USS Porter prepares for assignment

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The Norfolk-based USS Porter will head to its new homeport in Rota, Spain in 2015. But right now, the ship's crew is preparing for another important mission that's just days away.

From the pier, things look pretty quiet aboard the USS Porter, but a closer look reveals a much different picture.

During WAVY.com's visit, the crew was below deck preparing the ship's four gas turbine engines for their assignment with the USS Enterprise Strike Group. The assignment is historic, as it will be the Enterprise's final deployment.

USS Porter Petty Officer Calvin Stephens has been working from 6 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. for days, running final checks on the ship's propulsion system.

"Might even be a lighter work-load once you get going Calvin," 10 On Your Side's Art Kohn said.

"That's why I'm ready to get going, sir," Stephens laughed.

Topside, sailors like JO1 William Pemberton cleaned the small deck guns in case they are needed in unfriendly waters. A 12 year veteran of the Navy, Pemberton knows deployments are bitter-sweet.

"Being away from the family, that's the only bad part about it. But it's my duty, my job and that's what I'm here to do," Pemberton said.

CT3 Heather Rodgers said, "I'm excited to see other parts, you know, other countries..."

In 2015, Rodgers will be staying with the ship when it's homeported in Rota, Spain as part of the European Missile Defense System.

Rodgers said, "It's a lot of weight on your shoulders, because there's a lot of information you need to know."

But first, they sail for the Arabian Sea to provide maritime security in an area where tensions have been rising since Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz.

WAVY.com asked the ship's commander if they have been advised to be extra vigilant.

Commanding Officer Martin Arriola said, "We have, absolutely. Ah, we train like we expect to fight and the crew is well attuned to the area of operations that we're expecting to be in and they're ready."

The USS Porter will begin her deployment on Monday, March 12, the day after USS Enterprise leaves.