SAN DIEGO - The guided-missile destroyer, USS Benfold (DDG 65), is scheduled to depart for a scheduled eight month, independent deployment to the Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility (AOR) in support of Navy Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), June 15.

Benfold is also prepared to conduct counter piracy operations and maritime domain awareness.

"The importance of Benfold's BMD capability in support of global mission requirements is definitely significant, and we take full pride in that fact," said Cmdr. Dave Oden, Benfold's commanding officer. "BMD is a high-demand mission and we are very excited to be in theater providing that kind of capability with an outstanding, hard working crew."

U.S. Third Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line.