PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — Guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for an independent deployment to the Western Pacific, June 1.

Chung-Hoon, commanded by Cmdr. Stephen S. Erb, is deploying under the Middle Pacific Surface Combatant (MPSC) deployment concept in which Pearl Harbor-based ships deploy in support of operations primarily in the Western Pacific. The crew of about 280 Sailors will conduct integrated operations in conjunction with coalition partners deployed to the Western Pacific.

Family members from the pier wished their Sailors safe journey during their deployment.

"I told him, 'Godspeed, my love,'" said Michelle Brazelton, wife of Chief Operation Specialist Shayne Brazelton. "I wished them safe voyage. I hope they see some beautiful things and enjoy what they work so hard practicing for."

Michelle Bigley and her 6-month-old son were also at the pier saying good bye to Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jake Bigley.

"From your son: I'm gonna miss you," said Michelle. "Love you daddy. Be safe and come home to me and mommy."

"This is the Chung-Hoon," said Command Master Chief (SW) Patty Roebuck, Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific (CNSG MIDPAC) command master chief. "This is a phenomenal ship with phenomenal Sailors. They are doing wonderful things, and I see nothing but success for them. I can't wait for them to get back safe."

Guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare surface combatants. They operate independently for support of carrier and expeditionary strike groups and surface strike groups.

Chung Hoon provides deterrence, promotes peace and security, preserves freedom of the sea and provides humanitarian assistance / disaster response as part of CNSG MIDPAC.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrh/.