Guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) returned to San Diego April 27, marking the end to its maiden deployment.
During its deployment to the Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility (AOR), Sterett and her crew conducted maritime security operations and participated in several exercises, including a combined amphibious exercise involving the Navy, Marine Corps and regional ground and air forces.
The ship also participated alongside the Indian navy in Malabar 2011, an annual bilateral naval field training exercise conducted to advance multinational maritime relationships and mutual security issues. The exercise helps enhance military-to-military coordination between the two nations and help to strategize and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.
Sterett also spent time under the flag of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force established in Jan. 2009 to conduct counterpiracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.
Sterett provides deterrence, promotes peace and security, preserves freedom of the sea and assists with 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.
( navy ) [mappress] Source: navy, April 29, 2011;