The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Dewey (DDG 105) and their embarked helicopter squadrons arrived in Pearl Harbor for a routine port visit, Feb. 16. 

This visit allows the ships to take on stores before continuing their deployments and provides the opportunity for the Sailors to experience the local culture of Hawaii.

“Pearl Harbor is an essential port visit in our transit west," said Cmdr. Claudine Caluori, Sterett commanding officer. “It provides us a needed opportunity to resupply, while allowing our Sailors to enjoy a little down time."

While on liberty, the crews will have the chance to visit important U.S. naval heritage sites, such as the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, eat local cuisines, and see the island’s attractions.

"We've been really busy so far and it's going to be great, not just to get some time to relax, but to be able to do it in Hawaii!" said Seaman Talia Toelle, assigned to Dewey's deck department. "I'm really looking forward to going snorkeling and exploring the island."

The destroyers are on a scheduled deployment to conduct operations in the Indo-Pacific region and will support the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) to advance U.S. Pacific Fleet’s “Up-Gunned” concept. Wasp, forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, has the capability to land and launch the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, a key element to the Up-Gunned ESG concept.

“Our ships will provide new layers of critical capability to the Up-Gunned ESG concept by integrating with the amphibious forces of the Indo-Pacific region," said Caluori. “Our Sailors are highly trained, motivated, and ready to execute the mission."

Dewey and Sterett are homeported in San Diego. They last deployed in 2017 and operated with regional navies to conduct routine patrols, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation activities to enhance regional security and stability.