Guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 60 Detachment 2 departed Naval Station Norfolk March 27 for a regularly-scheduled deployment to conduct maritime operations in the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

Leyte Gulf excelled through a demanding training cycle in preparation for its upcoming mission.

"Leyte Gulf Sailors have been put to the test time and time again over the past year and a half, preparing for deployment," said Capt. Daniel Sunvold, Leyte Gulf's commanding officer. "The effort and skills demonstrated over the last year is a testament to the strength and abilities of the entire crew. They are excited to see parts of the world they never would have experienced before and to put their certifications to the test."

Leyte Gulf is deploying as part of the ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate along with other maritime forces, in international waters.

The ship was commissioned Sept. 26, 1987, and is named after the largest naval battle in modern history that virtually ended the Japanese navy's capacity to fight as an organized force. The battle marked the end of centuries of naval warfare tradition in that it was the last sea battle between forces employing battleships. It also marked the last time surface ships employed the classic maneuver of "crossing the T" and the first time Kamikaze planes were employed.


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For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/surflant/.


For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.