USS BENFOLD
DDG 65
  
U.S. Carriers  |  Decommissioned  |  Links  |  Info  |  History  

 

The Benfold (DDG 65) is the U.S. Navy's 15th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The ship is named after Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Edward C. Benfold, a Congressional Medal of Honor winner, who was killed in action while serving with the 1st Marine Division during the Korean Conflict.

March 16, 1996 The Pre Commissioning Unit (PCU) Benfold arrived in its homeport of Naval Station San Diego, Calif., after an 18-day transit from Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. Port visit to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from March 11-12.

March 30, USS Benfold was commissioned during a 10 a.m. ceremony at San Diego. Cmdr. Mark E. Ferguson, III is the first commanding officer.

April 1, The guided-missile destroyer departed homeport for a Dependent's Day Cruise; Ammo onload at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Calif., from April 10-12; Underway for Combat Systems Ship's Qualifications Trials (CSSQT) from May 20-24; Underway again on June 12 for EWSQT/ASWSQT, off the coast of Hawaii.

June 19, The Benfold arrived in Lahaina, Hawaii, for a four-day port visit; Port call to Pearl Harbor on July 3; Returned home on July 15; Underway for final contract trials from Aug. 19-21.

September 30, USS Benfold entered the Southwest Marine shipyard in San Diego for a three-month Post Shakedown Availability (PSA).

February 7, 1997 DDG 65 arrived in Mazatlan, Mexico, for a two-day port visit; Underway for USS Constellation (CV 64) BG's JTFEX, as part of the oppositon force, from Feb. 13-15; Underway for Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) III from Feb. 25-28.

From March 4-13, the Benfold served as a test platform in the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) sponsored event Hunter Warrior; Underway for Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) from April 8-10; Underway for Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) and Type Training from April 16-18.

June 20, Cmdr. Donald M. Abrashoff relieved Cmdr. Mark E. Ferguson, III as CO of the Benfold.

From July 7-11, the guided-missile destroyer was underway for MEFEX 97-3 Phase II.

August 19, USS Benfold departed San Diego for its maiden deployment, with the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Battle Group.

August 25, DDG 65 pulled into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a brief port call; Port visit to Singapore from Sept. 12-16.

September 18, The Benfold anchored off the coast of Phuket, Thailand, for a five-day port visit; Port calls to Bahrain from Oct. 2-8 and Oct. 16-19.

December 13, USS Benfold pulled into Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for a three-day port visit; Another visit to Dubai from Dec. 24-26.

December 28, The Benfold anchored off Bahrain Bell-Sitrah for its third visit to Manama; Port call to Fremantle, Australia, from Jan. 16-19; Inport Melbourne, Australia, from Jan. 23-26; Inport Sydney from Jan. 28-31; Brief visit to Pago Pago, American Samoa, to refuel on Feb. 5; Arrived at NWS Seal Beach to offload ammo on Feb. 16.

February 19, 1998 USS Benfold returned to homeport after a six-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet AoR.

March 23, The guided-missile destroyer underway for routine training off the coast of southern California; Ammo offload at Seal Beach from March 25-27; Port visit to Puerto Vallarta, Mecico, from April 2-5.

April 29, The Benfold commenced a two-month Selected Restricted Availability (SRA).

August 21, USS Benfold departed Naval Station San Diego for a Family Day Cruise.

September 17, The Benfold arrived in Victoria, B.C., Canada, for a three-day port visit.

October 10, DDG 65 pulled into San Francisco, Calif., to participate in Fleet Week 1998.

November 6, USS Benfold anchored off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for a three-day port visit.

January 21, 1999 Cmdr. Thomas H. Copeman relieved Cmdr. Donald M. Abrashoff as commanding officer of the Benfold.

Frmo Feb. 19 through March 12, the guided-missile destroyer participated in a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX); Ammo onload at NWS Seal Beach, Calif., from April 7-9.

April 30, USS Benfold departed homeport for a Family and Friends Day Cruise; Underway for Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 99 from May 6-17.

June 18, USS Benfold departed San Diego for a scheduled deployment with the USS Constellation (CV 64) Battle Group; Commenced Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) en route to the 7th Fleet.

July 11, The Benfold arrived in Chinhae, Republic of Korea, for a five-day port visit; Anchored off the coast of Pattaya, Thailand, from July 23-28; Port call to Singapore from July 31- Aug. 4.

August 31, USS Benfold arrived in Manama, Bahrain, for a four-day port visit; Port call to Jebel Ali, U.A.E., from Sept. 17-21.

September 27, The Benfold pulled into Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for a four-day port call; Port visit to Kuwait City from Oct. 19-22.

October 28, The guided-missile destroyer pulled into Dubai, U.A.E., for a four-day port visit.

November 17, DDG 65 arrived in Bunbury, Australia, for a four-day port visit; Port call to Melbourne from Nov. 25-29; Ammo offload at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from Dec. 10-12.

