PEARL HARBOR - The guided-missile destroyers USS Dewey (DDG 105) and USS Sterett (DDG 104) arrived in Pearl Harbor, May 2, for a final port visit before completing a three-month deployment.

The visit will allow the ships to resupply before finishing their deployment and gives the crews a chance to unwind, take in the sights, and enjoy the Hawaiian culture.

“I’m incredibly proud of the crew and all of their hard work over the last three months," said Cmdr. Claudine Caluori, Sterett commanding officer. “They met every challenge head-on, conducted themselves professionally, and executed our missions in the 7th Fleet AOR (area of responsibility) perfectly."

Sterett and Dewey, with respective embarked helicopter detachments, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49 “Scorpions” and HSM 35 “Magicians,” joined the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) to advance the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s “Up-Gunned Expeditionary Strike Group” concept, provide additional defense capability to the ESG, and enhance Navy-Marine Corps training.

"This deployment was an excellent proof of concept," Cmdr. Anthony Webber, commanding officer of Dewey said. "Sterett and Dewey had an unique opportunity to become part of history by adding increased fighting power to the traditional ESG, further expanding the abilities of our Navy as a whole."

While on liberty, Sailors will have the chance to visit important U.S. Navy heritage sites, like the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial, eat the local cuisine, and see the island’s attractions.

"This has been my first deployment and it’s been challenging getting qualified and working FSA (food service assistant)," said Gunner’s Mate Seaman Blake Johnson, from Lincoln, North Dakota. "I'm really excited to relax and visit Hawaii for the first time. I think I’m going to visit some friends who live here and maybe do some hiking!"

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces throughout the Pacific theater of operations in coordination with U.S. 7th Fleet to promote ongoing peace, security, and stability.