USS Truxtun Visits Duqm, Oman

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyrell K. Morris, USS Truxtun Public Affairs | April 19, 2017

The guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) returned to sea after a six-day port visit in Duqm, Oman, April 9.

The port visit provided an opportunity for Truxtun’s in-port maintenance and preservation of the ship’s hull.

“During this port visit we were able to paint the ship’s hull, as well as perform maintenance on the flight deck pad eyes,” said Lt. j.g. Tristan Reneau, Truxtun’s first lieutenant.

In addition to handling the maintenance, deck department Sailors assisted the ship’s quartermasters with painting the white “E” in recognition of Truxtun earning the Battle “E” award. Commander, Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 22 announced the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) as their 2016 Battle Effectiveness (Battle "E") award winner, March 14.

The Battle "E" award is granted annually for ships, submarines and other Navy units that demonstrate superior performance throughout a year-long evaluation. The evaluation is an assessment of the command's readiness to carry out its primary mission areas.

“The hard work these Sailors put in will help keep our ship mission-ready as we continue to operate in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations,” said Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) Robert Grose.

In addition to maintenance work, Truxtun’s morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) staff coordinated events for Sailors to visit local resorts where they were able to go swimming, use the internet and enjoy local culture and cuisine.

“It was nice to get off the ship and enjoy all the resorts had to offer,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Latoya Shepherd. “Being able to relax, enjoy the wi-fi and eat some good food off of the ship was much needed.”

The U.S. has worked closely with Oman’s government to enhance capabilities at the port of Duqm to provide increased logistical support for the U.S. Navy in regional security and theater security cooperation efforts. The port of Duqm provides a unique capability to support repairs and maintenance which would otherwise need to be completed in homeport.

Truxtun, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG).

GHWBCSG is comprised of the staff of Carrier Strike Group 2; aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77); the nine squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff; guided-missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58) and Truxtun; Danish guided-missile frigate HDMS Peter Willemoes (F362); and guided-missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Hue City (CG 66).

Truxtun is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.