YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Sept. 17, following a six-month deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet areas of operations. 

 Under the command of Cmdr. Todd Penrod, Mustin departed Yokosuka Feb. 29 to participate in the U.S.-Japan Bilateral Advanced Warfighting Training (BAWT) and Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercises.

Since departure, Mustin conducted a variety of operations and exercises with multinational allies and partners. Mustin also operated with the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group in the Philippine Sea, Sea of Japan, South China Sea, East China Sea, Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.
“I am left with two main thoughts. First, the Forward Deployed Naval Forces in Japan are America's first responders when troubles appear over the horizon,” said Cmdr. Todd Penrod, commanding officer, USS Mustin. “Secondly, we have the will to win and will readily complete our assigned missions no matter the circumstances. Faced with numerous challenges associated with a global pandemic, ‘Mustin Nation’ proudly sailed for nearly sixty-thousand nautical miles. We are better and tougher for the experience.”

Throughout deployment, Mustin reinforced U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and demonstrated the U.S. Navy’s right to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows.
Over the six month period, Mustin received over nine million gallons of fuel and over 600 pallets from replenishments-at-sea.

 While in theater, Mustin conducted multiple exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Australian Defense Force, which provided individual training opportunities and increased integration across the region.
 “It’s been great to be a part of something so important,” said Logistics Specialist Seaman Brady Bastmantait, the youngest Sailor aboard Mustin. “Knowing that what we’ve done has made an impact not only in 7th Fleet but in the world, it’s an incredible feeling”

While working to accomplish national and fleet objectives, Mustin promoted more than 50 Sailors and more than 130 Sailors earned their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin.
 “The manner in which they grasped and overcame numerous obstacles was nothing short of impressive,” said Penrod. “Over the course of nearly seven months, Mustin carried out tasking throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations and reaffirmed to regional allies America's strong support for a Free and Open Indo Pacific.” 

Mustin is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force.