Military

USS Sampson Departs San Diego On Halloween For Deployment To Western Pacific (Video)

By Beth Ford Roth / Home Post Blogger

Published October 30, 2014 at 10:27 AM PDT

This story was published more than 10 years ago.

The USS Sampson is slated to depart San Diego on Friday for a scheduled independent deployment to the Western Pacific.

The USS Sampson, a guided missile destroyer, is assigned to Destroyer Squadron Two Three (DESRON) 23, as are the 300 sailors who make up the Sampson's crew.

Cmdr. Steven Foley, commanding officer of Sampson, said his sailors have worked diligently to prepare the ship for deployment:

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"I am very proud of our Sailors...

"They have truly embraced the spirit of pride and professionalism and look forward to representing our Navy's missions."

Fitting for a Halloween farewell, Detachment Seven from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Three Five (HSM-35) - known as the "Magicians" - will depart with the Sampson for the squadron's inaugural deployment.

For those of you wondering just what it'll be like for the sailors who will call the USS Sampson home during deployment, check out this Navy video from a few years back that gives you a guided tour of the ship:

Guided Tour of USS Sampson