This is the first time USS Zumwalt has pulled into Guam, and marks the farthest it’s ever been from its home port of Naval Base San Diego since its commissioning.

“This port call is a testament to the crew’s hard work and the resiliency of the ship,” said Capt. Amy McInnis, commanding officer of Zumwalt. “I’m grateful to preside over a crew that conducts themselves with the utmost professionalism and I’m glad we were afforded this time to rest and recharge.”

While this was a working port visit, Sailors had a number of opportunities to rest and unwind on and off base. In conjunction with Naval Base Guam’s own Morale, Welfare, Recreation (MWR) program, Sailors were granted opportunities and transportation to visit popular local establishments such as restaurants, gyms and beaches all around Guam.

Port calls are part of the Navy’s routine operations. They allow Sailors an opportunity to decompress from the high demand of life at sea, contributing to the overall mission readiness of the ship.

“Much of the crew has never been to Guam, so I think it’s a really cool experience for a lot of Sailors to visit,” said Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist Elizabeth Dabney, from Crossville, Tennessee. “When we’re out to sea, there’s work to do around the clock and there are no small tasks. It can be easy to get caught up in that constant state of work, sleep and repeat, so it’s nice when you can take some time to yourself and go to the beach or just explore somewhere you’ve never been before.”

Zumwalt departed Guam Sept. 19 to continue operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Zumwalt is 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.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet in the world, and with the help of a network of alliances and partners from 35 other maritime-nations, the U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific region for more than 70 years, providing credible, ready forces to help preserve peace and prevent conflict.