Destroyer Deploys to Mediterranean Sea

The destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) deployed on Sunday morning to the Mediterranean Sea for a regularly scheduled NATO deployment.

The ship will deploy as part of the Standing Naval Maritime Groups, a Navy news release says. The groups are multi-national forces that assist NATO around the world.

While in the Mediterranean, the crew is expected to participate in training exercises with allies and make diplomatic port calls, the release says.

The USS Barry (DDG 52) will join SNMG2 and is replacing the USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), which is completing its 6 month deployment. The USS Barry (DDG 52) has a great reputation among European Navies, particularly for the work done supporting evacuations during the Israeli - Lebanon war. The ship also has a reputation of being the best in internal competitions within NATO.

A historical note. On October 21st, 1993, Cmdr. James G. Stavridis relieved Capt. Gary Roughead as commanding officer of USS Barry.

This is a scheduled deployment and rotation.