From Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer, USS Sampson (DDG 102), departed for a scheduled six-month, independent deployment to the Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility, Feb. 24.
"Sampson's crew has worked extremely hard in preparation for this deployment. We are trained and prepared to execute any mission assigned," said Cmdr. Chris Alexander, commanding officer of Sampson. "We will, of course, miss San Diego, our friends and our families. We leave them behind knowing that what we do is vital to the security of the nation and our way of life."
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 realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.
