U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) is en route home following a four-month deployment to the Western Pacific as part of the Sterett-Dewey surface action group (SAG).
The destroyer is scheduled to arrive at Naval Base San Diego July 31, exactly four months after starting its deployment on March 31.
Under the operational control of U.S. 3rd Fleet, Dewey conducted routine patrols, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation activities with allies and partners to enhance regional security and stability throughout their deployment. Dewey participated in several bilateral exercises with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and joint exercises with the U.S. Air Force.
Dewey sailors enjoyed port visits in Hawaii, Guam, and Japan, where they were able to experience local cultures and customs, and participate in community outreach activities.
Throughout deployment 38 sailors earned their enlisted surface warfare specialist qualification, 23 sailors earned their enlisted aviation warfare specialist qualification, five officers earned their surface warfare officer qualification, and one officer earned surface warfare supply corps qualification. Dewey celebrated 54 advancements, four meritorious advancements and seven officer promotions.
“I am proud to have led this crew through a very busy and challenging four month deployment,” said Cmdr. Anthony Webber , Dewey’s commanding officer. “These women and men worked extremely hard day-in and day-out to accomplish every task and fulfill every mission we were assigned. They continue to do their job right! Thank you to all of our Dewey families and friends for your love and support throughout deployment. We are excited to be back home in San Diego!”
As established during the three-ship Pacific Surface Action Group deployment in 2016, Sterett-Dewey SAG remained under U.S. 3rd Fleet control, including beyond the international dateline which previously divided operational areas of responsibility for 3rd and 7th Fleets. This operational concept allows both numbered fleets to complement one another and provide the foundation of stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.