December 17, USS Benfold returned to Naval Station San Diego after a six-month Arabian Gulf deployment in support of Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO).

January 15, 2000 The Benfold arrived at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach to offload ordnance.

February 18, USS Benfold entered the Continental Maritime of San Diego shipyard for a 10-week Selected Restricted Availability (SRA); Underway for TSTA A from June 19-23 and June 26-30; Underway for TSTA B from July 24-28 and July 31- Aug. 4.

August 21, Cmdr. Adam S. Levitt relieved Cmdr. Thomas H. Copeman as CO of DDG 65.

October 26, The Benfold departed San Diego for a two-week Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX); Underway again from Nov. 14-17 to conduct MISSILEX; Underway from Dec. 11-14; Ammo onload at Seal Beach from Jan. 8-12, 2001; Underway for JTFEX from Feb. 2-12.

March 15, USS Benfold departed homeport for a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 5th nad 7th Fleet AoR, as part of the Connie BG; Inport Pearl Harbor from March 20-22.

April 6, The guided-missile destroyer arrived in Melbourne, Australia, for a five-day port visit; Port call to Fremantle from April 16-20.

May 4, The Benfold moored to Mina Salman Pier in Manama, Bahrain, for a three-day port call; Another visit to Manama from June 3-7.

July 15, DDG 65 pulled into Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for a four-day port visit; Third and final visit to Bahrain from July 26-30.

August 11, USS Benfold anchored off the coast Phuket for a three-day visit to Thailand; Port call to Hong Kong from Aug. 20-25.

September 6, The Benfold pulled into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to embark "Tigers" and offload ammunition.

September 15, USS Benfold returned to San Diego after a six-month deployment.

December 1, The Benfold departed San Diego in support of Operation Noble Eagle; Port call to Naval Station Everett, Wash., from Dec. 5-17; Returned home on Dec. 22.

March 15, 2002 Cmdr. Charles R. Hill relieved Cmdr. Adam S. Levitt as commanding officer of the USS Benfold.

March 20, The guided-missile destroyer entered the Southwest Marine shipyard for a Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA); Readiness Availability at Continental Maritime of San Diego shipyard from April 16 through May 22; Underway for sea trilas on June 17; Ammo onload at NWS Seal Beach from June 18-20.

June 23, USS Benfold arrived at Naval Surface Warfare Center in Port Hueneme, Calif., for a five-day combat systems testing; Underway for Command Assessment of Readiness and Training (CART) II from July 17-19.

July 25, DDG 65 departed Naval Base San Diego for a week-long underway off the coast of southern California for Fleet Battle Experiment Juliett/Exercise Millenium Challenge.

From September 3-13, the Benfold was underway for Group Sail operations with the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) BG. Underway for Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) from Sept. 16-27. Port visit to San Francisco, Calif., from Sept. 20-23; Underway for TSTA III from Oct. 1-4; Final Evalution Problem (FEP) from Oct. 21-25; Underway for Sustainment Sail operations with the Nimitz Battle Group from Nov. 1-8; Port visit to Mazatlan, Mexico, from Nov. 14-17.

April 24, 2003 The crew of USS Benfold relieved the crew of USS Higgins (DDG 76) during an exchange of command and crew ceremony at Changi Naval Base in Singapore. The Benfold/Higgins exchange is the first "Sea Swap" event for an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. The Higgins original crew will return to San Diego to assume control of USS Benfold.

From August 9-13, the guided-missile destroyer was moored at Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego.

August 27, USS Benfold departed for sea trials after a two-month SRA at Continental Maritime shipyard.

August 29, Cmdr. Donald G. Hornbeck relieved Cmdr. Michael M. Gilday as CO of the Benfold during a ceremony on board the ship at sea.

From September 8-12, the Benfold was underway for routine training in SOCAL Op. Area; Ammo onload at NWS Seal Beach from Sept. 22-26.

October 3, DDG 65 is currently underway for a "Tiger Cruise", off the coast of southern California, during the San Diego Fleet Week.

From March 18-22, 2004 USS Benfold was underway as surge asset for the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

May 7, The Benfold is currently underway off the West Coast for advanced training with the ships from Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7.

June 10, USS Benfold departed Naval Base San Diego to serve as an escort for USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

June 24, Latin America’s first multinational amphibious exercise was launched with a record 11 nations participating: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, United States and Uruguay; along with observers from Colombia and Mexico. More than 5,000 U.S. Sailors and Marines will participate in the amphibious phase of UNITAS 45-04, including USS Benfold, USS Ronald Reagan, USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51), USS Mustin (DDG 89) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46).

July 5, USS Benfold, as part of the Reagan CSG, completed Silent Forces Exercises (SIFOREX), after four days of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) tactics with the Peruvian Navy.

