US Navy destroyer now patrolling South China Sea

From Update.Ph (Jun 22): US Navy destroyer now patrolling South China Sea

United States Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) is on a routine patrol in the South China Sea as part of a Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG) deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific, the US Navy said. Exact location were the said vessel is patrolling was not mentioned.

Spruance departed homeport in San Diego on April 19 and remained under the operational control of Commander, 3rd Fleet, shifting operational and tactical control to Commander, 7th Fleet and Destroyer Squadron 15, depending on individual mission tasking while in the US 7th Fleet area of operations.

Spruance is accompanied in the PAC SAG by Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Momsen (DDG 92).

“In the past two weeks, we have operated in the Eastern Pacific with the U.S. Coast Guard and Pacific Island partners. Now, we are conducting operations in the South China Sea,” said Spruance commanding officer Cmdr. Manuel Hernandez. “The versatility to conduct multiple missions proves our capability to execute a variety of maritime operations across thousands of miles of ocean.”

“Spruance is currently operating in the South China Sea in support of maritime security and stability of all nations, especially in the Indo-Asian-Pacific,” said Hernandez. “Spruance is ready and capable. The Spruance team has trained extensively for this deployment.”

http://www.update.ph/2016/06/us-navy-destroyer-now-patrolling-south-china-sea/6709