Overview
- The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer pulled into Naval Station Mayport on Sunday, Aug. 9, concluding a deployment the Navy described as almost nine months long while other reports called it eight months.
- During the patrol Thomas Hudner conducted operations under U.S. 4th, 5th and 6th Fleet authorities, which covers the Caribbean, Middle East and European maritime regions.
- The ship carries roughly 300 sailors and is configured for air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and naval surface fire support, underscoring its multi-mission role.
- Cmdr. David Cook praised the crew’s resilience and tactical performance and families greeted sailors on the pier with embraces and banners after months at sea.
- Named for Medal of Honor recipient Thomas J. Hudner Jr., the vessel’s return highlights the continued use of Arleigh Burke destroyers for forward deployments and sustained maritime presence across distant theaters.