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Ship’s Mission and Operations

Western Pacific Deployment: USS Higgins deployed to the Western Pacific Region and engaged in various training exercises and presence operations in the Pacific theater.

Counter-Piracy Operations: Given the rise of piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden during this period, the USS Higgins have participated in counter-piracy operations as part of international efforts to prevent piracy and ensure safe passage through critical maritime trade routes.

Dynamic Operations all over the world: USS Higgins have had been deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of U.S. efforts to maintain stability in the region including Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO). USS Higgins have conducted dynamic operations all over the world including in the 3rd and 7th Fleets area of Responsibility, not only the area of 5th Fleet.

Joint Task Force Exercises: USS Higgins have participated in various joint exercises with allied navies and conducted trainings to enhance its readiness and interoperability with other country’s military forces.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: In response to natural disasters or humanitarian crises, USS Higgins have been deployed to provide assistance, relief, and medical support to affected regions.

Forward Deployment: August 16, 2021, USS Higgins was forward deployed to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.

In September 2022, together with Canadian Navy frigate “Vancouver,” USS Higgins passed through the Taiwan Strait conducting a Freedom of Navigation Operation.


 
Welcome Aboard!
Good Morning SN XXXX,
 
ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICERS AND CREW OF USS HIGGINS, WELCOME ABOARD!  Your orders to this extraordinary ship represent both an outstanding opportunity and awesome responsibility.  We have included your assigned sponsor on the email as well to help you on your transfer. You are first and foremost a member of ship’s company.  You will have the opportunity to do everything you can to help your shipmates and the ship succeed; I assure you, they will do the same for you.  Together, as one team, HIGGINS will remain vigilant and ready to be the “First to Fight.”
 
The happiness and well-being of family members is equally important.  While nothing can compensate for the long hours, hard work and separation that lay ahead, the support of your family is essential and they too are an integral part of “Team HIGGINS.” Your family’s primary point of contact is our Command Ombudsman. The ombudsman may be contacted at:  USSHIGGINSOMBUDSMAN@GMAIL.COM. 
 
The crew which you will soon join has no equal; they realize the significance of the many responsibilities while serving our Navy and Nation aboard HIGGINS.  Congratulations on your orders. We are looking forward to your arrival. Welcome aboard, Shipmate! If I can be of any assistance please feel free to contact me anytime at, commercial (619) 556-3589 or e-mail sponsor@ddg76.navy.mil Also, browse our web page USS Higgins (DDG 76) (navy.mil) for more information and useful links.
 
Your USS HIGGINS command address will be:
 
SN XXXX
USS HIGGINS DDG 76
UNIT 100188 BOX (YOUR INDIVIDUAL BOX NUMBER, ASSIGNED WHEN YOU REPORT ON BOARD)
FPO AP 96667
 
ONCE AGAIN, WELCOME ABOARD TO THE USS HIGGINS.
 
EMC(SW) Brenntly Woods
Command Sponsor Coordinator
brenntly.woods@ddg76.navy.mil
 
NC1(SW/AW) Daniela Kobayashi
Command Sponsor Coordinator
daniela.kobayashi@ddg76.navy.mil
 
 

 Welcome Aboard letter from CO

 Welcome Aboard Japan Info Packet

 PG QUESTIONNAIRE

 Yokosuka Naval Base Map




 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is an Ombudsman?
Every Command has an Ombudsman who is a spouse of a sailor at the Command. The Ombudsman serves as the liaison between the command and the families. The Ombudsman is the point of contact for the families. He or she can assist families with navigating through Navy life through resources and information.

2. How can an Ombudsman help me?
Navy Family Ombudsmen are key resources for family members, particularly during deployments. Ombudsmen maintain current resource files with information on military and civilian community agencies that can help families solve a variety of problems, and successfully meet the challenges they face before, during, and after deployments. In addition to providing referral information, Ombudsmen can facilitate communication between the Command and family members. Ombudsmen may publish or contribute to command newsletters or maintain care lines, which have recorded messages with information for command families that can be accessed 24 hours a day. Ombudsmen can also assist families in contacting the Command for a variety of reasons.

3. What is the role of the COMNAVSURFPAC Force Ombudsman?
The Force Ombudsman provides oversight and guidance for all the Surface Ship's Ombudsmen in the Pacific Fleet Area of Responsibility. You can contact the Surface Forces Ombudsman at (619) 301-6983 or send an email to surfaceombudsman@gmail.com

4. What is an IA assignment or tour?
An IA is an Individual Augmentee. A Sailor may receive orders to go IA and this means that he or she will deploy as an Individual, not with their command. Sometimes an IA will deploy and be stationed with another branch of the Military. http://www.ia.navy.mil/

5. What is NFAAS?
Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System. This is how the Navy will track your family and assess your needs during an emergency. https://www.navyfamily.navy.mil

6. How can I find out more about medical, dental or Navy family resources?
Contact your Command Ombudsman. He or she will guide you to your resources.

USS Higgins (DDG 76) Logo
USS Higgins (DDG 76)

UNIT 100188 BOX 1
FPO AP 96667

                                  

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