040924-N-7949W-002 San Diego, Cailf. (Sept. 24, 2004) - Crewmembers assigned to the Spruance-class destroyer USS OÕBrien (DD 975) leave the ship for the final time during the shipÕs decommissioning ceremony at Naval Base San Diego. OÕBrien was commissioned Dec. 3, 1977, and spent the next 27 years protecting the national interests. In August, 1992 OÕBrien became a member of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces, stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 1st Class Daniel Woods (RELEASED)
040924-N-7949W-005 San Diego, Cailf. (Sept. 24, 2004) - Crewmembers assigned to the Spruance-class destroyer USS OÕBrien (DD 975) man-the-rails during the ships decommissioning ceremony at Naval Base San Diego. OÕBrien was commissioned Dec. 3, 1977, and spent the next 27 years protecting the national interests. In August, 1992 OÕBrien became a member of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces, stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 1st Class Daniel Woods (RELEASED)
970925-N-4778W-152 ABOARD USS NIMITZ (Sept. 25, 1997) -- The Spruance-Class destroyer USS Kincade (DD 965) is currently on deployment in the South China Sea as a part of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) battle group. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Christopher Ware. (RELEASED)
020617-N-5067K-003 The Pacific Ocean (June 17, 2002) -- The Spruance-class destroyer USS Kinkaid (DD 965) steams at high speed during operations off the California coast. The Kinkaid is conducting a series of workups in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 2nd Class Michael D. Kennedy. (RELEASED)
020617-N-5067K-004 Pacific Ocean (June 17, 2002) -- The Spruance-class destroyer USS Kinkaid (DD 965) maneuvers at slow speed during operations off the California coast. The Kinkaid is conducting a series of workups in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 2nd Class Michael D. Kennedy. (RELEASED)
020626-N-4374S-013 At sea aboard USS Cushing (DD 985) Jun. 26, 2002 -- Sailors conduct a foreign object debris (FOD) walkdown on the shipÕs helicopter flight deck prior to flight operations. Prior to every launch and recovery operation, the entire flight deck is visually inspected for any debris that could present a hazard to aircraft and personnel. The Spruance-class destroyer USS Cushing is on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg. (RELEASED)
020627-N-4374S-009 At sea aboard USS Cushing (DD 985) Jun. 27, 2002 -- The ÒSpruanceÓ class destroyer steams toward a merchant vessel suspected of carrying illegal cargo in the Arabian Gulf. Boarding teams have been conducting Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) to search for contraband cargo aboard merchant ships in the area. Cushing is conducting missions in support of UN sanctions against Iraq in accordance with Operation Southern Watch, while serving to combat terrorism in support of Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg. (RELEASED)
020625-N-1056B-004 Eastern Pacific (Jun. 25, 2002) -- The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Fife (DD 991) is the U.S. Task Group flagship for the Pacific Phase of the annual UNITAS exercise conducted between June 27 and July 11, 2002, with naval forces from five nations off the coast of Chile. The ships five-month deployment to the Eastern Pacific Ocean for Counter-Drug Operations and the UNITAS exercise is the final deployment for the Spruance-class destroyer, which is scheduled to be de-commissioned in February 2003. U.S. Navy Photo by Lieutenant Corey Barker (RELEASED)
021025-N-6811L-009 Command Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (Oct. 25, 2002) -- A sailor renders a hand salute during morning colors aboard the Spruance class destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985). Cushing is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, supporting Seventh Fleet operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class David A. Levy. (RELEASED)
021124-N-1777B-004 Aboard the USS Paul F. Foster (DD 964) Qingdao, China (Nov. 24, 2002) -- Sailors aboard the Spruance class destroyer ÒMan The RailÓ as a welcoming party of local officials and military leadership from the Peoples Republic of China prepare for the ships arrival honors. Paul F. Foster, homeported in Everett, Wash., is the first U.S. Navy ship to visit Mainland China since March 2001, following the downing of a U.S. Navy EP-3E ÒAeriesÓ reconnaissance aircraft in April 2001. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Shawn Burns. (RELEASED)
021125-N-1777B-001 Qingdao, China (Nov. 25, 2002) -- Command Master Chief Laurel Davis of the U.S. NavyÕs Spruance class destroyer USS Paul F. Foster (DD964) listens as a tour guide assigned to People's Republic of China, North Sea fleet discusses flight operations on the Chinese Destroyer Qingdao (DD 113). Paul F. Foster, homeported in Everett, Wash., is the first U.S. Navy ship to visit Mainland China since March 2001, following the downing of a U.S. Navy EP-3E ÒAeriesÓ reconnaissance aircraft in April 2001. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Shawn Burns. (RELEASED)
