EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) departed her homeport of Naval Station Everett for a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, April 15.

Momsen will join guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Decatur (DDG 73), and the embarked "Devil Fish" and "Warbirds" detachments of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49 upon their departure from Naval Base San Diego, April 19. They will all deploy as part of Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG) under Destroyer Squadron 31 (CDS-31).

U.S. 3rd Fleet ships, aircraft, and submarines regularly operate throughout the Western Pacific and this PAC SAG will operate under 3rd Fleet control during deployment. U.S. 3rd Fleet operating forward offers additional options to the Pacific Fleet commander by leveraging the capabilities of the world's two most powerful numbered fleets. This operational concept allows 3rd and 7th Fleet forces to complement one another and provide the foundation of stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The PAC SAG will conduct maritime security operations and theater security efforts to enhance regional security and stability and is expected to also participate in the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI). OMSI is a secretary of defense program utilizing Department of Defense assets transiting the region to increase the Coast Guard's maritime domain awareness, ultimately supporting its maritime law enforcement operations in Oceania.

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