By MC3 Katarzyna Kobiljak, NPASE Hawaii
USS Momsen (DDG 92) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam April 25 as part of a port visit by a Pacific Surface Action Group deploying to U.S. 7th Fleet. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Katarzyna Kobiljak) >>
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - A Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam April 27 following a port visit en route to the Western Pacific.
The PAC SAG is comprised of the embarked staff of Destroyer Squadron 31, guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Momsen (DDG 92) and embarked “Devil Fish” and “Warbirds” detachments of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49.
Adm. Scott Swift, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, addressed Sailors from the crews aboard Momsen April 26 to highlight the significance of their mission and explain how their capability will be tested throughout their deployment.
“The potential options that you can explore as part of this three-ship SAG is very exciting,” said Swift, during his visit to Momsen. “One of the great benefits the Navy brings to the nation is flexibility, and part of that flexibility is going to be demonstrated as soon as you get underway from Hawaii.”
<< Adm. Scott Swift, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks to Sailors assigned to the Pacific Surface Action Group (SAG) during an all-hands call aboard USS Momsen (DDG 92). (U.S. Navy/MC2 Brian M. Wilbur)
Deploying as a PAC SAG allows the three ships to execute a broad range of maritime operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations while under the operational control of U.S. 3rd Fleet.
During WWII, the vast majority of 3rd Fleet was forward deployed throughout the Pacific islands in campaigns all the way up to Japan.
“This deployment is a little bit of returning to your roots; our roots of having 3rd Fleet deploying forward through this PAC SAG, throughout your entire cruise,” said Swift.
The destroyers are trained and prepared to conduct maritime security operations, which include addressing challenges to international law at sea such as piracy and other illicit activities.
The PAC SAG will conduct routine patrols, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation activities, and will also operate with regional navies to promote security, stability and prosperity.