The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) departed Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 7 for an eight-month deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).
“Despite a challenging schedule, the crew has formed an effective and efficient combat team with the invaluable assistance of the Norfolk training and maintenance communities,” said Cmdr. Dave Stoner, Ramage commanding officer. “I have no doubt that we are equal to any and all challenges which we will face over the horizon.”
The U.S. Navy 6th Fleet AOR covers approximately half of the Atlantic Ocean, from the North Pole to Antarctica; as well as the Adriatic, Baltic, Barents, Black, Caspian, Mediterranean and North Seas.
“As a frequent deployer to the 6th Fleet AOR, the Ramage officers and crew are looking forward to reconnecting with our partners and allies throughout the Mediterranean,” said Stoner.
Commissioned in 1995, Ramage is the first ship to carry the name and the 11th destroyer of its class. Ramage is named in honor of Vice Adm. Lawson P. Ramage, the distinguished World War II submarine commander who earned the Medal of Honor when he led the USS Parche (SS 384) on a daring nighttime attack on a Japanese convoy, sinking two enemy ships and damaging another three without sustaining any damage.
This is the 4th time the ship will deploy to the 6th Fleet AOR as part of the ballistic missile defense of Europe. The ship returned from her previous deployment on Jan. 26, 2012.
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Press Release, August 8, 2013; Image: Navy