NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — The USS Mitscher is preparing to leave Virginia on a deployment to the Middle East.

The guided-missile destroyer is set to leave Naval Station Norfolk on Monday.

The Navy says the ship will conduct and enforce maritime security operations. It will also provide for ballistic-missile defense and work to strengthen coalition partnerships.

Earlier this month, the Mitscher participated in a live-fire missile exercise in the Atlantic Ocean.

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