USS Spruance Departs for Maiden Deployment

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 9, 2012) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) transits the Pacific Ocean during a routine underway period.  Spruance is a multi-system guided-missile destroyer designed to operate independently or with an associated strike group. Spruance is assigned to Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Torrey W Lee/Released)

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) departed Naval Base San Diego Oct. 16 on its maiden deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean.

Spruance is a multi-mission ship designed to operate independently or with an associated strike group. While deployed, Spruance will conduct Theatre Security Cooperation and maritime presence operations with partner nations.

"It is with great pride that we set sail after four years of hard work and effort to bring this ship to life," said Cmdr. George Kessler, Spruance commanding officer. "Although, it is with a heavy heart that we leave family, friends, and loved ones, I can think of no group of men and women with whom I would rather go to sea."

Spruance is the latest in the line of Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyers and was named in honor of Adm. Raymond A. Spruance, commander of Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway in World War II, and leader of many of the pivotal naval battles that won the war in the Pacific. The ship helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security and preserve freedom of the seas when deployed.

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.

Newest Navy Destroyer Arrives in San Diego

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Spruance (DDG 111), the newest destroyer to join the Navy's Pacific Fleet, arrived in its homeport of San Diego for the first time Oct. 24.

"The majority of Spruance's crew has been preparing for this day for over two years," said Cmdr. Tate Westbrook, commanding officer, Spruance. "Bringing a new Navy Destroyer to life with a new crew is the most challenging 'start-up' project imaginable in any profession. This superb crew has set the processes in place for running this ship successfully that have already earned Spruance numerous 'best-ever' accolades, and will last for years to come."

"Many of these Sailors return home today after being separated from their families in San Diego for eight months," he added. "We are all thrilled to finally get to our home port, San Diego."

Crew members had their own reasons to look forward to their arrival in San Diego.

"I feel really excited to get back," said Operations Specialist Seaman Apprentice Brian Terrell of Homer, Neb. "I've been wanting to see any new movies that have come out, and I'll also be able to see my brother, who just got back from deployment for the Marines."

Operations Specialist Seaman Apprentice Nicholas Woods of Macungie, Pa. has some specific plans for his arrival.

"All I can say is it feels refreshing," he said. "Sure this was my first time out, and I really enjoyed it. But everyone is always happy to finally be back home, even if they had a good time. Plus, I'm getting married to the love of my life, and I wouldn't want to wait any longer to see her and make it official."

As the pre-commissioning crew, the Sailors now stationed on the Spruance were able to experience the "birth" of their ship.

"I am very thankful to have been able to meet and work next to the men [and women] who put all of the time, effort, and talent into to building something with such detail and size," said Sonar Technician 3rd Class Amanda Smith of Malta, Ohio.

"The best memory of the process for me was not the first sight of my new ship, but the long walk from the pre-commission detachment through the snow, and the anticipation of the first sight," said Sonar Technician 2nd Class Christopher Bolton of Walker, La.

Spruance was commissioned at Naval Air Station Key West, Oct. 1. It is the 61st ship in the Arleigh Burke-class of Navy destroyers, and the second Navy ship to bear the name. Spruance is named in honor of Adm. Raymond Spruance who commanded Carrier Task Force 16 during the pivotal Battle of Midway in World War II.

Spruance is a multi-mission ship with a crew of 285 Sailors that carries Tomahawk cruise missiles, a 5-inch gun, sonar systems and two helicopters. Spruance is powered by four gas-turbine engines and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots.

Spruance, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 23, will help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

USS Spruance Commissioned as Navy's Newest Destroyer

By David L. Hostetler, COMNAVSURFPAC Public Affairs

KEY WEST, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Spruance (DDG 111) became the newest member of the Navy's Pacific fleet after being placed in commission during a sunset ceremony at Naval Air Station Key West Oct. 1.

The new destroyer honors legendary Adm. Raymond Spruance, whose calm and decisive leadership at the Battle of Midway contributed to a pivotal American victory during World War II.

