PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Pacific Ocean - Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visited the aircraft Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) while at sea conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), Aug 9.

While on board, Tyson addressed the Sailors and Marines 1MC, elaborating on the fact that every evolution they complete during COMPTUEX prepares them for any obstacle that might come their way when they reach the 5th and 7th Fleet area of operations.

"You are executing the COMPTUEX assessment and are doing a great job working with all the assets that will be deployed with you," said Tyson. "This is the time to successfully ensure we can all work as a cohesive unit prior to heading into the Western Pacific and beyond. I challenge you, the T-R strike group, to continue exceeding expectations as you prepare to deploy."

Tyson also met with senior leadership from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, CSG 15, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 and Theodore Roosevelt to discuss the vitality of all units and personnel involved to mission success.

"The TR CSG is a team that has performed very well thus far," said Rear Adm. Stephen Koehler, commander, CSG 9. "All the work by each ship, squadron and staff has paid off as we increase the pace and complete dynamic, challenging exercises during COMPTUEX. We are excited to show the Third Fleet commander first-hand the warfighting missions at work."

COMPTUEX tests the strike group's deployment readiness by testing command and control functions, crew safety evolutions, search and rescue operations, damage control testing and operational capabilities of a carrier strike group, ultimately certifying the TRCSG for deployment. CSG-15 staff is currently embarked to evaluate and mentor the warfighters of TR CSG throughout the underway.

"Vice Adm. Tyson and Rear Adm. Myers' leadership throughout work-ups and COMPUTEX has helped guide decision making of our warfighting tactics and enabled us to rehearse our playbook to execute combat operations overseas and ensure maritime safety and stability throughout 5th and 7th Fleets," said Koehler.

Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, led by CSG-9, consists of Theodore Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing 17, as well as the staff of Destroyer Squadron 23 and DESRON 23 ships: the guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Sampson (DDG 102) and USS Preble (DDG 88), and the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52).