NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Sept. 21, 2026, to begin deployment operations.

The warship’s departure comes after months of training, maintenance, and certification events.

“The crew of USS Stout trained relentlessly to ensure our warship is prepared to execute prompt and sustained operations,” said Cmdr. Kevin Taylor, commanding officer, USS Stout (DDG 55). “We built a culture of sustained readiness and resilience and are fully prepared to sail forward, defend our nation’s interests, and execute our mission at the absolute highest standard of excellence.”

USS Stout is a multi-mission surface combatant capable of conducting anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare operations. Commissioned in 1994, Stout is the fifth warship of the Arleigh Burke class and belongs to the class’s baseline Flight I configuration. The warship is named after World War II Navy Cross recipient Rear Admiral Herald F. Stout, who heroically commanded the Fletcher class destroyer USS Claxton (DD 571) during the Battle of Bougainville.

Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic is responsible for manning, training, and equipping assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable and combat-ready force to support U.S. national interests. The SURFLANT force consists of more than 66 warships and 34 shore commands.From U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Sept. 22, 2026