Guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) will depart the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) after a very successful five months operating in the Central Arabian Gulf.

Mitscher, commanded by Cmdr. Frank E. Brandon, deployed Sept. 22 as a ballistic missile defense ship in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in assigned operating areas with regional partners.

Mitscher performed a variety of tasks and missions during her tenure in the Arabian Gulf. Her primary mission was Ballistic Missile Defense National Tasking while conducting a multitude of secondary roles in crisis response, counter piracy, counter smuggling, carrier defense, and mine countermeasures.

Mitscher transited the Suez Canal Oct. 18 to begin her mission in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO. The majority of Mitscher's deployment was spent as an additional asset to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50 operations in support of the Carl Vinson Strike Group. Mitscher was assigned duties as plane guard for the carrier as well as a shotgun ship providing surface warfare defense.

"[Mitscher] demonstrated sustained excellence in the execution of the combined defense of the Arabian Gulf and provided superb leadership and tactical prowess as Theater Ballistic Missile Defense Commander," said Rear Adm. Christopher Grady of Carrier Strike Group One.

In addition to operating under national tasking for CTF 50, Mitscher was also assigned to Combined Task Force (CTF) 152, a multinational combined maritime task force. Mitscher remained flexible and adaptable working with the combined maritime forces to enhance existing cooperative relationships and safeguard the region's vital links to the global economy.

While attached to CTF 152, Mitscher participated in maritime security operations (MSO) and kept her visit, boarding, search and seizure (VBSS) team busy with 55 total boat operations and well over 300 approaches and assists to collect and share information about the local maritime environment.

Mitscher operated with a multitude of task forces within the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO. Mitscher cooperated with USS Dextrous (MCM 13) and USS Devastator (MCM 6) under CTF 52 conducting mine warfare operations in the area.
CTF 152 and CTF 52.2 operations consisted of cooperating with cyclone-class patrol craft USS Sirocco (PC 6) and USS Thunderbolt (PC 12), Island-class patrol boat USCGC Adak (WPB 1333), Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessels HMS Chiddingfold (M37) and HMS Atherstone (M38), and Sandown-class minehunter HMS Shoreham (M112).

Under Combined Task Group (CTG) 50.3, Mitscher operated as plane guard and as a self-defense asset for the French navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91) Carrier Strike Group. Mitscher was the first U.S. naval warship assigned to work as part of a French navy strike group. Some other coalition warships that worked in the task group included French navy Horizon-class frigate FS Chevalier Paul (D621), British navy Type 23 Duke class frigate HMS Kent (F78), and French Navy Durance-class command and replenishment oiler FS Meuse (A607).

"I wish to offer my deepest thanks and appreciation to all of her crew for the outstanding work achieved," said Rear Adm. Eric Chaperon, commander, Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group.

While in theater, Mitscher demonstrated what it truly means to be at the tip of the spear as Destroyermen-proficient in all areas of warfighting.

"[Mitscher's] operational expertise, innovation and can-do attitude reflected great credit upon the legacy of Vice Adm. "Pete" Mitscher, a "bulldog of a fighter"; you have truly seized the day," said Grady.

For more Mitscher information, visit www.mitscher.navy.mil/ or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/USS-Mitscher/340365419379004.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.cusnc.navy.mil/.