USS Monterey to Deploy

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The guided missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) will depart Norfolk, Va., March 7, on a six-month independent deployment to the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

This will be the first BMD asset deployed under the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA), which was supported at the November 2010 NATO Lisbon Summit. Together with European Allies and partners, this deployment will lay the foundation for EPAA and help define future missile defense needs and regional capabilities.

The Monterey deployment is the first in a series of steps taken this year with our Allies and partners to deter and defend against emerging regional missile threats under Phase I of EPAA.

"The ship is very excited to get underway on this deployment to the 6th Fleet Area of Operations in support of the European Phased Adaptive Approach," said Capt. Jim Kilby, USS Monterey Commanding Officer. "We have trained aggressively in all areas and are ready to execute any of the many missions this ship is designed to undertake."

In addition to its primary BMD mission, Monterey will remain ready to provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response as necessary.