Navy Airman Kyle B. Richard, son of Cynthia D. and Lewis R. Richard of Danville and other Sailors assigned to the nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) recently got underway for a final sustainment exercise (SUSTAINEX) before the ship’s upcoming deployment.

Truman departed Naval Station Norfolk along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 and 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron staff, joined with 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 ships and embarked units training are focusing on maritime security operations, air defense, counter-piracy and anti-submarine warfare.

This 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.

Richard is a 2012 graduate of Lawrence County High School of Moulton and joined the Navy in August 2012.