July 23, DDG 65 returned to homeport after a six-week underway period in support of Summer Pulse 2004. Port calls to Valparaiso, Chile; and Callao, Peru.

From Aug. 23- Sept. 3, the Benfold was underway for Group Sail with the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) CSG.

October 18, USS Benfold departed San Diego for an emergency surge deployment, as part of the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, to support Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet potential contingency operations and theater security cooperation initiatives.

December 24, The guided-missile destroyer anchored in Victoria Harbor for a scheduled port visit to Hong Kong.

January 19, 2005 The Benfold is currently in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. U.S. Navy helicopters are using the ship as a refueling station for relief flights into Sumatra, providing humanitarian assistance to areas affected by the devastation left by the Dec. 26 tsunami, in support of Operation Unified Assistance.

February 6, DDG 65 pulled into Changi Naval Base, Singapore, for a two-day port call to refuel; Brief stop at Pearl Harbor on Feb. 23.

March 1, USS Benfold returned to Naval Base San Diego after four-and-a-half month western Pacific deployment.

From April 18-21, the Benfold was underway for Scientist to Sea program. Underway again for USS Tarawa (LHA 1) ESGs Command and Control Exercise, as part of opposition force, from May 23-27. Underway for USS Abraham Lincoln CSGs C2X from June 6-17.

July 6, Cmdr. Mark W. Harris relieved Cmdr. Donald G. Hornbeck as the 8th commanding officer of the Benfold.

From September 7-20, the guided-missile destroyer was underway for Sustainment Exercise (SUSTEX) with the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. In early October, USS Benfold completed Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Certification.

September 13, 2006 USS Benfold departed San Diego for a scheduled deployment, as part of the USS Boxer (LHD 4) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5, in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

September 22, DDG 65 pulled into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a routine port visit.

October 12, The Benfold arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, for a scheduled port call.

October 31, USS Benfold pulled into Mumbai, India, for the in-port phase of exercise Malabar 2006. The purpose of the multinational exercise, which focuses on a number of naval mission areas, is to strengthen ties between American, Canadian and Indian forces, as well as enhance the cooperative security relationship between the nations involved.

March 13, 2007 USS Benfold returned to homeport after a six-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.

May 15, The Benfold arrived in Naval Station Everett, Wash., for a brief port call.

February 5, 2008 USS Benfold, commanded by Cmdr. William A. Hesser, Jr., emerged from its 2008 CNO Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) Jan. 30, equipped with the new Shipboard Protection System (SPS). She is the first ship to be outfitted with SPS Block 1 version, which uses integrated radar and twin cameras to identify and engage threats from high-speed seaborne craft.

May 4, USS Benfold departed Naval Base San Diego for a scheduled deployment, as part of USS Peleliu (LHA 5) Expeditionary Strike Group.

June 9, The guided-missile destroyer recently departed Phuket, Thailand, after a goodwill port visit.

October 5, The Benfold anchored in Victoria Harbor for a four-day port visit to Hong Kong.

November 3, USS Benfold returned to San Diego after a six-month underway period in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). The ship also visited Manama, Bahrain; and Sasebo, Japan.

March 27, 2009 The Benfold engaged multiple targets during this multi-event exercise Stellar Daggers, that took place on March 24 and 26, with Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) Block IIIA and modified SM-2 BLK IV missiles. This is the first time the fleet has successfully tested the Aegis system's ability to intercept both an SRBM in terminal phase and a low-altitude cruise missile target at the same time.

August 3, USS Benfold held a rare "Open House" this weekend at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Calif., where 11,000 visitors explored the ship's bridge and main deck.

September 8, USS Benfold departed San Diego for a western Pacific and Middle East deployment. DDG 65 is one of 15 guided-missile destroyers, fitted with the full Aegis BMD capability in the U.S. Navy, allowing them to detect, track and engage enemy ballistic missiles.

October 4, The Benfold anchored off the coast of Phuket, Thailand, for a four-day liberty port visit.

November 6, Cmdr. Kevin M. Brand relieved Cmdr. Thomas C. Disy as commanding officer of the USS Benfold.

November 8, Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris assumed command of the newly established Expeditionary Strike Group Five during a ceremony aboard the Benfold. ESG 5 will relieve ESG 2, commanded by Rear Adm. Michelle Howard, and will serve as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 51 and 59 in the U.S. 5th Fleet AoR, responsible for all amphibious forces deployed to the region.

February 9, 2010 USS Benfold anchored in Patong Bay for a five-day liberty port visit to Phuket, Thailand.

February 20, The guided-missile destroyer pulled into Manila, Republic of the Philippines, for a scheduled port call.

March 16, USS Benfold returned to Naval Base San Diego after a six-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet AoR.

June 24, DDG 65 arrived in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to participate in exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010.

February 2, 2011 USS Benfold entered the dry-dock at the BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair facility for, at least $32 million worth, repairs and modernization.

