HONG KONG (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Spruance (DDG 111) arrived in Hong Kong for a regularly scheduled port visit Oct. 7-11.

U.S. Navy ships have visited Hong Kong for decades, most recently by the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and the amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20). While in port, the Decatur and Spruance crews will have the opportunity to experience Hong Kong through sightseeing, community relations projects and other Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored events.

Decatur, Spruance and the embarked helicopter detachment of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49 are part of a U.S. 3rd Fleet Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG), operating under Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31 (CDS 31). USS Momsen (DDG 92) and the embarked helicopter detachment of HSM 49 are also members of the PAC SAG.

"We have had the luxury of visiting and exploring various Indo-Asian cultures during our time in the region and we are looking forward to experiencing what Hong Kong has to offer," said Capt. Charles Johnson, commander, Destroyer Squadron 31. "We are thankful for the opportunity for our crews to learn about its history and experience the energy of this great city."

Under the operational control of U.S. 3rd Fleet, the PAC SAG conducts routine patrols, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation activities with allies and partners to enhance regional security and stability. Since deploying in April, the PAC SAG has conducted multilateral exercises with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy and joint exercises with the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps assets.

Momsen also began their portion of the deployment participating in the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI). OMSI is a Secretary of Defense program that uses 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. U.S. 3rd Fleet works constantly with U.S. 7th Fleet. The forces of both fleets complement one another across the spectrum of military operations in the Pacific.