NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – USS Truxtun (DDG 103) returned to Naval Station Norfolk on a cool Thursday morning after a 9-month deployment.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer has been operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation and pulled up to the pier shortly after 7:30 a.m.
“Truxtun’s crew represents the absolute best of America,” said Cmdr. Adam Miller, commanding officer of Truxtun. “They demonstrated exemplary conduct ashore in foreign ports and sustained superior performance operating at sea. From deterring illicit activity in the Red and Arabian Seas to sailing alongside our NATO Allies in the Mediterranean, our crew excelled at every mission tasked to us.”
The Norfolk-based ship extended its deployment in April to be on standby off the coast of Sudan, amidst chaos in the African nation. The ship was at the ready if needed to transport civilians or provide medical care.
“Our presence helps ensure that if the State Department needs the Department of Defense’s support, we are there and we’re ready to assist,” Miller said.
The commander couldn’t have been more proud of his crew, from the sailor getting the first kiss, to the new fathers, the mothers and those reuniting with family and friends.
“It’s been such a long time, but we accomplished so much, and I’m just glad to be home with my family, my boys,” said IT2 Raymond Randol.
USS Truxtun is part of the USS George HW Bush strike group. The aircraft carrier returned home on April 23.