May 6, Cmdr. David M. Oden relieved Cmdr. Kevin M. Brand as CO of the Benfold during a change-of-command ceremony in front of the ship at dry-dock.

July 27, The guided-missile destroyer returned to Naval Base San Diego.

September 26, USS Benfold departed homeport for a three-day underway period off the coast of southern California.

November 28, The Benfold assisted four stranded mariners in the waters off San Clemente Island while conducting routine training operations; Returned home on Dec. 1.

March 12, 2012 USS Benfold anchored off the coast of La Paz, Mexico, for a four-day port visit.

March 30, The Benfold departed Pearl Harbor after a routine port call to participate in integrated training exercise "Koa Kai 12-2", off the coast of Hawaii.

May 30, The guided-missile destroyer departed San Diego for a Friends and Family Day Cruise.

June 15, USS Benfold departed Naval Base San Diego for a scheduled independent deployment with the primary focus on Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) operations.

June 21, DDG 65 pulled into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a routine port call.

July 2, The Benfold anchored in Malakal Harbor for a goodwill port visit to the Republic of Palau to celebrate the Independence Day.

July 12, USS Benfold arrived in Benoa, Bali, for a four-day port visit before participating in a joint exercise with the Indonesian Navy ships KRI Hasan Basri and KRI Uling.

July 31, USS Benfold recently pulled into Manama, Bahrain, for a routine port call. The ship is currently conducting Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in the Arabian Gulf under the command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 152.

October 1, Cmdr. Richard E. LeBron relieved Cmdr. David M. Oden as CO of the Benfold during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship at sea.

November 18, The guided-missile destroyer is currently participating in a five-day joint mine countermeasures defense exercise in the Arabian Gulf.

December 21, DDG 65 pulled into Apra Harbor, Guam, for a routine port call.? The Benfold recently conducted intelligence gathering operations in the East China Sea in conjunction with the North Korean satellite launch on Dec. 12.

January 5, 2013 The Benfold recently arrived in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a brief port visit.

January 11, USS Benfold returned to homeport after a seven-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet AoR.

August 15, USS Benfold commenced an Extended Selected Restricted Availability (E-SRA) at Pier 8, Naval Base San Diego; Moved to BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair on Aug. 2?.

March 14, 2014 Cmdr. Michele M. Day relieved Cmdr. Richard E. LeBron as the 14th commanding officer of Benfold during a pierside ceremony at Naval Base San Diego.

December 1, The Benfold departed San Diego for sea trials after a 15-month shipyard availability.

February 9, 2015 USS Benfold departed homeport for an 11-day underway in support of Independent Deployer Certification Exercise (IDCERTEX) for USS Freedom (LCS 1).

March 6, DDG 65 moored at Berth 1, Pier 10 on Naval Base San Diego after a week-long underway for Combat Systems Ship's Qualification Trials (CSSQT) in the SOCAL Op. Area; Underway again on March 9; Moored at Pier 3 on April ?.

May 2?, The Benfold moored at Berth 2, Pier 8 after underway for routine training off the coast of southern California; Moored at Bravo Pier, NAS North Island for a brief stop to offload ammo on June 24; Underway for a Friends and Family Day Cruise on June 26; Underway for routine training on July 20; Moored at Berth 5, Pier 8 on July 24; Underway for INSURV Preps. from July 27-30, Aug. 6-7 and Aug. 18; Moored at Berth 2, Pier 8 on Aug. 20; Underway for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessment on Aug. 25.

August 31, USS Benfold departed Naval Base San Diego to conduct escort duties for the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

August 31, The Benfold moored at Wharf 311, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach for a five-day ammo onload; Moored at Berth 2, Pier 2 on Sept. 16; Underway for local operations from Sept. 23-25; Underway for a homeport change to Yokosuka, Japan, on Oct. 2; Inport Pearl Harbor from Oct. 8-9.

October 19, USS Benfold moored at Berth 8, Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a 17-day transit from San Diego.

November 1, USS Benfold departed Yokosuka for its first western Pacific patrol as part of the USS Ronald Reagan CSG.

November 21, The Benfold returned to homeport after participated in the bilateral Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 27G, in the waters south of Japan.

November 30, Cmdr. Justin L. Harts relieved Cmdr. Michele M. Day as CO of the USS Benfold during a pierside ceremony at Berth 8, CFAY.

January 23, 2016 The guided-missile destroyer departed Yokosuka for local operations; Moored at Harbor Master Pier (HMP) East on Jan. 24; Underway again on Feb. 1; Transited the Tsugaru Strait westbound on Feb. 4.

February 5, USS Benfold moored at Quay 4, Katsunai Wharf in Port of Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture, for a two-day port visit in conjunction with the annual Sapporo Snow and Ice Festival; Returned to Yokosuka on Feb. 9; Brief underway on Feb. 16.

