USS Mitscher Departs Naval Station Norfolk for Scheduled Deployment

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Clay Whaley | The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) departs Naval Station Norfolk, July 25, for a regularly scheduled deployment as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG). The GRFCSG is deployed to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility to underpin American security and economic prosperity, deter adversaries, and project power on a global scale through sustained operations at sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Clay M. Whaley)  

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

07.25.2025

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet   

NORFOLK, Va. – Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57), assigned to Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON-2), departed Naval Station Norfolk for a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, July 25, 2025.

Equipped with the Aegis combat system, Mitscher provides multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities to conduct anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

“Our Sailors have trained hard and are well-prepared to go over the horizon in support of our nation’s tasking,” said Cmdr. Stephen Prugh, commanding officer of Mitscher. “Our Sailors are ready to use their knowledge and expertise in support of U.S. security, whether steaming independently or as a part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group.”

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the strike group’s flagship, as well as multiple destroyers from DESRON-2 and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), departed Naval Station Norfolk for deployment to the U.S. European Command area of operations on June 24, 2025. In addition to Mitscher, DESRON-2 includes USS Mahan (DDG 72), USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).

“Mitscher is another combat-ready warship DESRON-2 brings to Fleet and Component Commanders for force employment,” said Capt. Mark Lawrence, commodore of DESRON-2. “Our forces are steadfast in their support of economic prosperity, national security and national defense, in the Atlantic Ocean and all around the globe.”

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group provides combatant commanders and civilian leaders with increased capacity to support U.S. security, deter adversaries and project power globally through sustained operations at sea.

U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

For more U.S. 2nd Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/US2ndFleet, https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/, X - @US2ndFleet, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/commander-u-s-2nd-fleet.

• Date Taken: 07.25.2025
• Date Posted: 07.25.2025 12:53
• Story ID: 543820
• Location: NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US