USS Mitscher Departs Naval Station Norfolk for Scheduled Deployment

Equipped with the Aegis combat system, Mitscher provides multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities to conduct anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

"Our Sailors have trained hard and are well-prepared to go over the horizon in support of our nation's tasking," said Cmdr. Stephen Prugh, commanding officer of Mitscher. "Our Sailors are ready to use their knowledge and expertise in support of U.S. security, whether steaming independently or as a part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group."

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the strike group's flagship, as well as multiple destroyers from DESRON-2 and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), departed Naval Station Norfolk for deployment to the U.S. European Command area of operations on June 24, 2025. In addition to Mitscher, DESRON-2 includes USS Mahan (DDG 72), USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).

"Mitscher is another combat-ready warship DESRON-2 brings to Fleet and Component Commanders for force employment," said Capt. Mark Lawrence, commodore of DESRON-2. "Our forces are steadfast in their support of economic prosperity, national security and national defense, in the Atlantic Ocean and all around the globe."

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group provides combatant commanders and civilian leaders with increased capacity to support U.S. security, deter adversaries and project power globally through sustained operations at sea.

U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

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