Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) departed their Norfolk homeport May 14 for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.

Stout recently completed a challenging training cycle in preparation for deployment while simultaneously assisting two other strike groups prepare for theirs.

"My crew has been pushed to the limits during the last year in preparation for this deployment and have excelled at every challenge," said Cmdr. Adam Cheatham, Stout's commanding officer. "I have a very talented and amazing crew. I couldn't be more proud of the crew and I look forward to being forward deployed with these men and women."

This deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of ships supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th and 5th Fleet areas of operations.

Maritime security operations provide stability and complement counter-terrorism efforts of regional partners. U.S. Navy operations in the 5th and 6th Fleet are focused on the commitment to fostering security and stability through operations and training with regional partners. This mission is vital to enhancing existing, cooperative relationships necessary to safeguard the region's role in the global economy.

The Stout is a Ballistic Missile Defense-capable, Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Capable of traveling in excess of 30 knots and has a ship's company of approximately 300 Sailors.

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