NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The USNS Kanawha returned home to Naval Station Norfolk Wednesday morning after a nine-month deployment, according to the Navy.
Kanawha deployed to the Red Sea as the sole replenishment oiler responsible for the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.
“Kanawha’s surge deployment in response to Houthi’s aggression in the Red Sea was historic. Performing superbly in the face of extreme danger and active attacks, Kanawha and her crew was instrumental in keeping the Fleet in the fight,” a Navy spokesperson wrote in a news release.
During this deployment, Kanawha’s 71-member crew safely executed 111 at-sea replenishments. The ship delivered more than 30-million gallons of diesel and jet fuel, along with 4,696,274 marine grade oil, and transferring 3,389 critical cargo pallets.
The Navy says that underway replenishments are a critical naval capability that allows U.S. Navy and allied ships to be resupplied with fuel, food, and stores without pulling into a port.
USNS Kanawha arrived at Naval Station Norfolk around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.