U.S. Navy littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) is scheduled to depart Naval Base San Diego June 22 on an independent deployment to the Western Pacific.
Before the ship begins its actual deployment, it will participate in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.
While deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet, the ship and crew of about 70 sailors, assigned to LCS Squadron One (LCSRON 1), will conduct presence operations and goodwill activities with partner nations.
“We’re excited to have LCS-2 taking part in the world’s largest international maritime exercise,” said Vice Adm. Nora Tyson , commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. “This ship will play a critical role in the fleet and in our nation’s defense. RIMPAC provides a good opportunity for our partner navies to work with the ship and see how it can contribute to collective regional security.”
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Three (HSC-23) will also be deploying on Coronado with the first-ever MQ-8 Fire Scout equipped with a maritime surveillance radar (Telephonics AN/ZPY-4). Fire Scout will allow Coronado to employ an autonomous aircraft for search, detection, surveillance, and tracking of maritime surface vessels.
The ship is homeported in San Diego and is part of Naval Surface Forces and U.S. 3rd Fleet.