021127-N-3653A-004 At sea with USS Arthur W. Radford (DD 968) Nov. 27, 2002 -- The Arthur W. Radford steams through the Mediterranean Sea as the Spruance-class destroyer nears the end of a regularly scheduled deployment with the Washington Battle Group in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Summer M. Anderson. (RELEASED)
021216-N-5319A-002 At sea with USS Fletcher (DD 992) Dec. 16, 2002 -- The spruance class destroyer flyÕs the national ensign while underway in the central command area of responsibility. Fletcher is conducting Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in the Arabian Gulf while enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq. Fletcher is part of the NavyÕs Sea Swap initiative, which involves rotating three crews through a single ship to allow for more time on station in theater, while returning crews home at six month intervals. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 1st Class Brien Aho. (RELEASED)
021216-N-5319A-001 At sea with USS Fletcher (DD 992) Dec. 16, 2002 -- The spruance class destroyer flyÕs the national ensign while underway in the central command area of responsibility. Fletcher is conducting Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in the Arabian Gulf while enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq. Fletcher is part of the NavyÕs Sea Swap initiative, which involves rotating three crews through a single ship to allow for more time on station in theater, while returning crews home at six month intervals. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 1st Class Brien Aho. (RELEASED)
021216-N-5319A-003 Central Command Area of Responsibility (Dec. 16, 2002) -- Aerial photo of Security Council Coalition ships. (From left to right) Her Majesty's Australian Ship HMAS Darwin (F 04), the U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), the U.S. Navy spruance class destroyer USS Fletcher (DD 992), Her Majesty's Australian Ship HMAS Anzac (F 150), and the British Royal Navy ship HMS Cardiff (D 108). The Security Council Coalition ships are conducting Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in the Central Command Area of Responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 1st Class Brien Aho. (RELEASED)
030107-N-3211R-001 Aboard USS Kinkaid (DD 965) Jan. 7, 2003 -- Officers and Sailors of the Spruance class destroyer Kinkaid Òmanned the railsÓ for the last time. The Kinkaid was decommissioned during a ceremony at the Naval Station San Diego. The crew of the Kinkaid will relieve the crew of the USS Fletcher (DD 992) in the NavyÕs new ÒSea Swap Initiative,Ó which involves rotating three crews through a single ship to allow for more time on station in theater. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Emmanuel Rios. (RELEASED)
030107-N-3211R-005 Naval Station San Diego (Jan. 7, 2003) -- Rear Adm David T. Hart, Jr., Deputy Commander of Naval Region Europe was the guest speaker at the decommissioning ceremony held for the Spruance class destroyer USS Kinkaid (DD 965). ÒIÕm especially proud that the spirit lives on in this crew today as they take on a challenging task such as ÔSea SwapÕ,Ó said Hart. The crew of the Kinkaid will relieve the crew of the USS Fletcher (DD 992) in the NavyÕs new ÒSea Swap Initiative,Ó which involves rotating three crews through a single ship to allow for more time on station in theater. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Emmanuel Rios. (RELEASED)
030224-N-4649C-001 At sea aboard USS O'Bannon (DD 987) - A 51-caliber MK 45 gun fires a round during a surface-to-surface firing exercise aboard the Spruance-class destroyer USS O'Bannon (DD 987). The ship is participating in UNITAS 44-03, a multinational naval exercise hosted by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command. UNITAS is the largest multinational maritime exercise in the western hemisphere and is designed to build coalition and increase interoperability among the Naval forces of the region. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Chantel M. Chapman. (RELEASED)
030228-N-6477M-091 Naval Station Everett, Wash. (Feb. 28, 2003) -- Cmdr. Fernandez L. Ponds (left), Commanding Officer of the spruance class destroyer USS Fife (DD 991), and the shipÕs Command Master Chief Herbert L. Gregory stand by as members of the FifeÕs crew parade the ship's flags ashore, during her decommissioning ceremony. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Eli Jody Medellin. (RELEASED)
030314-N-0115R-055 Suez Canal (March 14, 2003) -- The spruance class destroyer USS Deyo (DD 989) makes itÕs transit through the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Deyo is the first U.S. warship to enter the Red Sea during recent movements to the Cental Command area of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Patrick Reilly. (RELEASED)
030314-N-0115R-026 Suez Canal (March 14, 2003) -- The spruance class destroyer USS Deyo (DD 989) makes itÕs transit through the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Deyo is the first U.S. warship to enter the Red Sea during recent movements to the Cental Command area of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Patrick Reilly. (RELEASED)
