Momsen Completes Deployment

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Montemarano | 161110-N-WX604-113 EVERETT, Wash. (Nov. 10, 2016) The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) returns to its homeport, Naval Station Everett, after completing a seven-month deployment. As a part of U.S. Third Fleet Pacific Surface Action Group, Momsen supported maritime security and stability missions in the Indo-Asia-Pacific area of operation. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph E. Montemarano/Released)  

EVERETT, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

11.10.2016

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Alex Van’tLeven 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

EVERETT, Wash. - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) returned to Naval Station Everett after completing a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific, Nov. 10.

The ship deployed to the Indo-Asia Pacific as part of an inaugural Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG) consisting of two San Diego based ships, USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Spruance (DDG 111).

“I could not be more proud of the crew. This ship had an accelerated work up cycle and was deployed immediately after being certified for deployment. The things that they were able to accomplish, while making it look easy, was absolutely amazing,” said Cmdr. Jason Kipp, Momsen commanding officer.

While deployed, Momsen and the PAC SAG remained under U.S. 3rd Fleet directive and was led by Destroyer Squadron 31 out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

“The goal of the deployment was to demonstrate 3rd Fleet forward. We remained under 3rd Fleet while conducting missions in the 7th Fleet area of operations,” said Kipp. “We conducted traditional 7th Fleet missions, and we conducted maritime presence operations in the South China Sea, reassuring our allies in the Indo-Asia Pacific region of our presence.”

According to Kipp, working under 3rd Fleet while deployed with the PAC SAG was a unique part of the deployment and offered operational benefits.

“The PAC SAG was a practical way to address shared maritime security priorities, enhance our capabilities and improve interoperability between our partners and allies operating throughout the Pacific and South China Sea. It was a truly amazing experience to see the tremendous capabilities of this crew and its leadership's dedication to the success of this deployment.”

While on the return voyage Momsen participated in a Secretary of Defense program that coordinates Department of Defense assests in the region to aid the Coast Guard with law enforcement operations.

“On the way home we participated in the Oceana Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI), enforcing Western and Central Pacific illegal and underreported fisheries with an embarked Coast Guard detachment,” said Kipp.

After completing their OMSI directives, Momsen conducted an air detachment offload in San Diego before returning home. Now in port, the crew will have the opportunity to step out of the demands of a high operational tempo.

“The number one thing I hope they do now is enjoy being home and to spend time with their families,” said Kipp. “I hope they reflect on all of their accomplishments. They should be justifiably proud, and their families should be justifiably proud. Unwind, but come back safely.”

• Date Taken: 11.10.2016
• Date Posted: 11.11.2016 12:47
• Story ID: 214462
• Location: EVERETT, WASHINGTON, US