The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) departed its homeport San Diego for her maiden deployment Jan 14.
While underway, Lawrence will focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, which help establish conditions for regional stability.
“We’ve had very rigorous training and certification to prepare us to execute any mission,” said Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11 . “I’m very confident in Warrior Team 11 and especially DESRON 23 Sailors – they will do us proud.”
Lawrence is the 60th of its class and was named in honor of late Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence, a highly decorated Naval aviator and a Vietnam prisoner of war.
Lawrence was commissioned in 2011, so for many its Sailors this will be their maiden deployment as well.
“I’m ready,” said Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Brandon Dayton . “I’m looking forward to all the new experiences and seeing places I’ve never been to.”
The Lawrence is deployed along with three other guided missile destroyers, USS Stockdale (DDG 108), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Shoup (DDG 86) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 as part of the Nimitz Strike Group Surface Action Group.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 22, 2013