USS Benfold visits Guam during regional patrol

05 June 2018

From MC2 Anna Van Nuys, Benfold Public Affairs

The guided-missile destroyer arrived in Guam for scheduled port visit, June 5.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) pulls into Guam for a scheduled port visit. Benfold is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

USS Benfold (DDG 65) approaches Naval Base Guam, June 5. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Anna Van Nuys)

SANTA RITA, Guam - The guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) arrived in Guam for a regularly scheduled port visit, June 5.

"It's always a pleasure to pull into Guam," said Cmdr. Leroy Mitchell, Benfold's commanding officer. "This is a chance for our Sailors to have the opportunity to experience the hospitality and culture in Guam and get some well-deserved rest and relaxation."

While in Guam, Sailors will be able to volunteer for community service projects and participate in Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tours.

"For some Sailors, it'll be their first time [visiting Guam]," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Timothy Baker, the ship's MWR president. "We were able to provide them with information for tours, rental car information and prices for outdoor recreation."

Benfold will also participate in exercise Malabar 2018. This is the first time the exercise will be conducted off the coast of Guam and will include both ashore and at-sea training. Malabar 2018, which will include naval ships, aircraft and personnel from India, Japan and the United States, is the latest in a continuing series of exercises that has grown in scope and complexity over the years to address the variety of shared threats to maritime security.

Benfold is currently forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.