Tate Westbrook News

Maritime forces from Eastern Africa, Western Indian Ocean island nations, Europe and the United States, as well as several international organizations began the fifth iteration of the multinational maritime exercise Cutlass Express, Jan. 30. Cutlass Express 2016, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness (MDA) and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of participating nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. PORT VICTORIA, Seychelles (NNS) -- Maritime forces from Eastern Africa, Western Indian Ocean island nations, Europe and the United States, as well as several international organizations began the fifth iteration of the multinational maritime exercise Cutlass Express, Jan. 30.

USS Spruance (DDG 111) became the newest member of the Navy's Pacific fleet after being placed in commission during a sunset ceremony at Naval Air Station Key West Oct. The new destroyer honors legendary Adm. Raymond Spruance, whose calm and decisive leadership at the Battle of Midway contributed to a pivotal American victory during World War II. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark E. Ferguson III delivered the ceremony's principal address. "We welcome the USS Spruance and her crew to the fleet," said Ferguson.

The Navy christened the newest guided-missile destroyer, Spruance, Saturday, June 5, 2010, during a ceremony at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine. The new destroyer honors legendary Adm. Raymond Spruance, whose calm and decisive leadership at the Battle of Midway contributed to a pivotal American victory during World War II. Ellen Spruance Holscher, granddaughter of the ship's namesake, served as sponsor, and in accordance with Navy tradition, will break a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship.