USS Mitscher Deploys to 5th Fleet

By Ensign Karina Monroe, USS Mitscher Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) departed Naval Station Norfolk for deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

Led by Cmdr. Frank Brandon, commanding officer, Mitscher will conduct maritime security operations and ballistic missile defense as well as continue to strengthen coalition partnerships.

"I'm so proud of the 'Mitschermen' and all of the hard work they've put in over the last several months, working nonstop," said Brandon. "We could not do this without the love and support of the families we leave behind."

Before deploying, Mitscher participated in the Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) exercises with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the exercise, Mitscher earned her Independent Deployer Certification (IDCERT), which assesses a ship's capabilities to function at tactical and operational levels.

After returning from her last deployment in Dec. 2011, Mitscher entered dry dock for regular maintenance and upgrades. Upon completion, the ship went on to pass its Aegis Light-Off Certification, Engineering Light-Off Assessment, Basic Phase and the Board of Inspection and Survey.

Additionally, Mitscher earned first place overall in its category at Norfolk's Surface Line Week, which is an opportunity for all ships in port to compete in events such as baseball, soccer, basketball, golf, a chili cook-off and simulated navigation at sea.

Commissioned on Dec. 10, 1994, Mitscher is the namesake of Adm. Marc A. Mitscher. He is known for his command during the Doolittle Raids against Tokyo in 1942, resulting in his quick advancement to overall tactical commander of Pacific operations against Japanese Adm. Isoruku Yamamoto during World War II. The destroyer is the second naval warship named in his honor, the first being Destroyer Leader-2.

Today, officers and chief petty officers aboard Mitscher continue a tradition of wearing "Mitscher-style" ball caps in honor of their namesake, who wore large duck-billed "hunting" ball caps in a plain khaki style.