The US Navy has deployed Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) and will deploy another destroyer to make up lost ballistic missile defense capability after two guided missile destroyers were severely damaged in recent collisions.
USS Monterey departed Naval Station Norfolk October 16, for a surge deployment to the US 5th Fleet and US 6th Fleet areas of operation.
An additional destroyer, the USS O’Kane, is to be deployed with the same task. According to USNI News, the USS O’Kane was set for an independent deployment before being tasked to head for the US 7th Fleet area of operations for ballistic missile defense support.
The two ships are being deployed after the collisions of USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain earlier this year. The lives of 17 US Navy sailors were lost in the two collisions.
The guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61), a component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, returned to Naval Station Norfolk January 19 following a 7 1/2 month long deployment to 5th and 6th Fleet area of operations. She is part of the Navy’s optimized fleet response plan.
Monterey will ensure a continuous ballistic missile defense presence and uninterrupted support for potential tasking.
“I am inspired and motivated by the crew of USS Monterey. I could not be more proud and honored to serve with this crew,” said Capt. Dave Stoner, Monterey’s commanding officer. “The effort and skills demonstrated over the last two months is a testament to the strength and abilities of this crew. These Sailors have epitomized this ship’s motto, ‘Rough in Battle, Ready in Peace’.”