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USS Mustin departs Yokosuka, Celebrates 15 years Forward Deployed

22 June 2021

From Task Force 70 Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan - USS Mustin (DDG 89) departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, June 22, following 15 years of service forward-deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer is en route to San Diego, where she will undergo routine maintenance.

Mustin operated in the Indo-Pacific while assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force.

Mustin arrived in Yokosuka, Japan in July of 2006 and has participated in multiple humanitarian efforts in the Indo-Pacific region while assigned as Forward Deployed Naval Force (FDNF). In 2008, as part of the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group, Mustin provided aid to Myanmar in response to Cyclone Nargis. The ship earned the Humanitarian Service Medal for response to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami as well as Typhoon Haiyan. Also in 2011, at the request of the government of Thailand, Mustin provided aerial surveillance support following flooding.

While taking precautions against COVID-19 at the onset of the global pandemic, Mustin successfully participated in a number of training exercises and operations including Integrated Ship and Air Team Training (ISATT), Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT), Freedom of Navigation Operations, and carrier strike force operations with USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and the USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Earlier this year, Mustin held a change of command ceremony where Cmdr. Robert J. Briggs relieved Cmdr. Todd Penrod.

“As captain, I was always most proud of and am forever indebted to each member of the crew, as it was your collective actions that kept this warship operating at sea,” Penrod said during the recent change of command ceremony. “You masterfully tackled numerous challenges, and succeeded regardless of the odds, consistent with Mustin’s motto, ‘Always Be Bold!’”

Mustin’s service in 7th Fleet contributed to providing security and stability throughout the region and strengthening regional integration working alongside allies and partners including Australia, India, Japan, and Thailand.

Commissioned July, 26, 2003, Mustin is the first United States ship to bear the name in honor of Capt. Henry C. Mustin, who earned 13 battle stars for his service in WWII. Mustin is often referred to as “the Father of Naval Aviation.” His son, Vice Adm. Lloyd M. Mustin, served on the USS Atlanta (CL-51) during the Battle of Guadalcanal in WWII. Lloyd Mustin’s sons, Vice Adm. “Hank” C. Mustin and Lt. Cmdr. Thomas M. Mustin, were both decorated Vietnam War veterans. VADM Hank Mustin's grandson, Lieutenant Commander Lloyd “Link” Mustin, is currently serving in the U.S. Navy.

Mustin is scheduled to join U.S. 3rd Fleet, which leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. U.S. 3rd Fleet works consistently with U.S. 7th Fleet to complement one another and provide commanders capable, ready assets across the spectrum of military operations in the Pacific.

  
 

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