U.S. guided-missile destroyer visits Nuku'alofa

The U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) arrived in Nuku’alofa Tuesday 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.”

Speaking to Radio and Television Tonga News, the Commanding Officer said Tonga is included in the vessel’s routine maritime security operation in the Pacific.

“We have historically co-operated significantly in manners that affects all of us. Especially the prosperity that is so depended on the security stability with high seas. If you consider that 1.4 trillion dollars flow to this water, If you consider the 90 percent of the global commerce flows to the sea, you can see how important the security and stability of those seas is important. USS Spruance is continuing that security stability for the sole purpose of making sure that all nations live peacefully with each other.”

While in Nuku'alofa, crew of USS Spruance presented gifts to students from various secondary and primary schools in Nuku’alofa.

“We’re engaging with the local community. It was an absolute honor to just bring small gifts of solidarity, small gifts of international good will of what my sailors do, not only as professional mariners but as Ambassadors of the United States. So it is an absolute honour to be in Tonga, said Hernandez.


SOURCE: MATANGI TONG