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For the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), the New Year brought an opportunity for reflection on the first month of her fourth Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe patrol.
Arleigh Burke departed Rota, Spain, on Nov. 17th, 2023, after completing a comprehensive Surface Incremental Availability (SIA). During SIA 17.5 million dollars of repairs, alterations, and installations were performed to the ship’s engineering, weapons, and combat systems, and the intensive Mobility-Engineering (MOB-E) certification was completed.
Arleigh Burke began its patrol transiting east through the Straits of Gibraltar. In this area, the ship participated in the 2023 European Air-Missile Defense Exercise 2023 (EAMDEX23), a joint exercise incorporating the United States Air Force, Army, and Space Force together with AEGIS Ashore Poland and Romania and NATO allies.
In the Mediterranean, Arleigh Burke joined the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG). It joined the ranks of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). While a part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), Arleigh Burke served as horizon reference unit and air defense picket, participated in flight operations, and conducted fleet level tactical exercises.
On Dec. 10th, 2023, Arleigh Burke took its first port call in Souda Bay, Crete. The visit to Souda Bay provided a chance to further strengthen the United States’ partnership with its NATO ally Greece, demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to a stable, secure, and prosperous Europe. Additionally, Arleigh Burke Sailors enjoyed the opportunity to experience the unique aspects of Grecian culture. While in port, Arleigh Burke’s Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure team collaborated with Greek Navy Seals to complete its theater-level certification.
Following the port visit, Arleigh Burke performed escort duties with the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) as she sailed westward through the Mediterranean.
Arleigh Burke arrived back in Rota on Dec. 21st, 2023, marking the end of 30 days underway. During the first portion of her fourth FDNF-E patrol, she traveled 6,500 nautical miles and conducted 4 sea and anchor details, 4 underway replenishments, and 27 helicopter flight operations.
Following her return to homeport, Arleigh Burke commenced an inter-patrol Training and Maintenance Availability (TRAV). During the in-port period, Arleigh Burke conducted routine repairs and maintenance in preparation for her second half of patrol. After saying farewell to outgoing Shipmates and welcoming new faces, she departed Rota, Spain on Jan. 5th, 2024.
Reflecting on the first half of patrol, Cmdr. Tyrchra A. Bowman, commanding officer of the USS Arleigh Burke remarked, “The crew of the Admiral’s Destroyer continues to display remarkable ingenuity and technical acumen in a theater with complex and dynamic threats. Their efforts continue to solidify her legacy as first-in-class of the most successful class of warfighting ships in history. She is America’s Lead Destroyer!”
Arleigh Burke is currently on a scheduled patrol in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
| Date Taken: | 01.20.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 02.07.2024 13:34 |
| Story ID: | 462138 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 1,019 |
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