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Stout Powers Through Small Boat Drill

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS160404-09
Release Date: 4/4/2016 10:57:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bill Dodge

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) completed an inbound, high-speed boat training drill, March 28.

Stout is underway conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group , the final test the strike group will undergo in preparation for deployment.

During the training evolution, the Stout crew was called to action at a moment's notice when watchstanders on the bridge spotted anything out of the norm. The exercise allowed the visual intelligence team, combat information center, small craft alert team and bridge watch team to work together to communicate the existence of any potential inbound threat.

"These drills get everyone ready for action in a moment's notice," said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Maria Barrera, a member of Stout's SCAT team. "We have only minutes from the time we are called over the 1MC to get all of our gear and have our stations manned and ready. It's fast-paced, and being called to station four times in one day helps prepare us if anything were to actually happen."

The drill, one of many fast-paced and surprise tests of COMPTUEX, allowed Stout to test its capabilities in responding to the unexpected harassment of speedy, smaller vessels while at sea.

"Going into deployment, small, highly maneuverable boats will more than likely be our most common threat," said Ens. Sean Reed, Stout's strike officer. "We'll only truly realize the benefits of this training when we are operating in theater."

According to Reed, Stout will continue to perform and strive for operational excellence.

"It's a great opportunity for our team to get into the mindset of how quickly we can respond to an enemy or possible threat," said Chief Gunner's Mate Todrick Christful, the SCAT team leader. "Our goal is to be available and ready to defend the ship within minutes. This COMPTUEX training keeps us focused. We are the last line of defense for the ship if all else fails, and overall, the training has been great."

Ike CSG is comprised of the Carrier Strike Group 10 staff, Destroyer Squadron 26 staff, Carrier Air Wing 3, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61) and the ships assigned to DESRON 26: the guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).