Dewey Visits Pearl Harbor

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS170724-03
Release Date: 7/24/2017 8:25:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kryzentia Weiermann, Commander, Third Fleet Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (NNS) -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for the final port visit in their Western Pacific deployment, July 21.

Dewey and embarked Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 78, along with USS Sterett (DDG 104) and embarked HSM 49, deployed as part of the Sterett-Dewey Surface Action Group (SAG) and departed San Diego for the Western Pacific, March 31.

Under the operational control of U.S. 3rd Fleet, Dewey conducted routine patrols, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation activities with allies and partners to enhance regional security and stability throughout their deployment. Dewey participated in several multilateral exercises with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and joint exercises with the U.S. Air Force.

"I am extremely proud of our Sailors for their hard work and dedication to the mission throughout deployment," said Cmdr. Anthony Webber, Dewey commanding officer. "We are all excited to visit Hawaii once again and to welcome our friends and family aboard for Tiger Cruise."

While in Hawaii, the ship will be embarking riders for a tiger cruise. Tiger cruises provide family members and friends of the crew the opportunity to stay aboard the ship to experience the daily operations of a surface naval vessel.

As established during the three-ship Pacific Surface Action Group deployment in 2016, Sterett-Dewey SAG remained under U.S. 3rd Fleet control, including beyond the international dateline which previously divided operational areas of responsibility for 3rd and 7th Fleets. Third Fleet operating forward offers additional options to the Pacific Fleet commander by leveraging the capabilities of both fleets. This operational concept allows both numbered fleets to complement one another and provide the foundation of stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. Third Fleet constantly coordinates with U.S. 7th Fleet to plan and execute missions based on their complementary strengths to promote ongoing peace, security, and stability throughout the Pacific theater of operations.