USS Lake Erie Returns from Western Pacific Deployment

The Hawaii-based Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) will return June 16, from a four-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

“While on deployment, Lake Erie leveraged her accomplishments and proficiencies on the test range and defended the homeland and our allies on multiple Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) operations,” said Lake Erie Commanding Officer Capt. John S. Banigan.

Lake Erie is expected to replace USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) this summer as a rotational BMD deployer from San Diego, as John Paul Jones takes Lake Erie’s place in Hawaii as the nation’s BMD Test Ship.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming Lake Erie back to our waterfront,” said Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific Rear Adm. Rick Williams.

“Capt. Banigan and his team have made a difference. The crew of Lake Erie stepped up and filled a critical need on this deployment. They represent the epitome of the CNO’s tenets: warfighting first, operate forward, be ready. I couldn’t be prouder,” Williams added.

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Press Release, June 16, 2014; Image: Wikimedia