History
USS O'Kane was built in Bath, Maine at Bath Iron Works. USS O'Kane was launched in March 1998. USS O'Kane was commissioned on 23 October 1999 under the command of CDR David Hulse in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. USS O'Kane participated in RIMPAC 2000. USS O'Kane participated in Fleet Week San Diego in October 2000. In November 2000 CDR Taylor Skardon assumed command. USS O'Kane deployed on her maiden deployment on 1 August 2001. While on deployment USS O'Kane conducted Maritime Interdiction Operations in the Northern Persian Gulf during the opening stages of Operation Enduring Freedom. USS O'Kane returned home to Pearl Harbor in late January 2002. USS O'Kane received the Battle "E" award for Destroyer Squadron 31 for 2001. USS O'Kane also received the Navy Unit Commendation, her first Armed Forces Expeditionary Award, her first Sea Service Award, and National Defense Service Awards while on her Maiden Deployment.
In September 2002 CDR Michael Viland assumed command. Under his leadership USS O'Kane completed an accelerated innovative training cycle eight months ahead of schedule with the CARL VINSON Battle Group to be ready for contingency operations. USS O'Kane was further accelerated and deployed independently, leaving homeport 17 January 2003. Initially USS O'Kane provided escort of high value shipping and conducted Operation ENDURING FREEDOM boardings of suspect terrorist vessels, then she rapidly transitioned to combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. USS O'Kane successfully projected combat power ashore with several salvos of TOMAHAWK cruise missiles and provided early warning of ballistic missile launches to command centers, PATRIOT missile batteries, and civil defense forces, supporting a protective umbrella for coalition ground and naval forces. USS O'Kane then transitioned to providing post hostility maritime security of Iraqi waters. USS O'Kane returned home to Pearl Harbor late July 2003. USS O'Kane was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation and Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal for her second deployment. Following post deployment maintenance, USS O'Kane commenced the basic phase of training for her next deployment.
In February 2004 CDR William Nault assumed command.
As of November 2011, her current commanding officer is CDR Michael E. Ray.
Read more about this topic: USS O'Kane (DDG-77)
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