USS Decatur Returns from Deployment

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) will return to San Diego from a ballistic missile defense deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean and U.S. Central Command Areas of Responsibility (AOR) April 19.

While operating in the Arabian Gulf, the ship's boarding team conducted 88 "approach-and-visit" operations that helped strengthen U.S. Navy ties with local mariners. The ship's presence in the Arabian Gulf helped achieve the 5th Fleet objective of maintaining open sea lanes in the Middle East, while reassuring Gulf nations of the Navy's commitment to stability in the region.

"I am very proud of Decatur's crew, whose sustained motivation and tactical proficiency over this deployment have made significant contributions to U.S. and U.S. Navy objectives in the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation," said Cmdr. Joel Ellingson, CO for Decatur.

Decatur helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and provide humanitarian assistance/disaster response.

U.S. Third Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West coast of North America to the international date line.

For more information on USS Decatur (DDG 73) visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg73/Pages/default.aspx
For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/ .