The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) is scheduled to return to San Diego today, Jan. 16 from an independent deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean.
During the deployment, Cape St. George and the “Blue Hawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, Detachment 4 participated in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2014 as part of U.S. 3rd Fleet. Upon assignment to 7th Fleet, the crew of 350 personnel and two embarked helicopters conducted various presence operations and goodwill activities with partner nations and participated in two major exercises, Valiant Shield and Keen Sword.
The Blue Hawks flew 780 hours in support of anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions with two MH-60R aircraft, tracking both surface and subsurface contacts, as well as supporting Cape St. George’s crew in training.
Lt. Cmdr. Jeremiah N. Ragadio, officer in charge of HSM-78 Detachment 4, said:
We executed a diverse mission set to include surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and vertical replenishments. This deployment exemplified Blue Hawk professionalism and showcased the versatility of the HSM community’s combat capabilities.
The ship also participated in community relations projects in Singapore, Guam and South Korea.
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Press release, Image: US Navy