NORFOLK, Va. - The USS Kearsarge, the USS Arlington and the USS Oak Hill returned to their homeports at Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story on Tuesday after a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet area of operations.
The group left Hampton Roads in October after being delayed by several days by Hurricane Joaquin.
In November, the group’s aviation team launched missions against ISIS in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
They concluded their OIR mission in March with a total of 130 sorties and 60 strikes.
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter visited with Sailors and Marines aboard Kearsarge just days before Christmas, talking about the vital role the ship has during deployment.
He also presented medals during an award ceremony and had lunch with the crew.
The USS Kearsarge was also awarded the Battle Efficiency award for 2015 during their deployment.
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USS Kearsarge ARG leaves Norfolk on a seven-month deployment