030314-N-0115R-198 Suez Canal (March 14, 2003) -- Sonar Technician 3rd Class Jason Farmer, of Richmond, Va., mans a 50-caliber machine gun aboard the spruance class destroyer USS Deyo (DD 989) while transiting the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Deyo is the first U.S. warship to enter the Red Sea during recent movements to the Cental Command area of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Patrick Reilly. (RELEASED)
030314-N-0115R-217 Suez Canal (March 14, 2003) -- Operations Specialist 3rd Class Jodfrey Bandstra of Richmond, Va., stands navigational and safety watch as the spruance class destroyer USS DEYO (DD 989) makes its transit through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea. Deyo is the first U.S. warship to enter the Red Sea during recent movements to the Cental Command area of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Patrick Reilly. (RELEASED)
030314-N-0115R-048 Suez Canal (March 14, 2003) -- The crew maintains a close watch as the spruance class destroyer USS Deyo (DD 989) transits the Suez Canal, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Deyo is the first U.S. warship to enter the Red Sea during recent movements to the Cental Command area of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Patrick Reilly. (RELEASED)
030314-N-0115R-067 Suez Canal (March 14, 2003) -- The crew maintains a close watch on the bow in front of the Vertical Launch Cells of the spruance class destroyer USS Deyo (DD 989) while it transits the Suez Canal, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Each cell is capable of launching a Tomahawk land attack cruise missile. Deyo is the first U.S. warship to enter the Red Sea during recent movements to the Cental Command area of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Patrick Reilly. (RELEASED)
030314-N-0115R-073 Suez Canal (March 14, 2003) -- A crewmember maintains a close watch on the bow in front of the Vertical Launch Cells of the spruance class destroyer USS Deyo (DD 989) while it transits the Suez Canal, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Each cell is capable of launching a Tomahawk land attack cruise missile. Deyo is the first U.S. warship to enter the Red Sea during recent movements to the Cental Command area of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Patrick Reilly. (RELEASED)
030314-N-0115R-050 Suez Canal (March 14, 2003) -- The crew maintains a close watch as the spruance class destroyer USS Deyo (DD 989) transits the Suez Canal, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Deyo is the first U.S. warship to enter the Red Sea during recent movements to the Cental Command area of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Patrick Reilly. (RELEASED)
030321-N-6141B-004 Central Command Area of Operation (Mar. 21, 2003) -- The Spruance class destroyer USS Briscoe (DD 977) underway. Briscoe is homeported in Norfolk, Va., and is conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate IraqÕs weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Alan J. Baribeau. (RELEASED)
030321-N-6141B-006 Central Command Area of Operation (Mar. 21, 2003) -- The Spruance class destroyer USS Briscoe (DD 977) underway. Briscoe is homeported in Norfolk, Va., and is conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate IraqÕs weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Alan J. Baribeau. (RELEASED)
030329-N-6141B-003 Central Command's area of Responsibility (Mar. 29, 2003) -- The Spruance Class destroyer USS Fletcher (DD 992) conducts underway operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fletcher was one of many U.S. Navy surface combatants to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate IraqÕs weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Alan J. Baribeau. (RELEASED)
030329-N-6141B-004 Central Command's area of Responsibility (Mar. 29, 2003) -- The Spruance Class destroyer USS Deyo (DD 989) conducts underway operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Deyo was one of many U.S. Navy surface combatants to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate IraqÕs weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Alan J. Baribeau. (RELEASED)
030423-N-3235P-513 Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 23, 2003) -- The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and guided missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) underway in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea while conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass. (RELEASED)
030423-N-3235P-509 Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 23, 2003) -- The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and guided missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) underway in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea as aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) conduct a formation fly-over during an air power demonstration for visiting Congressional Delegates. Truman and San Jacinto are currently on deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass. (RELEASED)
