A toast to my SWO friends-DDG-51 class longest U.S. warship production run (almost)

[HeyJoe]

060618-N-8492C-066 Pacific Ocean (June 18, 2006) - Three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, the USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Lassen (DDG 82) and USS Shoup (DDG 86) steam in formation during a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) for Valiant Shield 2006. Valiant Shield focuses on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces, enabling real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Todd P. Cichonowicz (RELEASED)

080411-N-9898L-249 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 11, 2008) The guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) and other ships from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 transit through the Philippine Straits. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 are on a scheduled seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geoffrey Lewis (Released)

060620-N-5837R-059 Philippine Sea (June 20, 2006) - Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Bobby Sherwood prepares to launch a SH-60B Seahawk assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four Seven (HSL-47) during flight operations aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86). Shoup is assigned to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike group currently participating in Exercise Valiant Shield 2006. Valiant Shield focuses on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces, enabling real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Timothy C. Roache Jr. (RELEASED)

080126-N-1088H-001 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 26, 2008) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) guides the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a straits transit exercise. Ships and aircraft assigned to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 are off the coast of Southern California participating in a joint task force exercise. U.S. Navy photo by IS1 Wayne Hamrick (Released)

071006-N-0649J-006 SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 6, 2007) - The guided missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) passes under the Golden Gate Bridge as part of the Parade of Ships during the 27th annual San Francisco Fleet Week celebration. Shoup is one of two U.S. Navy ships visiting San Francisco for the weeklong event honoring the armed services. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Krishna Jackson

060725-N-6581H-035 Pacific Ocean (July 25, 2006) – The guided-missile destroyers USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS Shoup (DDG 86) sail in formation during the Rim of Pacific Exercise 2006. Eight nations are participating in RIMPAC, the world's largest biennial maritime exercise. Conducted in the waters off Hawaii, RIMPAC brings together military forces from Australia, Canada, Chile, Peru, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Walter T. Ham IV (RELEASED)

 

[TheBubba]

My original commissioning orders were to the USS Gonzales... heh... Then I got offered a SNFO slot and ran with it...

I didn't realize the Arleigh Burke Class had been around that long. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they'll soon be the longest running class currently in manufacture as the last of the Nimitz Class CVNs is either being built or is the next one off the line...

040120-N-0780F-012 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Jan. 20, 2004) -- USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) sits moored at the Marathi NATO pier facility during a brief port visit at Souday Bay. Home ported in Norfolk, Va., Gonzalez is the 16th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley. (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

060520-N-7130B-135 Persian Gulf (May 20, 2006) - Military Sealift Command (MSC) fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7), center, provides fuel for the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85). All three ships are part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which is currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the region. MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts in regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Aaron Burden (RELEASED)

060429-N-1045B-006 Caribbean Sea (April 29, 2006) - Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) prepares to join Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) for a joint anti-submarine warfare exercise and British Royal Navy Trafalgar-class submarine HMS Trafalger (S107). The George Washington Carrier Strike group is currently participating in Partnership of the Americas, a maritime training and readiness deployment of the U.S. Naval Forces with Caribbean and Latin American countries in support of the U.S. Southern Command's (SOUTHCOM) objectives for enhanced maritime security. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Michael D. Blackwell II (RELEASED)

060503-N-1745W-131 Pacific Ocean (May 3, 2006) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59), left, and USS Shoup (DDG 86), sail pass the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) for display during an air-power demonstration held for visiting Indonesian officials and the U.S. ambassador to Indonesia. Russell and Shoup are part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike group that is currently underway in the Western Pacific operating area. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice Brandon C. Wilson (RELEASED)

060609-N-6639M-003 Norfolk, Va. (June 9, 2006) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) sails into Harbor Park during Norfolk Harborfest. The 30th Annual Harborfest included a Parade of Sail with over 700 water vessels, honoring Capt. Lane Briggs and officially kicked off the weekend celebration.U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Laura A. Moore (RELEASED)

060608-N-7783B-001 Portland, Ore. (June 8, 2006) - A Portland fire boat greets the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) with red white and blue water streams as she passes under the Willamette river’s Steel Bridge. Preble is one of four U.S. Navy ships visiting Portland for the week long 99th annual Rose Festival celebration. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Thomas Brennan (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

060610-N-3642E-001 Mayport, Fla. (June 10, 2006) - Seaman Apprentice Jonathan Golden, left, "mans the ship," officially bringing the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99), to life during her commissioning ceremony. The ship's name honors Adm. David Glasgow Farragut. In 1864, Farragut rallied his men to victory, shouting: "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Farragut led his naval forces on to win the Battle of Mobile Bay. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Shawn P. Eklund (RELEASED)

