Guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) departed Naval Station Mayport July 22 to join the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group on a scheduled deployment to the 6th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility.
Gettysburg has been actively preparing for this deployment with Carrier Strike Group 10 assets, participating in several exercises to prepare the ship and Sailors for deployment overseas.
“Our Sailors have continued to push themselves through these past few months, achieving incredible levels of success and competency with their systems,” said Lt. Scott Jones, Gettysburg’s combat systems officer.
With a modern Aegis weapon system and embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike 74, Detachment 2, Gettysburg’s training has developed a unique diversity of capabilities for the upcoming deployment.
“This deployment will give us the opportunity to use the skills we’ve trained to develop,” said Ensign William O’Quinn, anti-submarine warfare officer. “The crew has participated in several exercises and looks forward to the port visits and operational experience. This will be my first deployment and, like hundreds of my shipmates, I am ready and eager to go.”
While the Sailors are deployed, families and friends of Gettysburg will continue their support at home. Partnered with the Daytona Navy League, the Navy Wounded Warrior/Safe Harbor Office, Operation Gratitude, United Through Reading and several other organizations, members of the Gettysburg Family Readiness Group will continue to provide support and service.
Gettysburg, named for the Civil War battle, will join aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron, guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56), and guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84).
[mappress] Press Release, July 24, 2013