The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) will return to San Diego, Oct. 20 from an independent deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean.
Deployed since March, the ship and crew of more than 300 Sailors, assigned to Destroyer Squadron Two One (DESRON) 21, conducted various presence operations and goodwill activities with partner nations.
Detachment Three from the “Blue Hawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven Eight (HSM-78) was embarked aboard Wayne E. Meyer. The Blue Hawks flew more than 820 hours with two MH-60R aircraft in support of a wide range of missions including anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, medical evacuations, and vertical replenishments, and participated in several international exercises.
HSM-78 was established March 1, 2012 at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif. as one of the Navy’s newest MH-60R squadrons. HSM-78 is currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2), attached to the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76).
The ship also participated in community relations activities in every port of call, to include activities ranging from visiting international centers for the elderly to beautifying local parks. These activities involved more than 50 members of the command and helped garner cooperation and good relations between the U.S. Navy and partner nations.
Wayne E. Meyer is homeported in San Diego and is part of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. 3rd Fleet.
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Press release; Image: US Navy