040915-N-9376H-001 Arabian Sea (Sept. 15, 2004) Ð The guided missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 963) fires its 5Ó 54 gun during a three-day exercise in the Central Arabian Gulf. The joint exercise included USS Vicksburg (CG 69), USS Sirocco (PC 6), USCGC Baranof (WPB 1318) and air assets from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17. The Spruance is on a scheduled deployment in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)
030922-N-7748K-004 Atlantic Ocean (Sept. 22, 2003) -- The guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) escorts USS Enterprise (CVN 65) during the Comprehensive Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). The Enterprise Strike Group is underway participating in COMPTUEX in preparation for a Mediterranean Deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Joshua C. Kinter. (RELEASED)
031106-N-0880K-110 Norfolk, Va. (Nov. 6, 2003) -- Sailors assigned to the Spruance-class destroyer USS Deyo (DD 989) depart the ship for the final time during a decommissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. The ship was commissioned March 22, 1980, and during its 23 years Deyo played a major role in operations in Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas, and the Persian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Apprentice James Kusher. (RELEASED)
041225-N-2101W-001 Yokosuka, Japan (Dec. 25, 2004) Ð The Spruance-class destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985) displays her holiday lights on Christmas morning aboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Alan Warner (RELEASED)
040423-N-0780F-013 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Apr. 23, 2004) - The Spruance class destroyer USS Thorn (DD 988) arrives for a brief port visit in Souda Bay. Thorn is homeported in Norfolk, Va., and is currently on her final Mediterranean deployment before being decommissioned in August after 23 years of fleet service. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley. (RELEASED)
040525-N-3228G-001 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (May 25, 2004) - The superstructure for the Spruance-class Destroyer USS Fletcher (DD 992) is visible over the trees while transiting the channel to Pearl Harbor. After two years and four crews, Fletcher returned to Pearl Harbor for a two-day port visit before traveling to San Diego, Calif., where it will be decommissioned in October. The former Pearl Harbor-based ship is part of the Navy's Sea Swap Initiative, a program that rotates four crews through a single ship at six-month intervals. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 1st Class William R. Goodwin (RELEASED)
040525-N-3228G-011 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (May 25, 2004) - A Sailor assigned to the Spruance-class destroyer USS Fletcher (DD 992) waits to go on liberty shortly after arriving in Pearl Harbor. After two years and four crews, Fletcher returned to Pearl Harbor for a two-day port visit before traveling to San Diego, Calif., where it will be decommissioned in October. The former Pearl Harbor-based ship is part of the Navy's Sea Swap Initiative, a program that rotates four crews through a single ship at six-month intervals. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 1st Class William R. Goodwin (RELEASED)
040525-N-8157C-007 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (May 25, 2004) - After two years and four crews, the Spruance Class destroyer USS Fletcher (DD 992) returned to Pearl Harbor for a two-day port visit before traveling to San Diego, Calif., where it will be decommissioned in October. The former Pearl Harbor-based ship is part of the Navy's Sea Swap Initiative, a program that rotates four crews through a single ship at six-month intervals. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Dennis C. Cantrell (RELEASED)
040525-N-8157C-011 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (May 25, 2004) - Family and friends watch as the Spruance Class destroyer USS Fletcher (DD 992) is guided to a pier by tugboats. After two years and four crews, Fletcher returned to Pearl Harbor for a two-day port visit before traveling to San Diego, Calif., where it will be decommissioned in October. The former Pearl Harbor-based ship is part of the Navy's Sea Swap Initiative, a program that rotates four crews through a single ship at six-month intervals. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Dennis C. Cantrell (RELEASED)
040525-N-3019M-001 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (May 25, 2004) - After two years and four crews, the Spruance Class destroyer USS Fletcher (DD 992) returned to Pearl Harbor for a two-day port visit before traveling to San Diego, Calif., where it will be decommissioned in October. The former Pearl Harbor-based ship is part of the Navy's Sea Swap Initiative, a program that rotates four crews through a single ship at six-month intervals. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Ryan C. McGinley (RELEASED)
040525-N-3019M-004 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (May 25, 2004) - After two years and four crews, the Spruance Class destroyer USS Fletcher (DD 992) returned to Pearl Harbor for a two-day port visit before traveling to San Diego, Calif., where it will be decommissioned in October. The former Pearl Harbor-based ship is part of the Navy's Sea Swap Initiative, a program that rotates four crews through a single ship at six-month intervals. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Ryan C. McGinley (RELEASED)
