U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) completed a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific and returned to Naval Station Everett, Washington.
The ship deployed to the Indo-Asia Pacific as part of an inaugural Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG) together with two San Diego based ships, USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Spruance (DDG 111).
While deployed, Momsen and the PAC SAG remained under U.S. 3rd Fleet directive and was led by Destroyer Squadron 31 out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
“The goal of the deployment was to demonstrate 3rd Fleet forward. We remained under 3rd Fleet while conducting missions in the 7th Fleet area of operations,” said Kipp. “We conducted traditional 7th Fleet missions, and we conducted maritime presence operations in the South China Sea, reassuring our allies in the Indo-Asia Pacific region of our presence.”
According to Kipp, working under 3rd Fleet while deployed with the PAC SAG was a unique part of the deployment and offered operational benefits.
“The PAC SAG was a practical way to address shared maritime security priorities, enhance our capabilities and improve interoperability between our partners and allies operating throughout the Pacific and South China Sea. It was a truly amazing experience to see the tremendous capabilities of this crew and its leadership’s dedication to the success of this deployment.”
While on the return voyage Momsen participated in a Secretary of Defense program that coordinates Department of Defense assets in the region to aid the Coast Guard with law enforcement operations.
After completing their OMSI directives, Momsen conducted an air detachment offload in San Diego before returning home. Now in port, the crew will have the opportunity to step out of the demands of a high operational tempo.