Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited forward-deployed guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) Sept. 7.

Dunford's visit on the ship was one of the many events held during his visit to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.

Cmdr. Jennifer Eaton, commanding officer of Barry, greeted Dunford and led him on a tour of the ship, highlighting the latest in ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities. He attended a BMD training scenario in the ship's combat information center where he witnessed Barry's unique missile defense capability in action.

Dunford tried to meet with as many of the crew as possible, making his way through the engineering spaces, sonar control rooms, and gun mounts. Machinist's Mate Fireman Hunter Pinder, from Easton, Maryland, said he was amazed the general would take the time to speak with him.

"It's moments like these that encourage me and let me know what we do on a day-to-day basis means something in the long run," said Pinder.

Dunford stopped in the ship's galley and greeted members of Barry's culinary specialist team. In the galley, he reminded the culinary specialists how important their role is and congratulated them on their high performance.

Before leaving, Dunford commended the ship's chain of command on the high reenlistment numbers, saying Sailors reenlist when they enjoy what they do and have leaders who help them along the way, acting as role models.

"I am impressed by the quality of Sailors I've met here," said Dunford. "Your high reenlistment rate shows you know what you do, you do it well, and you want to continue in it. Your efforts do not go unnoticed."

Barry is one of seven BMD-capable ships forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Barry's presence increases the forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) capability in supporting the United States' commitment to the defense of Japan and the security and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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