NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. — Today, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) is returning to Naval Station Norfolk.
Truxtun was deployed for nine months with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush CSG, to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation.
The crew of the Truxtun represents the best of America," said Commanding Officer Adam Miller. "Day and night, they operated our ship safely for over nine months. And from the Middle East to Europe, they accomplished every single mission handed to us and I'm just absolutely honored and proud of them."
Over 300 sailors were reunited with their families and friends along Pier 7. One of them was Chief Richard Ayala, who met his 8-month-old for the first time.
"It's a beautiful moment," he said. "It's been a long time coming. I'm just glad to hold him and that I get to meet him."
HOME AT LAST!Over 300 @USNavy Sailors aboard the USS Truxtun have finally returned to @NAV_STA_NORFOLK after a 9 month deployment! The crew spent last month in Sudan supporting evacuations of Americans from the war-torn country.More on @WTKR3: https://t.co/Ep58pB8hdt ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/PTnPNmlDlz
— Penny Kmitt (@pennylikeacoin) May 25, 2023
The crew's deployment was extended in April when Truxton was suddenly called to operate off the coast of Sudan to support the evacuation of Americans from the war-torn country.
"I was so proud of how well they reacted to the extension," said Commander Miller. "We pride ourselves on being a warship ready for tasking. And the sailors knew that this was a very important mission, a very important task that we are capable of supporting. So they really came together as a team."
While deployed, Truxtun went to seven foreign ports in Europe and the Middle East. Commander Miller says their responsibilities included deterring illicit activity in the Red and Arabian Seas, sailing alongside NATO allies and more.