060610-N-3642E-003 Mayport, Fla. (June 10, 2006) - Cmdr. Deidre L. McLay salutes Deputy Director, Surface Warfare, Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, assuming command of the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99). The ship's name honors Adm. David Glasgow Farragut. In 1864, Farragut rallied his men to victory, shouting: "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Farragut led his naval forces on to win the Battle of Mobile Bay. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Shawn P. Eklund (RELEASED)

080301-N-6863R-003 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 29, 2008) The guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) approaches along side the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in preparation for a refueling at sea. GW is undergoing carrier qualifications and flight deck certification in preparation for its homeport change to Yokosuka, Japan. GW will relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the Navy's only forward deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Luis Ramirez (Released)

080814-N-6700F-005 PANAMA CANAL (Aug. 14, 2008) U.S. Army Helicopter Black Hawk hovers above the guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) to perform a fast rope exercise as part of Fuerzas Alidas (FA) PANAMAX 2008. FA PANAMAX is an annual U.S. Southern Command joint and multi-national training exercise co-sponsored with the Government of Panama tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shanika L. Futrell/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

060621-N-6410Z-206 Virginia Beach, Va. (June 21, 2006) - Lt. Justin Halligan and Lt. Cmdr. Dave Lauderbaugh, pilots with the Fighter Squadron three One (VF-31), exit an F-14D Tomcat after flight operations at Naval Air Station Oceana. VF-31 received the 2005 Arleigh Burke Award for having the most improved battle efficiency rating in the Atlantic Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Lithographer 3rd Class Emily A. Zamora (RELEASED)


Had to find a reason to slip in a vintage Tomcat shot!

 

[HeyJoe]

060803-N-6106R-015 Indian Ocean (August 3, 2006) - Guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) sails along side USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) while transiting through heavy seas during a close steaming exercise. Russell is one of three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to the 7th fleet area of responsibility (AOR). Kitty Hawk demonstrates power projection and sea control as the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Stephen W. Rowe (RELEASED)

 

[navy09]

My original commissioning orders were to the USS Gonzales... heh... Then I got offered a SNFO slot and ran with it...

I didn't realize the Arleigh Burke Class had been around that long. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they'll soon be the longest running class currently in manufacture as the last of the Nimitz Class CVNs is either being built or is the next one off the line...

I remember seeing that grizzly video of the firefight GONZALEZ got into with some pirates a few years back. Can't find it on YouTube though...

 

[HeyJoe]

060318-N-8623S-002 Indian Ocean (March 18, 2006) - An armed suspected pirate looks over the edge of a skiff, in international waters off the coast of Somalia. USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) prepared to board the suspicious vessel. The vessel’s crew members opened fire on the U.S. Navy ships and the ship's crew members returned fire. One suspect was killed and 12 were taken into custody. Coalition forces conduct maritime security operations to ensure security and safety in international waters so legitimate mariners can operate freely while transiting the region. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

I remember seeing that grizzly video of the firefight GONZALEZ got into with some pirates a few years back. Can't find it on YouTube though...

060318-N-8623S-003 Indian Ocean (March 18, 2006) - A suspected pirate vessel ignites in flames before burning to the waterline. USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) and USS Cape St. George (CG 71) were conducting maritime security operations in international waters off the coast of Somalia and attempted to perform a routine boarding of the suspicious vessel towing two skiffs. The suspected pirates opened fire on the U.S. Navy ships and the ship's crew members returned fire. One suspect was killed and 12 were taken into custody. Coalition forces conduct maritime security operations to ensure security and safety in international waters so legitimate mariners can operate freely while transiting the region. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

060318-N-8623S-006 Indian Ocean (March 18, 2006) - Evidence of small arms fire impact is visible on USS Cape St. George’s (CG 71) hull after suspected pirates opened fire on USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) and Cape St. George. The ships were conducting maritime security operations in international waters off the coast of Somalia and prepared to board a suspicious vessel towing two skiffs. The suspected pirates opened fire on the U.S. Navy ships and the ship's crew members returned fire. One suspect was killed and 12 were taken into custody. Coalition forces conduct maritime security operations to ensure security and safety in international waters so legitimate mariners can operate freely while transiting the region. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

060318-N-8623S-004 Indian Ocean (March 18, 2006) - Rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) and other armaments lay on the deck of USS Cape St. George (CG 71) after being confiscated during an early-morning engagement with suspected pirates. Cape St. George and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) were fired upon while preparing to board a suspect vessel operating in international waters off the coast of Somalia. One suspect was killed and 12 were taken into custody. Coalition forces conduct maritime security operations to ensure security and safety in international waters so legitimate mariners can operate freely while transiting the region. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

