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March 1, 2010

By Cindy Clayton
The Virginian-Pilot
© March 1, 2010

NORFOLK

The guided missile destroyer Porter is scheduled to return to Norfolk Naval Station today, according to the Navy.

The ship, on deployment for a little more than six months,  patrolled off the Horn of Africa to deter pirates, a Navy news release says.

The ship carried an unmanned aerial vehicle, Scan Eagle, that flew 125 sorties looking for pirate activity, according to the Navy.

The crew’s Visit Board Search and Seizure Team also met with fishermen to encourage them to contact NATO vessels if they are in distress, the release says. As a security measure, Scan Eagle flew above the fishing vessels during the meetings.

The Porter’s crew of about 300 sailors is commanded by Cmdr. David T. Peterson.