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark E. Ferguson III delivered the ceremony's principal address. "We welcome the USS Spruance and her crew to the fleet," said Ferguson.

"Wherever she sails, this ship will honor Admiral Spruance's legacy as the 'quiet warrior' who displayed uncompromising integrity and a powerful intellect, while giving the nation victories at sea in time of war. "Ellen Spruance-Holscher, the ship's sponsor and granddaughter of the ship's namesake, gave the order to "man our ship and bring her to life" prompting the crew of 285 officers and enlisted personnel to run aboard and officially begin the ship's life.

Simultaneously, the ship's systems were activated. Movement of the ship's Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) gun, sounding of alarms, rotation of fire-control radars and a prolonged whistle blast showed approximately 3,400 guests in attendance that the ship was ready for service to the Navy and our country. Cmdr. Tate Westbrook, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., is the ship's first commanding officer and spoke of the advanced weapons systems on Spruance and credited his Sailors with an outstanding effort preparing to operate them.

"Spruance's crew has trained for years to sharpen their skills to employ those capabilities," said Westbrook. "On board Spruance, through many long hours, they have sharpened their swords."

Spruance, the 61st Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and the second Navy ship to bear the name, will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Spruance will contain myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare and be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously.

The 9,200-ton Spruance was built by Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots. Spruance will proceed to her initial homeport of San Diego Oct. 3 as the newest member of Destroyer Squadron 23.

Navy to Commission New Guided Missile Destroyer Spruance

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Spruance, Oct. 1, during a ceremony at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla.

Designated DDG 111, the new destroyer honors legendary Adm. Raymond Spruance, whose calm and decisive leadership at the Battle of Midway contributed to a pivotal American victory during World War II.

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark E. Ferguson III will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Ellen Spruance Holscher, granddaughter of the ship's namesake will serve as the sponsor. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when she gives the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

Born in Baltimore, July 3, 1886, Spruance graduated from the Naval Academy in 1906. His Navy career was extensive, including command of five destroyers and the battleship Mississippi. Spruance led Task Force 16, with two aircraft carriers, during the 1942 Battle of Midway, where his disposition of forces and management of aircraft was crucial to a victory that is regarded as the turning point in the Pacific war with Japan. He later directed campaigns that captured the Gilberts, Marshalls, Marianas, Iwo Jima and Okinawa and defeated the Japanese fleet in the 1944 Battle of Philippine Sea. After commanding the Pacific Fleet in 1945-46, Spruance served as president of the Naval War College until retiring in 1948. In 1952-55, he was ambassador to the Philippines. Spruance died at Pebble Beach, Calif., Dec. 13, 1969.

Spruance, the 61st Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Spruance will contain myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare and be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously.

The ship will be the second ship named for Spruance. The first USS Spruance (DD 963) was the lead ship of Spruance class destroyers serving from 1973 to 2005.

Cmdr. Tate Westbrook, a native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., will become the first commanding officer of the ship and will lead a crew of 285 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Spruance was built by Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

Keel Laid for future USS Spruance

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) laid the keel for the future USS Spruance (DDG 111) during a brief ceremony May 14 at the BIW shipyard in Bath, Maine.

The 900-ton keel unit represents the first "ultra" module to be fabricated in BIW's Ultra Hall facility that opened last year. Ultra Hall stretches 1.5 acres and allows workers to complete construction, pre-outfitting and testing more efficiently and in a controlled climate. Ultra Hall has enabled BIW workers to complete installation of thousands of feet of cable, compartment air tests, water-tight door testing and pipe segment testing which are all normally completed in later stages of construction.

The keel module is the most pre-outfitted and tested at this stage in construction to date. These advancements will be used in future Arleigh Burke- (DDG 51) and Zumwalt- (DDG 1000) class ship construction, which will ultimately lower production costs.