040525-N-3019M-003 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (May 25, 2004) - Sailors assigned to the Spruance Class destroyer USS Fletcher (DD 992) attach the ship's banner to the brow after returning to Pearl Harbor for a two-day port visit before traveling to San Diego, Calif., where she will be decommissioned in October. The former Pearl Harbor-based ship is part of the Navy's Sea Swap Initiative, a program that rotates four crews through a single ship at six-month intervals. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Ryan C. McGinley (RELEASED)
040611-N-4374S-011 Atlantic Ocean (Jun. 11, 2004) - The destroyer USS Spruance (DD 963) cruises the Atlantic Ocean preparing for an early underway replenishment with the fast combat support ship USS Seattle (AOE 3). Spruance is currently involved in a joint exercise, known as Combined Joint Task Force Exercise. The exercise allows all services and several countries to train the way they fight - in a joint environment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg (RELEASED)
040611-N-4374S-020 Atlantic Ocean (June 11, 2004) - The aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and the destroyer USS Spruance (DD 963) receive fuel simultaneously from the fast combat support ship USS Seattle (AOE 3) during an underway replenishment in the Atlantic Ocean. Seattle and Spruance are part of the John F. Kennedy Carrier Strike Group, currently involved in a joint exercise, known as Combined Joint Task Force Exercise. The exercise allows all services and several countries to train the way they fight - in a joint environment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg (RELEASED)
040618-N-5319A-001 Arabian Gulf (June 18, 2004) - The Spruance-class destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985) cruises the Arabian Gulf prior to conducting an underway replenishment. The Norfolk, Va. based destroyer is on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 1st Class Brien Aho (RELEASED)
040618-N-5319A-006 Arabian Gulf (June 18, 2004) Ð The guided missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and the Spruance-class destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985) conduct an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199). The three ships are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 1st Class Brien Aho (RELEASED)
040719-N-0780-044 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (July 19, 2004) Ð The destroyer USS Spruance (DD 963) is escorted by tugs as she arrives for a port visit at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece. Spruance is homported in Mayport, Fla., and is currently on a routine deployment. Spruance-class destroyers, the first large U.S. Navy warships to employ gas turbine engines as their main propulsion system, are undergoing extensive modernizing. The upgrade program includes addition of vertical launchers for advanced missiles on 24 ships of this class, in addition to an advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) system and upgrading of its helicopter capability. Spruance-class destroyers are expected to remain a major part of the Navy's surface combatant force into the 21st century. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley (RELEASED)
040719-N-0780-047 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (July 19, 2004) Ð The destroyer USS Spruance (DD 963) is escorted by tugs as she arrives for a port visit at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece. Spruance is homported in Mayport, Fla., and is currently on a routine deployment. Spruance-class destroyers, the first large U.S. Navy warships to employ gas turbine engines as their main propulsion system, are undergoing extensive modernizing. The upgrade program includes addition of vertical launchers for advanced missiles on 24 ships of this class, in addition to an advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) system and upgrading of its helicopter capability. Spruance-class destroyers are expected to remain a major part of the Navy's surface combatant force into the 21st century. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley (RELEASED)
040808-N-7034S-001 Arabian Gulf (Aug. 8, 2004) Ð The aft 5-inch gun mount aboard destroyer USS Spruance (DD 963) conducts a live fire exercises in the Arabian Gulf. Spruance is attached to the John F. Kennedy carrier strike group (CSG) and is on deployment conducting missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, during the continued war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 2nd Class Samuel W. Shavers (RELEASED)
041010-N-7798M-039 Manana, Bahrain (Oct. 10, 2004) - Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Vern Clark, speaks to Sailors assigned to the destroyer USS Spruance (DD 963), the amphibious transport dock USS Juneau (LPD 10) and tenant commands from Naval Support Activity Bahrain during a tour of the Middle East region. U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Denny Moynihan (RELEASED)
