PEARL HARBOR (April 30, 2021) – Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) returned to her homeport Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, April 30. John Paul Jones conducted operations in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Arabian Sea, both independently and as part of Carrier Strike Group 11. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Devin M. Langer)
Two Pearl Harbor Navy ships recently returned home from Fleet Deployments.
On Friday, April 30, Pearl Harbor-based guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) returned to her homeport following a deployment to 5th and 7th Fleets.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) and an embarked detachment from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 6 conducted operations in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Arabian Sea, both independently and as part of Carrier Strike Group 11.
“I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of John Paul Jones during this deployment,” said Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, commander, Carrier Strike Group 11. “Operating from the Western Pacific to the Arabian Gulf, they exported peace, conducting operations and joint exercises with our allies and partners around the globe, improving interoperability and capabilities to help secure the maritime domain. Despite myriad challenges that come with operating at sea during a pandemic, this team rose to meet every one. Our nation appreciates your service to our country and thanks your families and friends for their sacrifice and support.”
During their time in the 5th Fleet area of operations, the crew of John Paul Jones conducted maritime security operations alongside regional and coalition partners. They participated in multi-lateral exercises Nautical Defender 21 with the UK and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Iron Defender 21 with the United Arab Emirates. They provided overwatch for commercial and military vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz as part of Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel, and while operating in direct support to the Combined Maritime Forces, John Paul Jones successfully interdicted more than 2,000lbs of suspected narcotics from a vessel in the international waters of the Arabian Sea, December 4.
“I could not be more proud of my crew’s dedication to securing freedom of the seas and fulfilling our national tasking, especially during a global pandemic,” said Cmdr. Robert Watts, John Paul Jones’s commanding officer. “Over the past eight months, my Sailors have been unwavering in their resolve to accomplish the mission.”
While operating in U.S. 7th Fleet, John Paul Jones conducted multiple presence operations reinforcing regional security and stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy’s timeless roles of sea control and power projection. U.S. 3rd Fleet works in close coordination with other numbered Fleets to provide commanders with capable, ready assets to deploy forward and win in day-to-day competition, in crisis, and in conflict.
On Tuesday, April 27, Pearl Harbor-based guided missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) returned to her homeport, following a deployment to 5th and 7th Fleets.
Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) and an embarked detachment from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37 conducted operations with Carrier Strike Group 12 and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), participated in multiple international maritime exercises, and confiscated more than 1000 lbs. of narcotics in direct support of Combined Maritime Forces’ counternarcotics mission.
“Our team is proud to welcome back Port Royal after a truly exceptional deployment which is evident by their many successful missions across the 5th and 7th Fleet AORs,” said Rear Adm. Robb Chadwick, commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. “We are fully committed to our mission of keeping Pearl Harbor ships combat ready throughout their maintenance and operational phases, thus ensuring we are equipped to execute the Navy’s tasking across the globe when called.”
During their deployment, the crew of Port Royal enhanced cooperative interoperability and capabilities in the Arabian Sean and Gulf of Oman with participating units from France, Belgium, Japan and the U.S. during Group Arabian Sea Warfare Exercise 21. Additionally, during the annual Oman-led multilateral exercise Khunjar Hadd 26, Omani Lynx helicopters landed aboard Port Royal, marking the first time this type of Omani aircraft has landed on a U.S. warship.
While operating in U.S. 7th Fleet, Port Royal served as the air defense commander for the Makin Island ARG. As part of Makin Island ARG, Port Royal also participated in bilateral flight operations with the Republic of Singapore Air Force as well as Expeditionary Strike Force operations in the South China Sea alongside the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. Port Royal’s support to the ARG reinforced US commitment to protecting the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea toward a free and open Indo-Pacific.
U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy’s timeless roles of sea control and power projection. U.S. 3rd Fleet works in close coordination with other numbered Fleets to provide commanders with capable, ready assets to deploy forward and win in day-to-day competition, in crisis, and in conflict.