Guided missile destroyer returning to Pearl Harbor

The guided missile destroyer USS Chafee is scheduled to return home to Pearl Harbor tomorrow.

The Navy says the vessel with a crew of more than 250 officers and enlisted personnel is ending an independent deployment to the 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility in the Western Pacific.

While on deployment, the Chafee, under the command of Cmdr. Chase Patrick, took part in Exercise Malabar 2010. The weeklong bilateral military exercise hosted by the Indian navy was held to promote the interoperability between India and the United States.

The Chafee also participated in operations supporting Commander Task Force 70.

Guided missile destroyers operate independently for support of carrier and expeditionary strike groups.