From time to time, military ships of the United States Navy have to return to port for fuel and supply replenishment or for overhauls. But due to some circumstances, Navy ships may stay longer at sea than usual. Such is the case for the USS Stout (DDG 55), which spent 215 underway days before calling port – a new U.S. Navy days at sea record.

Setting New Underway Record

USS Stout (DDG 55)
U.S. Navy photo

USS Stout first set a new underway record on Sept. 26, 2020, when it reached 208 days at sea while deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (near the Middle East and North Africa). Its deployment broke the previous record set earlier this year by aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) -- at 207 days.

Nonetheless, USS Stout continued to be at sea until Oct. 3, 2020, when it arrived in Rota, Spain. As soon as the mooring lines were singled and the brow lowered, Stout ended its time at sea, for a total of 215 underway days. But Stout’s time ashore will be short as it will get underway again to complete its deployment.

At Sea: March To October

USS Stout (DDG 55) conduct a replenishment-at-sea with oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195)
U.S. Navy photo

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer left port in March2020, spending time in the Fifth and Sixth Fleets. During its 215 underway days, USS Stout conducted high-value unit escort missions while providing a layered defense for the USS Bataan (LHD 5) Amphibious ready Group (ARG). It also supported the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) carrier strike groups.

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As to how USS Stout was able to remain at sea for 215 days, it was able to take in replenishments – food, fuel and stores – while underway thanks to the support provided by the Military Sealift Command. In total, USS Stout conducted 36 replenishments-at-sea.

Fewer Port Calls For US Navy

USS Stout (DDG 55) transits the Mediterranean Sea.
U.S. Navy photo

While at Rota, USS Stout will be re-fueled while completing various logistics services. The U.S. Navy has been implementing fewer port visits across its fleets as part of efforts to mitigate the risk of its sailors contracting COVID-19.

Source: United States Navy

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