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USS Philippine Sea Returns to Sea Fully Mission Capable

22 March 2021

From USS Philippine Sea Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain – Following an unscheduled port visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain due to coronavirus (COVID-19), the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) has returned to sea fully mission capable, Mar. 21.

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Philippine Sea pulled into Bahrain on Feb. 26, in order to provide rapid testing capability and facilities to isolate personnel who tested positive and their close contacts.

Sailors assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) prepare to depart Manama, Bahrain, during a sea and anchor detail, March 21. Philippine Sea is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.

210321-N-IE405-1145 MANAMA, Bahrain (March 21, 2021) - Seaman Nikalus Wagley, assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), checks the anchor chain brake during a sea and anchor detail prior to the ship departing from Manama, Bahrain, March 21. Philippine Sea is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Indra Beaufort/Release)

Seaman Dakota Golden, assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), communicates with the bridge watch team during a sea and anchor detail prior to the ship departing from Manama, Bahrain, March 21. Philippine Sea is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.

The port visit and medical support were coordinated with the host nation government and Bahrain Ministry of Health.

“The immediate care, assistance, and overwhelming support extended by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Bahrain Ministry of Health, the U.S. 5th Fleet Staff and Medical Teams, and Task Force 55 was awe-inspiring,” said Capt. Kevin Hoffman, the commanding officer of USS Philippine Sea. “This collective team of dedicated professionals provided all of the aid necessary to allow Philippine Sea’s Sailors to return to sea, fully mission ready.”

“The strength, commitment, and resilience of this crew remain the key to Philippine Sea’s success and we’re once again ready to support any and all operational tasking,” he added.

While in port, more than half of the ships’ crew received the first dose of the Moderna vaccine and have been allotted the second vaccine. All personnel have been encouraged to get vaccinated.

Philippine Sea has been deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations.