SAN DIEGO - Guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) and guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) are scheduled to depart San Diego Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, respectively, for a deployment to the Western Pacific and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Sterett and Cape St. George are assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 embarked on aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln and guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) are also scheduled to depart their homeport of Everett, Wash. this week.

The Lincoln Strike Group deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of forward-deployed naval forces that support maritime security operations, fleet commander engagements and exercises with other coalition maritime forces in international waters around the globe.

Sterett and Cape St. George help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within Third Fleet's 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.