Surface Strike Group Ships Deploy From Norfolk
Story Number: NNS040430-12
Release Date: 4/30/2004 2:34:00 PM
From Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- More than 1,000 Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Ross (DDG 71), and the guided-missile frigate USS Elrod (FFG 55) departed Naval Station Norfolk April 30, for a Mediterranean Sea deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.
As a Surface Strike Group (SSG), Ramage, Ross and Elrod will participate in regional exercises with allies, make diplomatic port calls and respond to any contingency including those associated with the ongoing war on terrorism.
"These ships offer fast, flexible response options for our country. The crews are well prepared to make a real difference in the global war on terror," said Vice Adm. Gary Roughead, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet/Striking Fleet Atlantic.
Elrod Command Master Chief Terry Newhart echoes Roughead’s sentiment. "This is why we train. It’s our job to go into harm’s way to protect America and American interests around the world. It’s going to be a mixture of challenge and opportunity, operating with other units from other NATO nations,” he said.
The SSG can operate independently or in conjunction with other maritime forces. It is designed to be a flexible group that will provide presence with a purpose, and strike power to support joint and allied forces afloat and ashore.
For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet/NATO Striking Fleet Atlantic Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/c2f.
