By MCC(select) Jay C. Pugh
USS Momsen (DDG 92) operates in the South China Sea in late July. (U.S. Navy/MC1 Jay C. Pugh) >>
SUBIC Bay, Philippines - The guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) arrived in Subic Bay Aug. 8 as part of a U.S. 3rd Fleet Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG).
The regularly scheduled port call reinforced the U.S. Navy's commitment to theater security cooperation and freedom of navigation operations within the Asia-Indo-Pacific region.
"Momsen's presence here sends a powerful message to the world about our commitment to the stability of the region," said Cmdr. Elaine Brunelle, Momsen's executive officer. "We are skilled professionals committed to enhancing maritime security through bilateral cooperation with our partners throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific."
The port call also marked Momsen's midway point as part of a historic PAC SAG. Under the operational control of U.S. 3rd Fleet, the PAC SAG, which consists of the guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Decatur (DDG 73) and Momsen, with embarked Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 31 - is conducting routine patrols, maritime security operations and theater cooperation activities to enhance regional security and stability.
While in port, Momsen will complete a voyage repair period and her crew will participate in community outreach events and take advantage of various Morale, Welfare and Recreation tours.
"Momsen's outreach activities will promote American goodwill through our Sailors taking part in activities that help the local communities in each port of call," said Senior Chief Fire Controlman Thomas Masanotti. "All host nations we've visited have received our Sailors with great appreciation. We have always been welcomed at each event and been thanked graciously upon its completion."
Indeed, Momsen Sailors participated in four community outreach activities during previous port calls in Busan, Korea, Sasebo, Japan, Singapore and Darwin, Australia. The projects ran the gamut of cultural interactions with senior citizens, children, disabled citizens and beautification efforts.
The crew aboard Momsen will also focus on mission essential maintenance during the voyage repair.
"Sometimes there is special equipment required that the ship does not have on board to calibrate gauges, valves, tools and so on," said Chief Interior Communications Electrician Justin Hohlbein, Momsen's maintenance manager. "Pulling into a port like Subic Bay offers us the chance to have these types of jobs completed and the accomplishment of corrective maintenance of mission essential items is necessary for a ship to deploy or to continue on its deployment."
The U.S. Navy maintains a presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to help preserve peace and security and to further partnerships with friends and allies. The presence of the PAC SAG on this deployment contributes to freedom of navigation and lawful use of the sea, as well as furthers operational training and enables an exchange of culture, skills and tactical knowledge.
Spruance also completed its portion of the deployment participating in the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI). OMSI is a secretary of defense program leveraging Department of Defense assets transiting the region to increase the Coast Guard's maritime domain awareness, ultimately supporting its maritime law enforcement operations in Oceania.
U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. Third Fleet works constantly with U.S. 7th Fleet. The forces of both Fleets complement one another across the spectrum of military operations in the Pacific.