Information systems technician Petty Officer 2nd Class

Information systems technician Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Jurode departs the Pearl Harbor-based guided missile frigate USS Reuben James with Christmas presents during the ship's return to Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Reuben James departed Pearl Harbor in September to support the Pacific Fleet's Mid-Pacific Surface Combatant Operational Employment. The Mid-Pacific Surface Combatant Operational Employment program calls for nine of the 11 Hawaii-based surface combatants to focus on the Western Pacific by conducting intermediate/advanced training and regular deployments in the Western Pacific and is designed to improve the U.S. Pacific FleetÕs war fighting readiness and effectiveness.