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Mahan Deploys from Norfolk

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080911-07
Release Date: 9/11/2008 3:45:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Kenneth R. Hendrix, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) deployed Sept. 9, as part of a scheduled deployment to conduct Maritime Security Operations.

Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Richard Miller said the crew and ship are ready to operate independently and conduct their mission as required.

"We installed some new systems, new capabilities, including a temporary installation of an unmanned aerial vehicle system, which we're going to take to sea and use as one of our primary sensors this deployment," said

Mahan will be operating independently of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG) that deployed Sept. 8.

"This ship has an incredible amount of capability," said Miller. "Our primary mission will be Maritime Security Operations and conducting training exercises with different regional partners to help promote security and stability."

Miller added that the ship's combat flexibility allows her to be able to function independently.

"We have the capability to flex on the lower end spectrum of conflict by being able to support and do things like humanitarian assistance relief and all the way to do high end intensity operations independent, with the strike group or with coalition allies," continued Miller.

This is the first deployment for Fire Controlman Fireman Brian Weir.

"I'm excited," said Weir. "This deployment is what it's all about to me. We've all worked hard the past several months and put in a lot of effort. Now it's time to put all that training and knowledge I've learned to work."

The 505-foot long ship has a crew of approximately 275 Sailors. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is the fifth ship named after Rear Adm. Alfred T. Mahan, whose ideas of sea power influenced navies around the world.

For more news from Naval Station Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsn/.>