USS Sampson, HSM 35 Depart on Western-Pacific Deployment

The guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) fires its MK 45 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise. Sampson is en route to Hawaii for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2014. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 26 to Aug. 1. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Conor Minto/Released)

 

By Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs

 

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) departed Oct. 31 on an independent deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean.

 The ship and crew of more than 300 Sailors, assigned to Destroyer Squadron Two Three (DESRON) 23, will conduct various presence operations and goodwill activities with partner nations.

 Sampson is a multi-mission ship with anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare surface combatant capabilities; designed to operate independently or with an associated strike group.

 "I am very proud of our Sailors who have worked extremely hard over the past year to ensure Sampson is ready for deployment," said Cmdr. Steven Foley, Sampson's commanding officer. "They have truly embraced the spirit of pride and professionalism and look forward to representing our Navy's missions."

 Detachment Seven from the "Magicians" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Three Five (HSM-35) will embark Sampson during the deployment.

 "It is a real privilege to be the officer in charge of HSM-35's first deploying detachment," said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Laufman, HSM-35, Detachment 7's officer in charge. "Our maintenance team and aircrews have worked really hard to prepare, and we are very excited to be embarked on such a great ship. We are excited to represent all 'Magicians' on the squadron's inaugural deployment."

 Sampson is the fourth U.S. destroyer named after Rear Adm. William Thomas Sampson, whose naval service lasted from 1857 until 1902, including command of the North Atlantic Station during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

 The ship is homeported in San Diego and is part of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. 3rd Fleet.

 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.



Task Group Exercise Comes to a Close, Ends with Success

An MV-22 Osprey assigned to the Greyhawks of Marine Medium Tiltroter Squadron (VMM) 161 lifts off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, along with Canadian, Japanese and other U.S. ships is underway conducting a task group exercise (TGEX) to train units that will deploy independently. TGEX improves cooperation, readiness and the capability to respond quickly in various situations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aiyana S. Paschal/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kole E. Carpenter, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Canadian, Japanese and U.S. ships completed a two-week long Task Group Exercise (TGEX) Oct. 31 off the coast of Southern California.
 The exercise, led by U.S. 3rd Fleet gave Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 15 the opportunity to conduct and evaluate training across multiple warfare areas for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), guided-missile cruisers USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and USS Chosin (CG 65), guided-missile destroyers USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Kidd (DDG 100), USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), littoral combat ships USS Independence (LCS 2) and USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigates HMCS Calgary (FFH 335) and HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338), Kingston-class coastal defense vessels HMCS Brandon (MM 710) and HMCS Yellowknife (MM 706), and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JS) Teruzuki (DD 116)

 "The U.S. Navy uses exercises like TGEX to strengthen maritime relationships with partner nations," said Capt. Patrick Keyes, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, assistant chief of staff for plans, policy, training and readiness. "Additionally, TGEX gave four independent deployers the opportunity to be assessed across multiple warfare areas and provided an opportunity for ships not getting certified to get valuable training, necessary during their training cycle."

 Milius, Paul Hamilton and Fort Worth Crews 103 and 104 used TGEX as their final opportunity to certify prior to deployment.

 TGEX was a rare opportunity to cultivate partnerships across Pacific fleets.
 "Our goal was to improve tactical skill," Japanese foreign liaison officer Lt. Cmdr. Kohei Sueki said. "We would also like to enhance regional understanding between the Japanese and the U.S. and Canadian Navies."

 Sueki added that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sought to increase maritime war fighting capability and international relations through their participation in TGEX.
 "Japanese, U.S. and Canadian ships coming together is not something that happens often," Lt. Vincent Pellerin, Canadian foreign liaison officer said. "We hoped to foster better international relationships and learn how to work well with other fleets."
 Joint, inter agency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.