Philippine Sea, Gravely Depart Norfolk for Deployment
14 October 2023
NORFOLK, Va. -- Elements of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) departed Norfolk on a regularly scheduled deployment, Oct. 13.
The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) deployed from Naval Station Norfolk.
The ships will join guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), who deployed from its homeport at Naval Station Mayport, and aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).
The strike group will engage with allies and partners in support of maritime statecraft, which encompasses naval diplomacy and national efforts to build comprehensive U.S. and allied maritime power.
Led by Capt. Michelle Nakamura, Philippine Sea’s primary role is to provide air defense for USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and CSG-2 units. Philippine Sea also has the capability to conduct land attack strike missions and has an embarked detachment from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 for additional combat capability.
“My War Dogs, as Philippine Sea Sailors are referred, have received the highest levels of training, and our ship is in the best possible material condition for deployment,” said Nakamura. “We are ready to execute any mission.”
This will be the first deployment for Philippine Sea since returning home in 2021 from a 10-month deployment. Originally homeported in Mayport, Florida, the ship conducted a homeport shift to Norfolk, Virginia, in May 2021.
This deployment marks Gravely’s second in two years.
“Gravely Sailors are relentless in their daily pursuit of material and warfighting readiness. The amount of focus placed on training throughout the daily routine keeps the crew ready to meet all tasking,” said Cmdr. Brian Sánchez, commanding officer of USS Gravely (DDG 107). “As the strike group commences their deployment, the vigilant hard work of the Sailors is a testament to the level of pride, professionalism, and resiliency.”
After completing a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), where CSG-2 participated in dynamic training exercises and certified for deployment, the ships spent approximately two months preparing to deploy on the Navy’s 248th birthday.
The IKECSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America’s adversaries in support of national security. It is comprised of more than 5,000 Sailors of CSG-2 staff, commanded by Rear Adm. Marc Miguez; flagship Dwight D. Eisenhower; Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 squadrons; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff and units; Philippine Sea; and the Information Warfare Commander.