041016-N-8704K-003 Arabian Gulf (Oct. 16, 2004) Ð Destroyer USS Spruance (DD 963) shown along side the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) prior to flight operations. Kennedy and embarked Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17) are currently on deployment in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Karsten (Released)
20041017-N-0922G-001 Arabian Gulf (Oct. 17, 2004) Ð The destroyer USS Spruance (DD 963) conducts a Close-in Weapons System (CWIS) live fire test during a Pre-Aim Calibration Fire (PACFIRE) in the Arabian Gulf. CWIS is a fast-reaction, rapid-fire 20-millimeter gun system that provides U.S. Navy ships with a terminal defense against anti-ship missiles that have penetrated other fleet defenses. Spruance is deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Ralph F. Gibbs (RELEASED)
041112-N-0000M-001 Atlantic Ocean (Nov. 12, 2004) Ð The decommissioned destroyer Hayler (DD 997) takes fire from a 57mm Bofors gun aboard the Canadian Halifax-class multi-role patrol frigate HMCS Ville De Quebec (F 332), during a Sink Exercise conducted 300 miles off the East Coast of the United States. Ville De Quebec is currently participating in NATO's Maritime Response Force commonly referred to as Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT). STANAVFORLANT is the world's first permanent peacetime multinational naval squadron. Hayler was the last Spruance-class of destroyers built by the Navy, and was decommissioned on Aug. 25, 2003. All decommissioned ships receive a thorough inspection by the EPA before sinking, and will now act as an artificial reef for deep-sea marine life. The sinking of these ships provides unique weapons training opportunities. Photo courtesy Canadian Navy by Master Cpl. John Mason (RELEASED)
041113-N-5319A-001 Atlantic Ocean (Nov. 13, 2004) - Explosives charges provided by Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Two (EODMU-2) detonate aboard the U.S. NavyÕs decommissioned destroyer Hayler (DD 997), during a Sink Exercise conducted 300 miles off the East Coast of the United States. The amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2) along with the "Chargers" of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six (HC-6) participated in the four-day exercise held Nov. 12-14. Hayler was the last Spruance-class of destroyers built by the Navy, and was decommissioned on Aug. 25, 2003. All decommissioned ships receive a thorough inspection by the EPA before sinking, and will now act as an artificial reef for deep-sea marine life. The sinking of these ships provides unique weapons training opportunities. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 1st Class Brien Aho (RELEASED)
050119-N-0780-051 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Jan. 19, 2005) Ð The Spruance-class destroyer USS O'Bannon (DD 987) is assisted by tugs as she approaches the Marathi Pier Facility in Souda Bay for a brief port visit. O'Bannon is one of only three remaining Spruance-class destroyers in the Navy's inventory and is homeported in Mayport, Florida. She is on a regularly scheduled deployment and is due to be decommissioned in the fall of 2005. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley (RELEASED)
050921-N-0899S-002 San Diego (Sept. 21, 2005) Ð USS Cushing (DD 985), the last Spruance-class destroyer, is decommissioned on the shipÕs 26th anniversary. Speakers for the decommissioning ceremony included CushingÕs first commanding officer, Rear Adm. William C. Miller (Ret.) and the shipÕs current commanding officer, Cmdr. Steven A. Mucklow. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Cynthia R. Smith (RELEASED)
050921-N-0899S-001 San Diego (Sept. 21, 2005) Ð USS Cushing (DD 985), the last Spruance-class destroyer, is decommissioned on the shipÕs 26th anniversary. Speakers for the decommissioning ceremony included CushingÕs first commanding officer, Rear Adm. William C. Miller (Ret.) and the shipÕs current commanding officer, Cmdr. Steven A. Mucklow. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Cynthia R. Smith (RELEASED)
050328-N-2101W-007 Yokosuka, Japan (Mar. 28, 2005) - Spruance Class destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985) returns to her forward deployed operating base, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, after a regularly scheduled underway period. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Alan Warner (RELEASED)
050321-N-9588P-002 Chinae, Republic of Korea (Mar. 21, 2005) Ð Sailors prepare to remove lines in preparation to getting the Spruance-class destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985) underway during Reception, Staging, Onward movement, and Integration/Foal Eagle exercises (RSO&I/Foal Eagle). RSO&I is a complex multi-phase exercise conducted annually, tailored to train, test, and demonstrate United States and Republic of Korea force projection and deployment capabilities. Foal Eagle exercise runs simultaneously and trains in all aspects of Combined Forces Command's mission. The defensive Naval Foal Eagle exercises began Mar. 19, 2005 with eight U.S. Navy ships from the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Carrier Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Scott Morton (RELEASED)
