By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Eric J. Cutright, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii
PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam April 5 for a scheduled six-month deployment.
Chafee returned from its last deployment Aug. 24, 2009, and has been diligently maintaining its battle-readiness according to Cmdr. Heedong Choi, Chafee's commanding officer.
"Ever since returning from our last deployment, the crew of Chafee has continuously been training and maintaining the ship. The officers and crew have worked incredibly hard to keep-up our certifications and combat readiness in order to deploy again," said Choi.
The ship and its crew of more than 300 Sailors are expected to operate primarily in the 7th Fleet's Area of Responsibility (AOR), which is the largest in the Navy, spanning more than 48-million square miles of the Pacific and Indian oceans.
"As with all deploying ships in our Navy, the overarching mission is to provide presence in the 'global commons' and to execute the maritime strategy as outlined by the CNO, MCPON, and the commandant of the Coast Guard," said Choi.
Currently, Chafee has not been scheduled to join with any other strike group in the 7th Fleet AOR, but Choi explains that the ship and crew are prepared for any future joint effort.
"The men and women of Chafee are ready to meet all tasking through the spectrum of operations, from full-scale combat to humanitarian assistance/disaster response. We are always ready and capable to operate in any theater commensurate with the desires of our operational commanders," said Choi.
During last year's deployment, Chafee's crew performed multiple joint operations including Foal Eagle, Malabar and Cooperation and Readiness Afloat Training.
"My expectations have been consistent and persistent during my time as CO. First, is to be combat ready at all times; second is to exercise stewardship and third is to take care of each other," said Choi.
Guided-missile destroyers provide multimission offensive and defensive capabilities, and can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, amphibious ready groups and underway replenishment groups.
USS Chafee is scheduled to return in October.