USS Spruance will be the 61st Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer and the 30th built by BIW. The ship will be able to conduct a variety of operations from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. USS Spruance will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and contains myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare. The ship can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups or amphibious ready groups. The ship's combat system centers around the Aegis combat system and the SPY-lD(V), multi-function phased array radar.

Bath Iron Works expects to deliver USS Spruance to the United States Navy in the fall of 2010.

The Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships manages the development and acquisition of U.S. Navy surface ships and is currently acquiring 11 major ship classes and a variety of small boats and craft. These platforms range from major warships such as frontline surface combatants and amphibious assault ships to air-cushioned landing craft, oceanographic research ships and special warfare craft. Since its creation in November 2002, PEO Ships has delivered 31 major warships and hundreds of small boats and craft from more than 20 shipyards and boat builders across the United States.

Navy Names New Destroyers

Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter has announced the names for the U.S. Navy’s two newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers (DDG) to honor two American heroes famous for their naval service.

DDG 110 will be named the USS William P. Lawrence to honor Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence, who served nearly six years as a prisoner of war (POW) in North Vietnam and later as superintendent of the Naval Academy.

Lawrence was born January 13, 1930, in Nashville, Tenn. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1951. At the Naval Academy, he played three varsity sports and was president and brigade commander, in which capacity he helped establish the Brigade Honor concept. He graduated from the Naval Air Test Center as an honor graduate and in 1958 was the first naval aviator to fly twice the speed of sound.

During the Vietnam War, as commanding officer of Fighter Squadron 143, Lawrence earned the Silver Star for a strike against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam. He completed his mission, but was captured after his aircraft went down and he remained a POW until March 1973. He earned the Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership to fellow POWs. Along with fellow prisoner and naval aviator, Vice Adm. James Stockdale, Lawrence became noted for resistance to his captors.

“[Lawrence] repeatedly paid the price for being perceived by the enemy as a source of their troubles through his high crime of leadership. He could not be intimidated and never gave up the ship," said Stockdale.

Following promotion to rear admiral in 1974, he served as commander, Light Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet; director Aviation Programs Division on the staff of the chief of Naval Operations; assistant deputy chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare). In August 1978, he became superintendent of the Naval Academy and subsequently served as commander 3rd Fleet and chief of naval personnel, retiring in 1986.

DDG 111 will be named the USS Spruance to honor Adm. Raymond A. Spruance, whose calm and decisive leadership in command of Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway contributed to the pivotal American victory.

Spruance was born in Baltimore, on July 3, 1886. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906. His career was extensive, including command of five destroyers and the Battleship Mississippi.

In the first months of World War II in the Pacific, Spruance commanded a cruiser division. He led Task Force 16, with two aircraft carriers, during the Battle of Midway. Spruance’s disposition of forces and management of available aircraft proved to be brilliant. His decisions during that action were important to its outcome, which changed the course of the war with Japan.

After the Battle of Midway, he became chief of staff to the commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean areas and later was deputy commander in chief. In mid-1943, he was given command of the Central Pacific Force, which became the 5th Fleet in April 1944. While holding that command in 1943-45, with the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) as his usual flagship, Spruance directed the campaigns that captured the Gilberts, Marshalls, Marianas, Iwo Jima and Okinawa and defeated the Japanese fleet in the June 1944 Battle of Philippine Sea.

Spruance held command of the Pacific Fleet in late 1945 and early 1946. He then served as president of the Naval War College until retiring from the Navy in July 1948. In 1952-55, he was ambassador to the Philippines. Spruance died in Pebble Beach, Calif., on Dec. 13, 1969.

William P. Lawrence and Spruance will provide dynamic multimission platforms to lead the Navy into the future. Using a gas turbine propulsion system the ship can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups.

Combat systems center around the Aegis combat system and the SPY-lD, multifunction phased array radar. The combination of Aegis, the Vertical Launching System, an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk, the Arleigh Burke-class continues the revolution at sea.