The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, Aug. 14, for an independent deployment to maintain maritime stability and security and ensure access, deter aggression, and defend U.S., allied and partner interests around the globe. Sailors aboard Philippine Sea will also be navigating the continuing global pandemic, following strict protocols to keep the crew healthy while maintaining the highest states of operational readiness. All personnel assigned to the ship completed a minimum, 14-day quarantine ashore and were tested for COVID-19 prior to getting underway. The ship is deployed with two MH-60R helicopters from Helicopter Strike Maritime Four Eight, Detachment Five (HSM 48.5), the “Dastardly Barbarians.”
“This deployment is the culmination of months of intensive training and preparation. The Philippine Sea crew has worked hard to get here, successfully honing our skills across warfare areas through a challenging Basic Phase and demanding Integrated Phase,” said Capt. Kevin J. Hoffman, Philippine Sea’s commanding officer. “I could not be more proud of the Wardog Family and I am thrilled to sail with them. We look forward to conducting operations overseas in support of our fleet commanders and stand ready to execute our Nation’s tasking.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic poses a unique challenge worldwide, but we have taken the proper precautions and will continue to do so in order to keep our Sailors safe. We are looking forward to deployment where we can see the direct results of the crew’s hard work,” said Cmdr. Matthew Iwanczuk, Philippine Sea’s executive officer. “Even though there will be fewer port visits due to the pandemic, we expect a successful deployment while performing the missions ahead and coming home safely, Philippine Sea is ready for anything.”
USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) is a Flight II Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser on active service in the United States Navy. USS Philippine Sea, whose motto is “Eternal Vigilance,” is a Flight II Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser on active service in the U.S. Navy. She is named for the Battle of the Philippine Sea during World War II and is the second ship to bear the name. Philippine Sea was built by Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. She has completed multiple deployments as part of Operation Enduring Freedom since 2001. The Philippine Sea was the first U.S. Navy to launch missiles against Saddam Hussein’s forces during the Gulf War.
