Pearl-based ship deploys with carrier hui

The guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy left its home port of Pearl Harbor on Friday for a deployment to the western Pacific and Indian Ocean with Carrier Strike Group 1.

The warship has a crew of about 320 sailors and a detachment of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from Helicopter Maritime Squadron 37, based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The helicopter crews trained for months to achieve deployment certification, the Pacific Fleet said in a release.

“The crew has worked tirelessly in preparation for this deployment,” Cmdr. Robert Heely, the ship’s skipper, said in a statement. “Their resiliency will be tested, but they are up to the task and are ready to perform as part of Carrier Strike Group 1.”

This mission will be different for the strike group, led by the carrier USS Carl Vinson, in that it will remain under the command of the 3rd Fleet, based in San Diego, even when it sails beyond that “chop line” that traditionally separates the 3rd and 7th fleet jurisdictional areas. The latter is based in Yokosuka, Japan.

“Our forward presence contributes to freedom of navigation and lawful use of the sea, as well as furthers operational training and enabling the exchange of culture, skills and tactical knowledge,” said Rear Adm. James Kilby, strike group commander. Bilateral exercises with nations in the region will encompass anti-submarine warfare, maneuvering drills and gunnery exercises.

In addition to the Vinson and the Murphy, the strike group includes Carrier Air Wing 2, guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain and guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer.

Reward for the killer of a cat hits $8,000, thanks to donor

An anonymous donor has raised the reward to $8,000 for anyone with information about the archer who shot a stray cat in Kailua-Kona.

The 8-pound male cat was found Dec. 20 beside Makala Boulevard near the main entrance to Target. The 2-foot arrow had passed through its body, causing entry and exit wounds.

The animal didn’t have any identification and was later euthanized, West Hawaii Today reported.

In early January, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued a reward offer of up to $5,000 for information leading to the assailant’s arrest and conviction. A PETA campaigner said they regularly receive calls about reported abuse nationwide and offer rewards when they believe it could lead someone to come forward with information.

On Friday, PETA announced in a statement that the award has increased to $8,000 “thanks to a generous donation from a concerned citizen who does not wish to be recognized.”

Roxy O’Neal, Kona shelter manager for the Hawaii Island Humane Society, said they were pleased to see a national organization like PETA step up and offer a reward to find the perpetrator.

However, she said there haven’t been any tips leading to witnesses or furthering the case. She also said there haven’t been any new reports of animal abuse from around the area where the cat was found.

Anybody with information can call police at 935-3311 or CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.

People can also contact the Hawaii Island Humane Society at 329-1175.

PETA is also offering a separate reward of up to $5,000 in the case of another cat that was injured with an arrow on Oahu.