USS Spruance Breaks Record for Longest Navy Destroyer Deployment

The USS Spruance has broken records for the longest destroyer deployment since the end of World War II.

The Navy ship has been deployed for more than 11 months after hitting the 339-day mark on Sunday, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune, citing the service.

Military.com reached out to the Navy for comment.

What is the USS Spruance?

The USS Spruance (DDG-111) is a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. The 510-foot Spruance has a crew of roughly 330 sailors.

The Navy commissioned the ship in 2011. The vessel is named after late Adm. Ray Spruance, who led the U.S. to victory in Japan during a 1942 battle.

It operates the integrated Aegis Combat System alongside the AN/SPY-1D multi-function radar. Armed with a 96-cell Mk 41 VLS, it fields a layered defense array, including Tomahawk, standard and ESSM missiles.

It also features the ODIN (Optical Dazzling Interdictor, Navy) laser system to counter drone threats.

In November, it left Naval Base San Diego to serve as an escort ship for the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group—another vessel which has recently attracted scrutiny after a lengthy deployment took a toll on the sailors on board.

Iran War Extended Deployment

The Navy extended its mission when the U.S. war with Iran began in February.

It was one of the first American destroyers to fire missiles at Iran during this conflict. It was also involved in the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and in shielding the USS Abraham Lincoln from attacks.

The Navy has stated it has more than a dozen destroyers supporting the naval blockade in the U.S. 5th Fleet. When the USS Abraham Lincoln started its return journey to its home base in San Diego in August, the Navy assigned the USS Spruance to patrol the Indo-Pacific.

The USS McFaul previously held the record for the longest deployment. This vessel completed a 333-day mission on Oct. 23 when it returned to its home port in Norfolk, Va.

The Navy has not announced the USS Spruance’s arrival date, but the San Diego Union-Tribune said it is expected to return to San Diego in November.

Intelligence officials warned on Oct. 23 that Iran is in advanced planning stages to target U.S. forces.

On Oct. 25, President Donald Trump confirmed that options for major airstrikes in Iran remain open but ruled out immediate action before the Nov. 3 midterms.