PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - The guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) is scheduled to return from an independent deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean Oct. 23.

Deployed since March, the crew of more than 300 Sailors steamed a total of 48,550 nautical miles across the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operation. While deployed Preble conducted various theater security operations and goodwill activities with partner nations.

"The Preble team performed with distinction throughout a seven-month independent deployment, where we accomplished a wide variety of missions," said Cmdr. Jeffrey L. Heames, commanding officer. "The success was made possible by a fantastic group of Preble Sailors, and Preble Families, who supported us across every sea mile. I am incredibly proud of their hard work, professionalism and the respectful manner in which they represented our nation."

Embarked aboard Preble during the deployment was Detachment 5, the "Expendables," of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, which is also scheduled to return to Marine Corps Base Hawaii Oct. 23. The "Expendables" flew more than 1,100 hours with two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters in support of multi-national exercises and presence operations.

Preble participated in Northern Patrol, Ship Anti-Submarine Warfare Readiness and Evaluation Measurement (SHAREM) 180, Talisman Sabre 2015, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia, South China Sea Patrol, and an East China Sea Patrol building partnerships to increase stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

Preble Sailors engaged in several community relations projects to include volunteering at orphanages, distributing supplies to shelters and hospitals, and beautifying the surrounding community. Host nations included Korea, Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Guam.

Preble is a multi-mission ship designed to operate independently or with an associated strike group. The ship is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 23 and is homeported in Hawaii within the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.