Destroyer Squadron 28

Destroyer Squadron 28
Unit name	Destroyer Squadron 28
Type	Destroyer squadron

Destroyer Squadron 28 is a naval destroyer squadron that has operated as a tactical and administrative element within larger fleet organizations. It has participated in multinational exercises, carrier strike group operations, and maritime security missions, integrating with allied navies and joint forces during crises, contingencies, and peacetime presence. The squadron has been associated with surface warfare, antisubmarine warfare, air defense, and escort duties supporting carrier battle groups and expeditionary forces.

History

The squadron traces its lineage through Cold War force structuring associated with the United States Navy's Atlantic Fleet, Pacific Fleet, and later the U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Third Fleet organizational changes. During the Vietnam War period it provided escort and gunfire support related to operations linked to Operation Rolling Thunder and maritime interdiction connected to Gulf of Tonkin Incident-era deployments. In the post‑Cold War era the squadron took part in operations alongside units involved in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, contributing to maritime interception operations and ballistic missile defense experiments tied to the Aegis Combat System. The squadron's history reflects integration with carrier strike groups centered on carriers such as USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Nimitz (CVN-68), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) during major fleet exercises like RIMPAC and Exercise Malabar.

Organization and Composition

Organizationally the squadron is structured under destroyer squadron staff and typically comprises multiple Arleigh Burke-class USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51)-type guided-missile destroyers assigned to a destroyer squadron commander who reports to a carrier strike group or surface group commander. Vessels assigned have included hulls designated DDG and occasionally older Spruance-class destroyer or Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate hulls when force composition required. The squadron maintains embarked staff elements for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance linked to systems such as the Aegis Combat System and integrates with carrier air wings like Carrier Air Wing Five and Carrier Air Wing Eight for air defense and strike coordination. Logistics and sustainment relationships connect the squadron to tenders, naval bases such as Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Base San Diego, and replenishment groups like Combat Logistics Force ships.

Command and Operations

Command of the squadron has followed conventional naval staff hierarchies with commanders designated as Captain or Commodore-level officers who coordinate with strike group commanders, numbered fleet commanders such as United States Fourth Fleet or United States Fifth Fleet, and joint task force headquarters including Joint Task Force 515. Tactical operations have included surface warfare maneuvers, integrated air and missile defense exercises with units participating in Ballistic Missile Defense System testing and cooperative deployments with allies such as Royal Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Royal Australian Navy. The squadron has executed doctrine aligned with publications like Naval Warfare Publication formats and interoperability standards promulgated during NATO and Quadrilateral Security Dialogue naval engagements. Command relationships have adapted during surge operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response in coordination with agencies involved in Operation Tomodachi and multinational relief efforts.

Deployments and Engagements

Deployments have spanned carrier strike group escort missions across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) area, forward deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, and tasking in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. The squadron has participated in exercises and engagements including RIMPAC, Exercise Foal Eagle, multinational anti-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa associated with Combined Task Force 151, and freedom of navigation transits relevant to South China Sea operations. During contingency operations the squadron has contributed to maritime interdiction operations supporting United Nations sanctions enforcement and strike escort operations in support of carrier-based aviation and amphibious task forces such as those embarked in Amphibious Ready Groups.

Insignia and Traditions

Insignia associated with destroyer squadrons typically incorporate heraldic elements drawn from naval traditions exemplified by badges used across United States Navy surface warfare communities, with symbols referencing speed, vigilance, and maritime guardianship found in squadron patches and commissioning pennants. Traditions include battle “calls to quarters,” underway replenishment evolutions, ceremonies tied to Change of Command (military) protocols, and participation in anniversary events commemorating actions linked to historical engagements like Battle of the Atlantic and other fleet milestones. Crewmember qualifications and warfare pins such as the Surface Warfare Officer insignia figure into squadron identity and professional development culture.

Notable Commanders and Personnel

Throughout its service, the squadron's leadership and notable personnel have included officers who later advanced to flag rank and served in commands such as Carrier Strike Group Four, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, or staff positions on the Chief of Naval Operations staff. Alumni of the squadron have gone on to assignments with unified combatant commands like U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command, and have participated in exchange billets with allied navies including the Royal Canadian Navy and French Navy. Sailors and officers have been recognized through awards such as the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, and campaign medals reflecting deployments to theaters of operation linked to the squadron's mission set.

Category:United States Navy destroyer squadrons