Built in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the ship and crew were completely certified and "surge ready" 17 January 2006, nearly a year faster than previous DDGs.[2]
Operational history
USS Halsey at her commissioning ceremony in 2005.USS Halsey transiting through the Pacific Ocean in August 2007.
Halsey departed for her maiden deployment 6 August 2006 under her second commanding officer, Commander Pinckney.[3] 2 November 2006 Halsey visited Kagoshima, Japan. That night, after a party for visiting local Japanese dignitaries, during which on-duty crew were drinking, there was a fire which damaged one of the main reduction gears. Halsey returned 24 December 2006, having worked with the Kitty HawkCarrier Strike Group and taking part in ANNUALEX.[4][5]
An incomplete report was filed and months later another fire and explosion brought to light the extent of the first fire. The ship's commander was relieved and the damage to the ship was $8.5 million.[6] Commander Paul J. Schlise took command of Halsey March 2007.[7]
Commander Robert Beauchamp took command of Halsey on 17 August 2008.[8]
Halsey departed Naval Base San Diego for her second deployment on 4 May 2008 for a deployment to the Persian Gulf. After six months and numerous port visits Halsey returned home to San Diego on 3 November 2008.[9]
Halsey, homeported in San Diego, was part of USS Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group assigned to deploy to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct maritime security operations (MSO). MSO help develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.[8]
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