USS New York (LPD-21) positioned off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., supporting Marines and sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit during an amphibious assault onto Camp Lejeune, Dec. 18. The USS New York launched a mechanized infantry company from the 24th MEU's battalion landing team and air support in the form of UH-1 Hueys and AH-1 Cobras, all of which are embarked on the ship during the three-week long Composite Training Unit Exercise. COMPTUEX, the second at-sea training period for 24th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 8, is focused on developing cohesion between the 24th MEU and PHIBRON 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.