PEARL HARBOR - USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) returned to Pearl Harbor, April 18, after a three-month deployment to the Western Pacific with the Carl Vinson Strike Group.

During the deployment, the strike group conducted routine operations in the Indo-Pacific that helped maintain security and stability in the region. Michael Murphy also completed a joint Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) patrol with the U.S. Coast Guard.

"The crew demonstrated outstanding readiness, watchstanding and navigational skill," said Rear Adm. John Fuller, the strike group commander. "I am very pleased with what we accomplished as a team."

The strike group's deployment marks the second time it successfully operated in the Indo-Pacific region under U.S. 3rd Fleet's command and control. U.S. 3rd Fleet's control of ships and aircraft across the Western Pacific and beyond the international dateline to India enables U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleets to operate together across a broad spectrum of maritime missions in the region.

"I am proud to say that the crew performed superbly across all mission areas as well as being tremendous ambassadors afloat and ashore for the United States throughout our deployment," said Cmdr. Kevin T. Louis, the ship's commanding officer.

Michael Murphy's crew of 350 Sailors conducted training with the French navy and visited the Philippines and Guam. The ship also hosted officials from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia for a tour and sent 35 crewmembers ashore to play softball with local residents.

"This was my first deployment," said Operations Specialist Seaman Laura Sanford. "The hardest part for me was managing my time between work and studying for various qualifications, and being away from home. I was able to accomplish all my goals while gaining new experiences along the way that I will be able to share with friends and family."

Personnel on board the destroyer included an embarked detachment from the "Easyriders" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, which safely completed 400 flight hours.

"I am extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication demonstrated by this fantastic crew during deployment," said Louis. "We have a motto on board that no matter what the ship is tasked to do, we 'Lead the Fight,' meaning that no matter how challenging or arduous the task, we will push through and complete it successfully in memory of the fighting spirit of our namesake."

Commissioned in 2012, Michael Murphy is the Navy's 62nd Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. The ship's namesake, Lt. Michael P. Murphy, was a U.S. Navy SEAL. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroic actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.