PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) departed Pearl Harbor for a regularly-scheduled deployment with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, Jan. 13.

Michael Murphy deployed with a crew of approximately 320 Sailors and a detachment of MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters from the "Easyriders" of Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 37, based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, who trained for months to earn deployment certification.

"The crew has worked tirelessly in preparation for this deployment," said Cmdr. Robert A. Heely, Jr., commanding officer, Michael Murphy. "'Team Murphy' will be challenged with diverse mission sets within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Their resiliency will be tested, but they are up to the task and are ready to perform as part of Carrier Strike Group 1."

While deployed, the Carl Vinson CSG will remain under U.S. 3rd Fleet command and control, including beyond the international dateline which previously divided operational areas of responsibility for 3rd and 7th Fleets. Third Fleet operating forward offers additional options to the Pacific Fleet commander by leveraging the capabilities of 3rd and 7th Fleets. This operational concept allows both numbered fleets to complement one another and provide the foundation of stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

"Our forward presence contributes to freedom of navigation and lawful use of the sea, as well as furthers operational training and enabling the exchange of culture, skills, and tactical knowledge," said Rear Adm. James W. Kilby, commander, CSG 1.

The Carl Vinson CSG will report to U.S. 3rd Fleet, headquartered in San Diego, while deployed in the western Pacific as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of 3rd Fleet into the region.

Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and embarked Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 1 deployed from San Diego, Jan. 5 with Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108).

The Carl Vinson CSG deployed with approximately 7,500 Sailors and will focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. The strike group assets will conduct bilateral exercises in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to include anti-submarine warfare, maneuvering drills, gunnery exercises, and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) subject matter expert exchanges.