February 26, DDG 65 departed HMP East, Fleet Activities Yokosuka to participate in a Multi-Sail 16 exercise, with other ships from Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15; Anchored off Yokosuka for ammo onload from Feb. 26-27; Arrived in the Guam Op. Area on March 1.

March 4, USS Benfold moored at Berth 1, Sierra Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, for a three-day port call; Inport Apra Harbor again from March 11-14.

March 22, The Benfold, along with the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and USS McCampbell (DDG 85), participated in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) in the Yellow Sea, with the Republic of Korea Navy ships, at the start of an annual joint exercise Foal Eagle.

March 25, USS Benfold moored at Berth 1 in Busan Naval Base, ROK, for a two-day port call; Inport Busan again from March 31- April 7.

April 25, USS Benfold returned to homeport following a two-month patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet AoR.

May 23, The guided-missile destroyer departed HMP West, Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a two-day underway to conduct routine training; Brief underway on May 27; Underway again from May 31- June 2.

June 17, USS Benfold departed Yokosuka for a western Pacific patrol; Returned home on July 26; Underway again on Aug. 4.

August 8, The Benfold moored at Berth 25 in Port of Qingdao, People's Republic of China, for a four-day port visit.

August 14, The Benfold pulled into Sasebo, Japan, for a routine port call; Returned to Yokosuka on Aug. 18; Emergency sortied due to approaching Tropical Storm Mindulle from Aug. 21-23; Emergency sortied due to approaching Typhoon Lionrock from Aug. 28-30.

September 2, USS Benfold departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a routine Fall Patrol, as part of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5.

September 13, The Benfold participated in a sinking exercise (SINKEX) of the ex-USS Rentz (FFG 46), 117 nautical miles northeast of Guam, as part of a biennial field training exercise Valiant Shield 2016.

September 24, DDG 65 moored at Berth 1, Sierra Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, for a five-day liberty port visit.

September 29, USS Benfold moored outboard the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) at Alpha Wharf for a brief proof-of-concept exercise to demonstrate surface VLS ordnance handling between an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and a submarine tender; Returned to Yokosuka on Oct. 3; Brief underway on Oct. 6.

October 14, USS Benfold moored at Berth 8, Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a three-day underway for ammo offload.

May 5, 2017 Cmdr. Leroy J. Mitchell relieved Cmdr. Justin L. Harts as the 16th CO of Benfold during a pierside ceremony at CFAY.

August 3, The Benfold moored at Berth 12, Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a three-day underway for sea trials, following a nine-month Selected Restricted Availability (SRA); Held an "Open House", in conjunction with the 41st annual Friendship Day festival, on Aug. 5; Anchored off Yokosuka for ammo onload on Aug. 9; Moored outboard the USS Mustin (DDG 89) at HMP East on Aug. 10.

August 14, USS Benfold departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a western Pacific patrol.

August 20, The Benfold moored at Bravo Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, for a scheduled port visit.

August 28, USS Benfold participated in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) with the RSS Stalwart (FFG 72), RSS Supreme (FFG 73), RSS Endurance (LST 207) and USNS Pecos (T-AO 197), while underway off the coast of Guam, at the conclusion of exercise Pacific Griffin 2017; Inport Apra Harbor again from Aug. 29- Sept. 2.

November 18, The Benfold recently arrived in Sagami Wan after two-and-a-half month underway in the Guam Op. Area; Anchored at Yokosuka's A-10, after hit by a Japanese tug on Saturday during TOWEX, from Nov. 19-21; Underway in Sagami Wan again from Nov. 21-22.

November 22, USS Benfold moored outboard the USS Shiloh (CG 67) at HMP East, Fleet Activities Yokosuka following a three-month patrol.

December 4, The guided-missile destroyer anchored at Yokosuka's A-10 for ammo offload; Moored at Berth 3 on Dec. 5; Moved to Berth 8 on Dec. 11; Moved to HMP West on Dec. 1?; Underway again from Jan. 20-22.

February 24, 2018 USS Benfold departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka to participate in a Multi-Sail 18 exercise; Anchored at A-12 for ammo onload from Feb. 24-26.

March 3, The Benfold moored at Berth 2, Sierra Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, for a five-day port call; Returned home on March 14.

May 23, USS Benfold departed Yokosuka for a western Pacific patrol, with the primary focus on Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) operations in the Guam Op. Area.

June 2, DDG 65 conducted a replenishment-at-sea, with the USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8), while underway north of Guam.

June 5, USS Benfold moored at Berth 2, Romeo Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, for a six-day port call before participating in at-sea phase of a trilateral exercise Malabar 2018.

July 5, The Benfold anchored off White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan, for a brief stop; Transited the Taiwan Strait northbound from July 7-8; Moored at Navy Pier on White Beach Naval Facility from July 16-19; Anchored at A-12 for a brief stop on July 23.

