SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer, USS Milius (DDG 69), will return to San Diego Dec. 16 after an independent six-month deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).
"Milius was on station, ready for use and fully-mission capable, if needed by our nation's leaders," said Milius' Commanding Officer, Cmdr. R. Trevor King. "It is this diligent effort that makes the Navy great, maintains options for the president and keeps us safe at home. Every Sailor on board had a part in making and keeping Milius able to perform its mission. I'm honored that I had the opportunity to serve with these men and women."
Milius Sailors performed a variety of tasks during the deployment. They conducted Iraqi Infrastructure Protection Operations enabling sea control and Maritime Domain Awareness in Iraqi waters. While there, Milius also partnered with allied and coalition forces to protect the Al-Basra oil terminal which accounts for 80 percent of Iraq's gross domestic product.
In addition, Milius participated in Maritime Security Operations in the Arabian Gulf, enhancing regional partnerships, providing local security to merchants and fisherman in international waters, and conducting approach and assist visits to mariners at sea.
Milius Sailors also volunteered in community relations projects in Guam, Bahrain, Dubai and Singapore; mentoring at a high school, visiting with disabled and autistic children, and assisting in clean-up projects.
Milius helps provided deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile AOR in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.
