The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) departed Singapore, Aug. 10, after a scheduled port call. Momsen’s visit to the country is reflection of the longstanding partnership between the United States and Singapore, as well as their combined willingness to protect a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sailors aboard Momsen were provided with the opportunity to experience and enjoy Singapore’s vibrant culture. Routine port visits such as this further partnering nations’ mutual interests and build upon longstanding relationships. The U.S. Navy has a long history of support from the Republic of Singapore. The host nation provides basing and logistics support to U.S. Navy’s rotationally-deployed littoral combat ships (LCS) and, recently, the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. This defense relationship builds upon the credibility of conventional deterrence by enhancing interoperability.
“I was glad to have the chance to see Singapore again after visiting almost a decade ago. It was incredible to see the way in which the country had changed and grown. I would never have expected to be back in Singapore. Coming back to their diverse cuisine was certainly a highlight. Getting away from our usual workdays and taking time for ourselves is much needed, and I think, well deserved. It’s nice to be able to spend some time in port to recharge and be ready to continue our mission,” said Yeoman 2nd Class Ma Selina Sison, from San Francisco, California.
“This was a tremendous opportunity for our crew to be able to further international relations with Singapore on behalf of our country, and I am proud to be a part of it. We’re committed to strengthening interoperability with like-minded regional partners to ensure our forces can operate together effectively and reinforce our roles in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” said Cmdr. Erik Roberts, commanding officer of Momsen.
USS Momsen (DDG-92) is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in service with the United States Navy. Momsen is the twenty-sixth destroyer of the Arleigh Burke class to be built by Bath Iron Works. She is named after Vice Admiral Charles B. “Swede” Momsen of Flushing, Queens, New York (1896–1967). Vice Admiral Momsen made many contributions to the navy such as the invention of the Momsen Lung when he was assigned to the Bureau of Construction and Repair. Momsen was also involved in the first successful rescue of a crew of a sunken submarine, USS Squalus, and subsequently supervised the salvage of the boat. Momsen’s keel was laid on 16 November 2001. She was launched on 19 July 2003, sponsored by Admiral Momsen’s daughter, Evelyn Momsen Hailey. Momsen was commissioned on 28 August 2004, at Panama City, Florida. The construction of Momsen and sister ship Chafee, from initial steelcutting to sea trials, was documented on the Discovery Channel television special Destroyer: Forged in Steel. The destroyers were not referenced by name, but their numbers were visible on their prows.
The U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific region with the support of partnering nations for more than 70 years. Routinely operating in the region, under the recognition of international law, is essential to the U.S. Navy’s dedication to maintaining peace and allowing all nations to utilize vital sea lanes without fear or contest. Momsen departed Singapore Aug. 10 to continue operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Momsen is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleet’s principal surface force. U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet in the world, and with the help of a network of alliances and partners from 35 other maritime-nations, the U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific region for more than 70 years, providing credible, ready forces to help preserve peace and prevent conflict.
