U.S. guided-missile destroyer visits Nuku'alofa [1]
Tuesday, May 10, 2016 - 20:46. Updated on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 - 20:59.
The U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) arrived in Nuku’alofa yesterday morning, 9 May on a routine visit.
The USS Spruance, under the command of Commander Manuel Hernandez with more than 300 sailors on board will be in Nuku’alofa for three days, until 12 May.
According to a Press Statement from the US Third Fleet, the destroyer is in the Pacific on a regular deployment, as a part of a Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG), which also consists of Destroyer Squadron 31 CDS-31, two other guided-missile destroyers the USS Decatur DDG 73 and USS Momsen DDG 92 ,and embarked “Devil Fish” and “Sarbirds” detachments of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron HSM 49.
Under the operational control of US 3rd Fleet, PAC SAG is scheduled to conduct routine patrols, maritime security operations and theatre security cooperation activities.
“Security and stability at sea serve as the foundation for economic prosperity in the region,” stated Hernandez. “Together with our partners, we are committed to keeping the sea lanes open for the benefit of all.”