strike Group 4 focuses on training and mentoring deployers against peer competitors.