PHILIPPINE SEA –
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet announced Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) as the Spokane Trophy winner for 2022 May 1.
The Spokane Trophy is presented annually to a U.S. Pacific Fleet surface combatant ship considered to be the most proficient in overall combat systems readiness and warfare operations.
“Cmdr. Gunderson and the Mighty Milius crew have performed admirably and we’re proud of all the hard work each sailor has put forth,” said Capt. Walter C. Mainor, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. “The Spokane Award is a testament to the ship's successful training and commitment to its mission. I’m confident that this ship and her tenacious crew will continue to impress and will set the standard for professional surface operations across the region.”
Mainor attributed Milius’ naval excellence throughout a demanding year of U.S. 7th Fleet operations to a conscientious leadership team and a dedicated crew. He also credited Milius’ success as CTF 71’s primary choice to lead the charge over several international exercises, including Bi-lateral Advanced Warfighting Training, Sama Sama, Malabar, and Keen Sword, paving the way for an increased interoperability with allies and partners in support of national security priorities.
Milius collaborated with nine other allied warships from Japan, Australia, and Canada for a multi-national exercise while conducting combined surface operations in support of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Indo-Pacific deployment. These combined operations demonstrate ally and partner commitment to regional stability, strengthening interoperability, and the rules-based international order.
“This award is the culmination of a solid year operating forward deployed, aiming to maintain consistent presence and security in the region,” said Cmdr. Leif Gunderson, Milius’ commanding officer. “I could not be more proud of this crew for a full team effort. Their drive and determination to succeed at everything set before them is inspiring.”
Forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan and consistently operating in U.S. 7th Fleet, Milius continuously maintained presence and security within the region, executing missions across every warfare area.
The Spokane Trophy was instituted in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt to recognize naval warfighting proficiency. The trophy is kept on permanent display at the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet headquarters building in San Diego.
Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.