SAN DIEGO – USS BENFOLD (DDG 65) successfully completed Koa Kai 2012, a maritime exercise focused on preparing independent deployers in multiple warfare areas, while providing training in a multi-ship environment. BENFOLD joined USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG 48) in being the first San Diego based ships to participate in the Pearl Harbor exercise hosted by Destroyer Squadron 31.
BENFOLD conducted integrated flight operations, anti-surface and anti-submarine training, dynamic ship maneuvers, ballistic missile defense, small boat attacks and Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) utilizing the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team.
"BENFOLD is a multi-mission platform and Koa Kai gave us the opportunity to practice all of our warfare areas” said Cdr. Dave Oden, Commanding Officer of USS BENFOLD (DDG 65).
USS BENFOLD also joined Hawaii-based guided-missile destroyer USS PAUL HAMILTON (DDG 60), frigates USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37) and USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG 57), and fleet replenishment oiler USNS HENRY J. KAISER (T-AO-187). Additionally, the surface force was joined by assets from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Helicopter Squadron Light 37, Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2, and the Royal Canadian Air Force 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron.
BENFOLD is an Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer homeported in San Diego, CA. She also serves as one of the Navy’s premier Ballistic Missile Defense ships in the Pacific.