USS Spruance Departs for Maiden Deployment

October 17, 2013

The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance(DDG 111) departed Naval Base San Diego Oct. 16 on its maiden deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean.

Spruance is a multi-mission ship designed to operate independently or with an associated strike group. While deployed, Spruance will conduct Theatre Security Cooperation and maritime presence operations with partner nations.

“It is with great pride that we set sail after four years of hard work and effort to bring this ship to life,” said Cmdr. George Kessler, Spruance commanding officer. “Although, it is with a heavy heart that we leave family, friends, and loved ones, I can think of no group of men and women with whom I would rather go to sea.”

Spruance is the latest in the line of Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyers and was named in honor of Adm. Raymond A. Spruance, commander of Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway in World War II, and leader of many of the pivotal naval battles that won the war in the Pacific. The ship helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security and preserve freedom of the seas when deployed.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.

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Press Release, October 17, 2013; Image: US Navy