SAN DIEGO - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Pinckney (DDG 91) are scheduled to depart Naval Base San Diego Jan. 7 on independent deployments to the Western Pacific Ocean.

Both Kidd and Pinckney have crews of more than 300 Sailors each and are multi-mission ships designed to operate independently or with an associated strike group. While deployed, both ships will conduct theater security cooperation and maritime presence operations with partner nations.

"USS Kidd has spent the last year preparing for our upcoming deployment by completing all basic and intermediate training phase requirements," said Cmdr. Gabriel A. Varela, Kidd's commanding officer. "Kidd is looking forward to a deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility and working closely with our friends and allies in the region."

Kidd is named in honor of Rear Adm. Isaac C. Kidd who was killed on board his flagship, USS Arizona (BB 39), during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, and complete disregard of his own life during the attack.

"The Pinckney crew is looking forward to continuing the fine reputation that the ship and Navy have established throughout the world," said Cmdr. Frank Okata, Pinckney's commanding officer. "While each and every Sailor on board will look forward to being reunited with family and friends, we are steadfast in our commitment to serving the nation."

Pinckney is named for Cook First Class William Pinckney, a World War II combat veteran who received the Navy Cross for his courageous rescue of a fellow crew member on board USS Enterprise (CV 6) during the Battle of Santa Cruz that took place Oct. 26, 1942.