Guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., following its participation in Joint Warrior 11-2 in Scotland and multiple training and preservation evolutions in Mayport, Fla.
While in Mayport, the crew of Burke worked on topside preservation and numerous training scenarios, cutting down on pre-deployment work to be completed while in Norfolk.
“The crew has worked extremely hard these past few weeks in getting the ship operating efficiently, and thanks to Joint Warrior, we’ve proven our capabilities to work as a team and cooperatively with our allies in a challenging and stressful warfare environment,” said Cmdr. Corey Keniston , commanding officer of Arleigh Burke.
During Joint Warrior, Burke worked alongside servicemembers from more than a dozen allied countries in a series of events designed to aid ships in certifying for deployment and future allied operations. Before this exercise, many of the Burke Sailors had never been overseas or trained in extensive combat training scenarios. In a simulated combat environment, the crew of Burke participated in anti-submarine warfare, counter-piracy, and a variety of maritime security exercises.
Following Joint Warrior and the cancellation of a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the Royal Norwegian Navy, the crew of Burke began preparing for their upcoming deployment, scheduled for early 2012. While transiting the Atlantic Ocean, Burke Sailors performed topside preservation and corrosion prevention maintenance on the weather-decks of the ship. The crew also conducted a fresh-water washdown while anchored outside of Mayport, eventually finishing their trans-Atlantic voyage with a steel beach picnic.
Burke pulled into Mayport, moored next to Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99). While in Mayport, Burke Sailors continued to prepare for deployment with more training exercises and topside preservation maintenance.
“When we pulled into Mayport, you could tell we’d been out to sea for a little while and especially in comparison to a newer ship like USS Farragut, but after leaving, it was very rewarding to see all our hard work pay off because Burke looked just as new,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Logan Ortlieb .
Burke’s Sailors return to homeport to conduct more training and continue preparations for deployment.
[mappress] Source: navy, November 10, 2011