Posted: 07/01/2008
ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 10, 2008) An SH-60B assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42) prepares to land on the flight deck of the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX provides a realistic training environment to ensure the strike group is capable and ready for its upcoming scheduled deployment. The Iwo Jima ESG is made up of Iwo Jima; 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 destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk, Va.; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast-attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Michael Starkey