USS Halsey visits Guam during 7th Fleet operations

by MCSN Nicholas Burgains, USS Halsey Public Affairs

15 November 2017

ASAN, Guam - The guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) completed a scheduled port visit to Guam, Nov. 13.

During the port visit, Halsey Sailors participated in a community relations event to beautify a veterans cemetery. Sailors were able to experience the culture of the region, go shopping and sightseeing through scheduled Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) events.

"Our Sailors do amazing things every day at sea, but every Sailor looks forward to the opportunity to step ashore occasionally to learn more about world, its diverse cultures, and the people that make any community come to life," said Cmdr. Michael A. Stoker, Halsey's executive officer. "We embrace every chance to see the world."

Halsey transited the Pacific Ocean participating in unit level training since departing its homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Oct. 16. Though underway for a short time, Halsey Sailors expressed excitement about the visit.

"Honestly, I really enjoyed this port visit," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Mason Gibson. "It was a good chance to just relax, eat some good food, and explore something new."

Naval Base Guam provides important repair and logistical capabilities to U.S. 7th Fleet assets and ships on Western Pacific deployments. While in port, Halsey also completed routine maintenance and repairs, further improving readiness for 7th Fleet operations and the rest of deployment.

Halsey is currently deployed as part of Destroyer Squadron 23 and with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, conducting maritime security, forward presence and theater security operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.