The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) departed Yokosuka, Japan, with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 for routine patrol.

Curtis Wilbur's departure is following a one-month Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV) period at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

While in port the crew completed Total Ship Readiness Assessment I and II, Continuous Maintenance Availability, and earned the ship's Search and Rescue and Antiterrorism Force Protection Certifications. Additionally, the ship received a ballistic missile defense upgrade and the engineering department recertified for maintenance and material management.

"This was a very successful maintenance period," said Cmdr. Amy Graham, Curtis Wilbur's commanding officer. "As always, we executed our mission and our liberty fantastically."

Curtis Wilbur is slated to participate in a number of exercises during the patrol. These exercises are focused on integration of joint training among U.S. forces in support of current operational plans.

"This will be a great opportunity for Curtis Wilbur Sailors to show off their skills in an operational exercise," said Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist Jason Scott. "We are well-trained and well-prepared for any contingency and this should be a lot of fun."

Curtis Wilbur is on patrol with Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) in the Philippine Sea supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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