July 23, USS Benfold moored outboard the USS McCampbell (DDG 85) at HMP West, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, on Monday evening, following a two-month patrol.

July 26, The Benfold emergency sortied from Naval Base Yokosuka due to approaching Tropical Storm Jongdari; Returned home on Monday evening; Moved to Berth Y1 for an "Open House," in conjunction with the 42nd annual Friendship Day festival, on Aug. 4; Moved to Berth 8 on Aug. 5; Emergency sortied due to approaching Typhoon Shanshan on Aug. 6; Moored at HMP West on Aug. 9.

August 17, USS Benfold departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a routine Fall Patrol.

September 2, The Benfold moored at Navy Pier on White Beach Naval Facility for a brief stop; Moored at Naval Base Guam on Sept. ?; Emergency sortied due to approaching Typhoon Mangkhut, at 2100 local time, on Sept. 8.

September 17, USS Benfold participated in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) at the start of a biennial field training exercise Valiant Shield 2018, in the Guam Op. Area; Moored at bulk fuel terminal in Port of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, from Sept. 24- Oct. ?.

October 12, The Benfold moored at Berth 1 in Busan Naval Base, Republic of Korea, for a week-long port call; Moored at Fleet Activities Sasebo from Oct. 3?- Nov. 1; Inport Sasebo again, in support of the Fleet Synthetic Training - Joint (FST-J) exercise, from Nov. 17-28.

December 5, USS Benfold moored at Berth 3 on Fleet Activities Yokosuka following a three-and-a-half month patrol.

December 12, Cmdr. Robert W. McFarlin relieved Cmdr. Leroy J. Mitchell as CO of the Benfold during a change-of-command ceremony at the Chief Petty Officer Club on CFAY.

December 14, The Benfold moved from Berth 3 to Harbor Master Pier (HMP) East, outboard the USS Barry (DDG 52).

January 29, 2019 USS Benfold departed homeport for routine operations; Anchored at A-12 for a brief stop to onload ammo, just after midnight, before moored at Berth 3 on Jan. 31; Day-long underway on Feb. 5 and Feb. 25.

March 4, The Benfold departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka in support of emergent national tasking in the Sea of Japan; Moored at Fleet Activities Sasebo from March 29-31; Anchored at A-12 for ammo offload on April 2; Moored outboard the USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) at HMP West on April 4.

April 17, USS Benfold entered the Dry Dock #5 at Yokosuka Naval Shipyard for a Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA); Undocked and moored at Berth 8 on Feb. 20.

May 14, 2020 Cmdr. Jeremy L. Carlson relieved Cmdr. Robert W. McFarlin as the 18th CO of Benfold during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship.

June 13, The Benfold moored at Berth 7 on Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a four-day underway for sea trials, following a 14-month availability; Moved to Berth 3 on June 19; Moved to Berth 12 on June 25; Underway again on July 8; Moored at Berth 8 on July 11.

July 28, USS Benfold moored outboard the USS Barry at HMP East on Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a six-day underway for routine training; Anchored at A-12 for ammo onload on Aug. 3.

August 8, USS Benfold moored at Berth 12 on Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a two-day underway for routine training in Sagami Wan; Underway again on Aug. 24; Brief stop in Sagami Wan on Aug. 28.

September 3, The Benfold moored outboard the USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) at HMP East on Fleet Activities Yokosuka; Moved to Berth 7 on Sept. 23; Moved back to HMP East, outboard the USS Curtis Wilbur, on Sept. 25; Moved to HMP West on Oct. 7; Underway again on Oct. 12; Conducted operations in Sagami Wan from Oct. 14-17; Moored at HMP East on Oct. 20; Brief underway on Dec. 30.

January 6, 2021 USS Benfold moored outboard the USS Barry at HMP West after a four-day underway for routine training; Moved to HMP East on Jan. 1?; Underway again on Jan. 21.

January 25, The Benfold moored at Berth 3, Sierra Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, for a brief stop; Arrived in Sagami Wan on Feb. 1; Conducted deck landing qualifications with the U.S. Army's UH-60L Blackhawk, assigned to the Aviation Battalion - Japan, on Feb. 2.

February 3, USS Benfold moored outboard the USS Mustin (DDG 89) at Berth 6 on Fleet Activities Yokosuka; Moved to HMP West on Feb. 9; Underway for Multi-Sail exercise on March 1; Moored at Berth 2, Tango Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, from March 6-13; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) on March 19; Anchored at Yokosuka's A-12 for ammo onload on March 31.

April 2, USS Benfold moored at HMP East on Fleet Activities Yokosuka; Anchored at A-12 for ammo onload on June 1; Moored at Berth 12 on June 3; Underway again on June 16.

