Tag Archives: forward deployed naval forces

Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean…

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Last month, off the coast of Washington (still within sight of shore), a ballistic missile submarine swapped out its crew at sea, highlighting the option to do so in remote areas if needed to keep the maximum number of boomers (or even SSNs for that matter) underway and on patrol.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 24, 2022) A support vessel transfers crew and equipment to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN 731) during an at-sea exchange of crew, held recently off the coast of Washington. Alabama is one of eight ballistic-missile submarines stationed at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, providing the most survivable leg of the strategic deterrence triad for the United States. (U.S. Navy photo)

“This provides an opportunity to keep the nuclear deterrent at sea survivable by exchanging the crews and replenishing the ship’s supplies in any port or location across the world,” said Capt. Kelly Laing, director of maritime operations at Commander, Task Group 114.3. “Our SSBNs are no longer tied to their homeport of record or another naval port to keep them at sea, ensuring that we are always executing the deterrent mission for the U.S. and our allies.”

Last of the Rota 4 heads across the pond

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The Big Blue first announced in 2012 they were sending a quartet of ABM-enabled Burkes to Spain where they would be forward deployed for emerging threats and provide NATO with some solid ballistic missile defense. Since then, three have gone over and even gotten involved in the Black Sea to a degree in the new cool war between the West and a resurgent Russia.

Now it looks like they will soon be full-up.

10016-N-7408S-012 MEDITTERANNEAN SEA (Jan. 16, 2010) Waves crash over the bow of the guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64). Carney is part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and is deployed as part of an on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Master at Arms Chief Chief Anthony J. Sganga/Released)

10016-N-7408S-012 MEDITTERANNEAN SEA (Jan. 16, 2010) Waves crash over the bow of the guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64). Carney is part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and is deployed as part of an on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Master at Arms Chief Chief Anthony J. Sganga/Released)

Per USN:

USS Carney (DDG 64) departed her homeport of Mayport, Florida, Sept. 6 on her way to Rota, Spain, as the final of four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers to be forward deployed to Spain.

To enhance the security of the European region, Carney will join USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USS Ross (DDG 71), and USS Porter (DDG 78) who have already made the transition to Spain.

“USS Carney and her crew will play a crucial role in the U.S. contribution to NATO’s ballistic missile defense efforts,” said Vice Adm. James Foggo III, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. “Our forward deployed naval forces (FDNF) based in Rota provide a credible capability and support NATO’s broader commitment to regional security.”