About

The mission of Commander, Destroyer Squadron ONE (CDS-1) is to direct, oversee, and assist the ships of the squadron in achieving and maintaining the highest level of operational readiness and to assume the role of Sea Combat Commander responsible for force action against surface threats and denying the enemy effective use of submarines.

When required, CDS-1 shall:

• Exercise command over ships assigned for naval operations in order to achieve sea and air control in pursuit of national objectives
• Function as Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) for assigned ships

Destroyer Squadron ONE (DESRON 1), a cornerstone of America’s defense of the seas, entered the history books in 1919. The squadron has supported a wide range of missions and been renamed several times throughout its history but has always maintained a tradition of excellence.

The squadron’s creation comes from a time when the United States Navy mass-produced destroyers in the hundreds, 21 years after Congress authorized the construction of the first 16 destroyers in 1898. Beyond the squadron’s 1919 formation, there is little recorded until 1937 when eight Farragut-class destroyers and a flagship, the Porter-class destroyer USS PHELPS (DD 360), were formally organized and established as DESRON 1, headquartered in the Pacific. This gap existed due to international arms limitations agreements from 1922 and 1930, restricting the gross tonnage of their respective navies and effectively halting American destroyer production.

In 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, DESRON 1 was present throughout America’s involvement in World War II, with the squadron’s ships participating in major Pacific theater engagements including the battles of the Coral Sea, Midway, Guadalcanal, and Philippine Sea.

By 1945, DESRON 1 ships had earned a reputation for excellence, earning a total of 97 service stars for their achievements in the Pacific. In March of that same year, DESRON 1 integrated with DESRON 5.

Post-World War II, DESRON 1 detached from DESRON 5 and once again further distinguished itself during the Korean War and Taiwan Strait crisis.

In January 1958, the squadron was redesignated as Reserve Destroyer Squadron 27.

In October 1970, the squadron was redesignated as Destroyer Squadron 27.

In March 1980, the squadron was redesignated as Surface Squadron 1. Surface Squadron 1 included a variety of surface ships including guided missile frigates (FFGs), tank landing ships (LSTs), and rescue and salvage ships (ARSs). Surface Squadron 1 provided services and support to aircraft carrier operations, anti-submarine warfare exercises, Coast Guard law detachment, CNO special projects, amphibious troop and cargo lifts, and fleet towing and salvage operations. Surface Squadron 1 was also a major participant in numerous operations affecting national policy to include Pacific Exercise (PACEX) 89 and enhanced counter narcotics operations off the coasts of Central and South America.

In October 1993, the squadron became known as DESRON 1 once again, a name which remains to this day.

Over the many years of service, DESRON 1 ships have distinguished themselves as independent assets and as part of Carrier Strike Groups. They have deployed across the globe, operating in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility, to include counter-drug missions in South America and various operations in the Caribbean.

In more recent history, DESRON 1 conducted Western Pacific deployments to U.S. 7th Fleet in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2023 to conduct presence missions and exercises with allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. DESRON 1 also participated in the multinational exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 and 2024.

DESRON 1 is assigned to Commander, Carrier Strike Group ONE (CCSG-1) and holds operational control of six Arleigh Burke-class destroyers: USS HOPPER (DDG 70), USS MUSTIN (DDG 89), USS KIDD (DDG 100), USS STERETT (DDG 104), USS WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE (DDG 110), and USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE (DDG 123).