June 21, The Benfold moored at Berth 3, Sierra Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, for the in-port phase of anti-submarine warfare exercise Pacific Griffin; Underway for at-sea phase on June 25; Participated in a PHOTOEX with the USS Springfield (SSN 761), RSS Tenacious (FFG 71), RSS Stalwart (FFG 72), RSS Fearless (22) and USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) on June 28; Moored at Berth 3, Sierra Wharf again from July 3-5.

July 12, USS Benfold conducted a "freedom of navigation operation" near the Paracel Islands, while underway in the South China Sea; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) on July 26; Transited the Taiwan Strait northbound on July 28; Moored at Berth 1, Juliet Basin Wharf in Fleet Activities Sasebo from Aug. 2-5.

August 23, DDG 65 moored at Akasaki Pier on Fleet Activities Sasebo for a three-day port call; Moored at Akasaki Pier again from Aug. 30-31; Conducted a "freedom of navigation operation" near the Spratly Islands on Sept. 8; Transited the San Bernardino Strait northbound on Sept. 11; Brief stop in Sagami Wan on Sept. 14; Transited the Korean Strait northbound on Sept. 1?; Transited the Tsugaru Strait eastbound on Sept. 25; Arrived in Sagami Wan on Sept. 26.

September 28, USS Benfold moored at Berth 6 on Fleet Activities Yokosuka following a three-and-a-half month patrol.

October 5, Cmdr. Marcus H. Seeger relieved Cmdr. Jeremy L. Carlson as CO of the Benfold during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship.

October 12, The Benfold moved from Berth 6 to Berth 12 on Fleet Activities Yokosuka; Underway again on Oct. 14; Moored at Navy Pier, White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa to refuel from Oct. 26-27; Transited the San Bernardino Strait southbound on Oct. 29.

November 11, USS Benfold moored outboard the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) at HMP West on Fleet Activities Yokosuka; Underway again on Dec. 14.

December 19, The Benfold conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194), while underway in the Philippine Sea; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the JS Towada (AOE 422) on Dec. 23; Moored at Navy Pier on White Beach Naval Facility from Jan. 8-10; Conducted a "freedom of navigation operation" near the Paracel Islands, while underway in the South China Sea, on Jan. 20.

January 26, 2022 USS Benfold moored outboard the USS Howard (DDG 83) at HMP West on Fleet Activities Yokosuka; Moored outboard the USS Barry (DDG 52) at HMP West on Jan. 27; Anchored off Yokosuka on Jan. 31; Moored at HMP West on Feb. 3; Anchored at A-10 for ammo offload on April 5; Moored outboard the USS Higgins (DDG 76) at HMP West on April 8; Moved to Berth 6, outboard the USS Antietam (CG 54), on April 11; Moved to HMP East, outboard the USS Barry, on May 6.

May 18, USS Benfold moored outboard the USS Barry at HMP East after a nine-day underway in support of national tasking; Underway again on May 20.

June 12, The Benfold participated in a PHOTOEX, as part of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) CSG, while underway in the vicinity of Guam.

June 17, USS Benfold participated in a sinking exercise (SINKEX) of the ex-USS Vandegrift (FFG 48), while underway northeast of Guam, as part of a biennial field training exercise Valiant Shield 22; Moored at Berth 3, Tango Wharf in Apra Harbor from June 18-22; Transited the Verde Island Passage westbound on June 25.

June 30, The Benfold moored at Navy Pier, White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa for a one-day port call; Moored at Navy Per again from July 3-4 and July 9-10; Conducted a "freedom of navigation operation" near the Paracel Islands on July 13 and 16th; Transited the Taiwan Strait on July 19; Moored at Berth 1, India Basin in Fleet Activities Sasebo from July 22-29.

August 5, USS Benfold moored outboard the USS Shiloh (CG 67) at Berth 7 on Fleet Activities Yokosuka following a two-and-a-half month patrol; Anchored at A-12 for a brief stop before moored at Berth 7 on Aug. 10.

August 18, Capt. Walter C. Mainor relieved Capt. Charles R. Sargeant as Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15/Commander, Task Force (CTF) 7 during a change-of-command ceremony on board the Benfold.

September 13, USS Benfold anchored at A-10 for a brief stop to onload ammo before underway for a Fall Patrol, as part of the USS Ronald Reagan CSG; Anchored at A-12 for a brief stop on Sept. 17.

September 23, USS Benfold moored at Berth 4, Pier 11 on Chinhae Naval Base, Republic of Korea, for a three-day port visit; Participated in a PHOTOEX, while underway in the Sea of Japan, on Sept. 29 and 30th; Transited the Tsugaru Strait eastbound on Oct. 3; Transited westbound, just before midnight, on Oct. 4.

October 7, USS Benfold moored at Arikawa Wharf in Port of Hakodate, Aichi Prefecture, for a five-day liberty visit; Transited the Tsugaru Strait eastbound on Oct. 12; Transited westbound, just before midnight, on Oct. 13; Brief stop off the coast of Hakodate on Oct. 16; Moored at Akasaki Pier in Fleet Activities Sasebo from Oct. 28- Nov. 3; Transited the Taiwan Strait on Nov. 5.