060318-N-8623S-001 Indian Ocean (March 18, 2006) - Confiscated weapons lay on the deck of guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) following an early-morning engagement with suspected pirates. Cape St. George and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) were fired upon while preparing to board a suspect vessel operating in international waters off the coast of Somalia. One suspect was killed and 12 were taken into custody. Coalition forces conduct maritime security operations to ensure security and safety in international waters so legitimate mariners can operate freely while transiting the region. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

050422-N-7365V-081 Suez Canal (April 22, 2005) - The guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) transits through the Suez Canal. Gonzalez, assigned to the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Apprentice Dennard Vinson (RELEASED)

050706-N-0401E-001 Mombasa, Kenya (July 6, 2005) - A rainbow arches over the guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) as it pulls into the Port of Mombasa, Kenya for an overnight port call. The visit marks the first time a U.S. Naval ship has visited Mombasa since 1999. Gonzalez is currently deployed to the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility as part of the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group and is participating in coalition maritime security operations (MSO). MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as an avenue of attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Wes Eplen (RELEASED)

051220-N-0685C-004 Persian Gulf (Dec. 20, 2005) – Guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) sails away after performing plane guard for the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are underway on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Javier Capella (RELEASED)

050404-N-3557N-080 Atlantic Ocean (Apr. 4, 2005) - A Sailor assigned to the Air Department moves to a safe location after chocking the wheels of an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). Gonzalez, assigned to the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Expeditionary Strike Group, is on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Christopher J. Newsome (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

030905-N-5471P-008 Atlantic Ocean (Sept. 5, 2003) -- Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) ships perform divisional tactics while underway in the Atlantic Ocean. Ships involved included USS Thorn (DD 988), USS Cole (DDG 67), Argentine Destroyer Sarandi and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). CSG ships are conducting work ups before an upcoming scheduled six-month deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Aaron Peterson. (RELEASED)

030905-N-5471P-005 Atlantic Ocean (Sept. 5, 2003) -- Enterprise Carrier Strike Group ships, USS Thorn (DD 988), USS Cole (DDG 67), and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), perform divisional tactics while underway in the Atlantic Ocean. The guided missile destroyers are conducting work-ups before an upcoming six-month deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Aaron Peterson. (RELEASED)

990608-N-8493H-001 At sea aboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) June 08,1999 -- An SH-60 "Seahawk" attached to Helicopter Squadron Three (HS-3) conducts deck landing qualifications (DLQ) aboard the USS Gonzalez. USS Gonzalez, USS Theodore Roosevelt, and supporting airwing are operating in the Adriatic Sea in support of the NATO led Operation Allied Force. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Steven Harbour. (RELEASED)

990603-N-0656B-001 At sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) June 3, 1999 -- The fueling masts of the oiler USS Monogahela (AO 178) frame the destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). The two ships are part of the USS Theodore Roosevelt's battle group which is currently supporting the NATO led Operation Allied Force. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shawn M. Boyer. (RELEASED)

990404-N-1556A-001 Aboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) Apr. 4, 1999 -- The super structure of the destroyer Gonzalez becomes visible in the pitch black early morning hours, as a "Tomahawk" cruise missile launches from the aft (rear) missile deck. Gonzalez is currently forward deployed in the Adriatic Sea to support the NATO-led Operation Allied Force. In recent days military planners have stepped up the bombing campaign to include targets in the heart of the Serbian capital of Belgrade. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Renso Amariz. (RELEASED)

090730-N-9260B-001 NORFOLK (July 30, 2009) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) form their hull numbers on the flight deck in honor of the ship's change of command. Dolia Gonzalez, mother of the ship's namesake, Marine Corps Sgt. Alfredo "Freddy" Gonzalez, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in the Vietnam War, will be traveling from her home in Edinburg, Texas to attend the ceremony, which coincides with her 80th birthday. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Antonio Butcher/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

020720-N-3580W-036 At sea aboard the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) Jul. 20, 2002 -- Ensign Mike Williams (center) mans the ship’s Tactical Communications Officer (TAO) watch station, on the ship’s bridge. Hopper is on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Johnny R. Wilson. (RELEASED)

020801-N-4374S-006 At sea aboard USS Hopper (DDG 70) Aug. 1, 2002 -- An SH-60 "Seahawk" departs from the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Hopper. Hopper is on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg. (RELEASED)

020805-N-3580W-005 At sea aboard USS Hopper (DDG 70) Aug. 5, 2002 -- Gunners Mate 2nd Class Shermel Howard cleans the barrel of the MK-45, a 5-inch, 54-caliber gun system aboard Hopper. The guided missile destroyer is on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Johnny R. Wilson. (RELEASED)

