The U.S. Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) arrived in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines August 8 as part of a U.S. 3rd Fleet Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG).
The port call marked Momsen’s midway point as part of the group.
Under the operational control of U.S. 3rd Fleet, the PAC SAG, which consists of the guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Decatur (DDG 73) and Momsen, with embarked Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 31 – is conducting routine patrols, maritime security operations and theater cooperation activities to enhance regional security and stability.
“Momsen’s presence here sends a powerful message to the world about our commitment to the stability of the region,” said Cmdr. Elaine Brunelle , Momsen’s executive officer. “We are skilled professionals committed to enhancing maritime security through bilateral cooperation with our partners throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific.”
While in port, Momsen will complete a voyage repair period and her crew will participate in community outreach events and take advantage of various tours offered by Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
Momsen Sailors participated in four community outreach activities during previous port calls in Busan, Korea, Sasebo, Japan, Singapore and Darwin, Australia. The projects ran the gamut of cultural interactions with senior citizens, children, disabled citizens and beautification efforts.
The crew aboard Momsen will also focus on mission essential maintenance during the voyage repair.
“Sometimes there is special equipment required that the ship does not have on board to calibrate gauges, valves, tools and so on,” said Chief Interior Communications Electrician Justin Hohlbein , Momsen’s maintenance manager. “Pulling into a port like Subic Bay offers us the chance to have these types of jobs completed and the accomplishment of corrective maintenance of mission essential items is necessary for a ship to deploy or to continue on its deployment.”
Spruance also completed its portion of the deployment participating in the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI). OMSI is a secretary of defense program leveraging Department of Defense assets transiting the region to increase the Coast Guard’s maritime domain awareness, ultimately supporting its maritime law enforcement operations in Oceania.