November 8, The Benfold conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204), while underway in the Philippine Sea; Participated in a PHOTOEX, as part of exercise Keen Sword 23, on Nov. 14; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USS Ronald Reagan on Nov. 16; Arrived in Sagami Wan on Nov. 17.

November 18, USS Benfold moored at Berth 3 on Fleet Activities Yokosuka following a two-month patrol.

January 12, 2023 USS Benfold anchored at A-10 for a brief stop before moored outboard the USS Milius (DDG 69) at Berth 3; Underway again on Jan. 18; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) on Feb. 10; Brief stop in Sagami Wan on Feb. 20; Moored outboard the USS Dewey (DDG 105) at Berth 6 on Feb. 21; Moved to HMP East on Feb. 24.

March 7, The Benfold moored outboard the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) at HMP East on Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a one-day underway off the coast of Honshu; Underway again on March 10; Moored outboard the USS John Finn (DDG 113) at Berth 6 on March 11; Moved to Berth 8 on March 1?; Held an "Open House," in conjunction with the 27th annual Spring Festival, on March 25; Moved to Berth 6, outboard the USS John Finn, on March 27.

March 31, USS Benfold recently moored outboard the USS Shoup (DDG 86) at HMP East on Fleet Activities Yokosuka; Underway again on April 10; Transited the Korean Strait northbound on April 16; Participated in a PHOTOEX with the ROKS Yulgok Yi I (DDG 992) and JS Atago (DDG 177) on April 17; Moored at Berth 3 in Busan Naval Base, ROK, from April 18-22; Transited the Tsugaru Strait eastbound, just before midnight, on April 23.

April 25, The Benfold anchored at Yokosuka's A-10 for ammo offload; Moored outboard the USS Howard (DDG 83) at Berth 3 on April 28; Moved to HMP West on May 1; Anchored at A-12 for a brief stop before underway in Sagami Wan on June 26; Anchored at A-10 for ammo onload on June 27; Moored at Berth 6 on June 30; Underway again on July 5; Anchored at A-10 again on July 6.

July 7, USS Benfold moored at Berth 6 on Fleet Activities Yokosuka; Moved to Berth 12 on July ?; Moved to Berth 6 on July 17; Underway for routine training in Sagami Wan on July 19; Moored at Berth 7 on July 21.

July 26, Cmdr. Jonathan W. Hightower relieved Cmdr. Marcus H. Seeger as the 20th CO of Benfold during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship.

July 27, USS Benfold departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka in support of emergent national tasking; Moored at United States Coast Guard (USCG) Terminal in Port of Dutch Harbor, Unalaska Island, Alaska, from Aug. 5-8; Moored at HMP West on Aug. 16; Underway in support of a trilateral exercise Noble Chinook on Aug. 18.

August 25, The Benfold conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the MV Asterix, while underway northeast of Japan; Moored outboard the USS John Finn at HMP West on Aug. 31; Anchored at A-10 for ammo offload on Sept. 19; Moored at Berth 6 on Sept. 21; Anchored at A-10 again for a brief stop on Sept. 22; Entered the Dry Dock #4 on Oct. ?.

February 18, 2024 USS Benfold undocked and moored at HMP West on Fleet Activities Yokosuka; Underway for sea trials, following an eight-month Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA), on May 14; Moored at Berth 7 on May 16; Brief underway in Sagami Wan on May 17; Moved to Berth 12 on May 21; Anchored at A-10 for ammo onload on May 29; Moored at HMP East on May 31.

June 21, The Benfold moored at Berth 6 on Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a four-day underway for routine training; Day-long underway on June 22; Underway again on June 24; Transited the Osumi Strait westbound on June 29.

June 30, DDG 65 moored at Yokose Fuel Pier on Fleet Activities Sasebo; Moved to Berth 3, Akasaki Pier on July 1; Anchored in Sasebo Harbor for a brief stop before underway on July 8; Moored at Berth 9 in Fleet Activities Yokosuka on July 12; Emergency sortied due to approaching Typhoon Ampil on Aug. 14; Conducted operations in Sagami Wan on Aug. 20; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the HMNZS Aotearoa (A11) on Aug. 23; Arrived in Sagami Wan on Sept. 8.

September 9, USS Benfold moored at Berth 7 on Fleet Activities Yokosuka; Underway again on Sept. 23; Moored at Berth 12 on Sept. 26; Moved to HMP West on Oct. 3; Underway again on Nov. 18; Anchored at A-10 for ammo onload on Nov. 25; Moored outboard the USS Higgins (DDG 76) at HMP West on Nov. 26; Underway again on Nov. 29.

December 9, The Benfold moored at Navy Pier on White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa for a one-day port call.