EVERETT — The USS Benfold returned to its homeport at Naval Station Everett on Oct. 16 after more than eight months of operations supporting regional security and U.S. partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. Navy announced.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer departed San Diego on Feb. 1 and traveled more than 20,000 nautical miles across the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations, conducting missions intended to strengthen regional stability and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
During its deployment, the ship’s crew completed three ammunition transfers without mishaps and received more than 1 million gallons of F-76 fuel across 10 refueling events. Four of those events involved underway replenishments with allied and partner nations, according to the Navy.
The operations supported the ship’s transit through the Mindoro and San Bernardino straits, as well as three passages through the Luzon Strait.
The Benfold also worked alongside allied and partner forces from Canada, Japan and South Korea while operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area. The crew participated in multinational military exercises Valiant Shield 2026 and Freedom Edge, which the Navy said improved coordination, information-sharing and operational capabilities among participating forces.
The destroyer also conducted ballistic missile defense missions during the deployment.
In addition to operations at sea, the Benfold visited ports in Japan, South Korea and the Philippines to strengthen relationships with regional allies. During a stop in Busan, South Korea, the ship hosted South Korean navy Vice Adm. Kwak Kwang-Seop, commander of the Republic of Korea Fleet.
“The success of this deployment is a direct result of this crew’s ability to integrate rapidly and operate at the highest tactical level,” said Cmdr. Rebecca M. Conti-Vock, commanding officer of the Benfold. “I watched this crew successfully overcome difficult circumstances, support each other, and execute critical national tasking like true professionals.”
Conti-Vock praised the crew’s technical skills, resilience and commitment to the mission.
The Benfold is part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The U.S. 3rd Fleet oversees naval forces in its area of responsibility and provides training for missions ranging from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
The Navy said its work with allied and partner nations supports freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law and regional security.
Just last week another naval ship, the USS Gridley, also returned to Naval Station Everett for the first time in seven months, reuniting another 300 sailors with their families just in time for the holidays.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
