The guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson is scheduled to depart Friday from San Diego for an independent deployment to the western Pacific Ocean, the Navy announced Wednesday.
“I am very proud of our sailors who have worked extremely hard over the past year to ensure Sampson is ready for deployment,” said Cmdr. Steven Foley, the commanding officer. “They have truly embraced the spirit of pride and professionalism and look forward to representing our Navy’s missions.”
A detachment from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 35, based at Naval Air Station North Island, will accompany the ship.
“It is a real privilege to be the officer in charge of HSM-35’s first deploying detachment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Laufman, who leads the unit. “Our maintenance team and aircrews have worked really hard to prepare, and we are very excited to be embarked on such a great ship. We are excited to represent all ‘Magicians’ on the squadron’s inaugural deployment.”
Sampson is the fourth U.S. destroyer named after Rear Adm. William Thomas Sampson, whose naval service lasted from 1857 until 1902, including command of the North Atlantic during the Spanish-American War in 1898.
— City News Service