020730-N-3580W-004 At sea aboard USS Hopper (DDG 70) Jul. 30, 2002 -- Chief Sonar Technician Anthony Warners peers through a stadimeter to calculate the distance between USS Hopper and the Canadian auxiliary ship HMCS Protecteur (AOR 509) as the two vessels approach each other during a refueling at sea (RAS). Hopper and Protecteur are both deployed conducting missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Johnny R. Wilson. (RELEASED)

021002-N-3228G-005 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Oct. 2, 2002) -- Sailors ‘man the rails’ aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70). The guided missile destroyer returns to Hawaii after a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During the deployment, Hopper sailed over 41,000 nautical miles, qualified 139 Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists, and served as the "flagship" for the Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) Commanders, conducting numerous queries and boarding procedures in support of United Nations Sanctions. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class William R. Goodwin. (RELEASED)

031011-N-2570S-004 San Francisco Calif. (Oct. 11, 2003) -- USS Hopper (DDG 70) arrives in San Francisco, for the Parade of Ships during the San Francisco Fleet Week. This year marks the 22nd year of Navy participation in Fleet Week. The celebration is held at Fisherman’s Wharf featuring 2,500 Sailors, Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Navy ships; USS Cleveland (LPD 7), USS Hopper (DDG 70), USS Thach (FFG 43), USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class M. Shewman. (RELEASED)

060614-N-9851B-003 Singapore (June 14, 2006) - Sailors aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) lower the American Flag on the ship's fantail as Hopper shifts colors for getting underway. Hopper is departing Changi Naval Base, Singapore, after the completion of the Singapore phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the U.S. and six Southeast Asian nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John L. Beeman (RELEASED)

060915-N-4965F-004 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Sept. 15, 2006) - Sailors riding in a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) from the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) lead their ship pier side at Naval Station Pearl Harbor following a four-month deployment. Hopper departed in May to participate in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2006 exercise with Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James E. Foehl (RELEASED)

071202-N-4774B-029 ANDAMAN SEA (Dec. 2, 2007) The guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) prepares for a replenishment-at-sea with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193). Hopper is on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel A. Barker (RELEASED)

080118-N-4585M-001 MIDDLE EAST (Jan. 18, 2008) An SH-60 Seahawk assigned to the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 37, embarked aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73), hovers over the forecastle during a vertical replenishment. The guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70), upper middle, is refueling at sea with Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lenthall (T-AO 189). Port Royal is deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility as part of a scheduled deployment. U. S. Navy photo by Ensign Seth Marcusa (Released)

080106-N-0000X-005 PERSIAN GULF (Jan. 6, 2008) Small craft suspected to be from the Islamic Republic of Iran Revolutionary Guard Navy (IRGCN), maneuver aggressively in close proximity of the U.S. Navy Aegis-class cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73), Aegis-class destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) and frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61). All three ships were steaming in formation and had just completed a routine Strait of Hormuz transit. Coalition vessels, including U.S. Navy ships, routinely operate in the vicinity of both Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and IRGCN vessels and aircraft, without incident. U.S. Navy photo (Released)

080502-N-9758L-049 PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (May 2, 2008) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) passes the Battleship Missouri Memorial as she makes her way pier side at Naval Station Pearl Harbor after a six-month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean as part of the Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group supporting the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron (Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

090115-N-9758L-620 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 15, 2009) Guided-missile destroyers USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Hopper (DDG 70), and USS Russell (DDG 59) sail in formation during the Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific Surface Combatant Group Sail. The group sail supports the Pacific Fleet MIDPAC Surface Combatant Operational Employment program, which calls for nine of the 11 Hawaii-based surface combatants to focus on the western Pacific Ocean by conducting intermediate and advanced training and regular deployments in the western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

To have a Helo Det or not....Dramatic differences between Hull nos 56 and 89

061013-N-6959H-022 Yokosuka, Japan (Oct. 13, 2006) - The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and USS Mustin (DDG 89) display their flags commemorating the U.S. Navy’s 231st Birthday. U.S. Navy photo by Operations Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Harris (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

061018-N-6106R-080 Pacific Ocean (Oct. 18, 2006) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) sails behind the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). McCain is part of the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group that is on a regularly scheduled fall deployment in the western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Stephen W. Rowe (RELEASED)

061018-N-6106R-188 Pacific Ocean (Oct. 18, 2006) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) is shown sailing in the western Pacific Ocean after refueling and re-supplying from the Military Sealift Command underway replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204). Mustin is part of the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group that is on a regularly scheduled fall deployment in the western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Stephen W. Rowe (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

061013-N-6959H-022 Yokosuka, Japan (Oct. 13, 2006) - The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and USS Mustin (DDG 89) display their flags commemorating the U.S. Navy’s 231st Birthday. U.S. Navy photo by Operations Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Harris (RELEASED)