United States Navy warships are now spending more time at sea, including two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, which finally saw their lengthy deployments end this past weekend.
The USS Pickney (DDG-91) arrived in San Diego, Calif., after spending nine months deployed to the Indo-Pacific and Middle East, while the USS Thomas Hunder (DDG-116) returned to Mayport, Florida, having operated in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Red Seas.
Both vessels are multi-mission destroyers capable of air warfare (AW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), naval surface fire support (NSFS), and surface warfare (SUW). Each warship carries approximately 300 Sailors.
Eight Months at Sea for DDG-91
DDG-91, joined by an air wing detachment from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 (HSM-37), departed from Naval Base San Diego on November 25, 2025, and conducted operations to support the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and global maritime domain.
During the more than eight-month deployment, the USS Pickney made a scheduled port visit to Singapore, where the “crew successfully completed a ship repair and maintenance exercise, showcasing the crew’s ability to conduct maintenance and repair in forward locations.”
The guided-missile destroyer was then dispatched to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, supporting U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) joint forces in successfully conducting strikes in support of Operation Epic Fury. DDG-91 and HSM-37 were among the elements that enforced the naval blockade of Iranian ports and conducted precision maritime interdictions, including “compelling” 11 commercial vessels to comply with CENTCOM directives.
While deployed, the USS Pinckney traveled more than 48,000 nautical miles, operating with the U.S. 3rd, U.S. 7th, and U.S. 5th Fleets. The vessel executed 24 replenishments-at-sea and transited through five strategic waterways. Embarked aircraft also completed 534 flight hours.
“Pinckney’s Firewalkers answered every mission with professionalism, resilience, and unwavering commitment,” said Cmdr. Timothy DeVall, commanding officer of Pinckney. “Whether operating in the Indo-Pacific or supporting combat operations in the Middle East, our Sailors consistently demonstrated the readiness and adaptability required to execute our mission. I couldn’t be prouder of what this team accomplished.”
The Flight IIA Aegis guided-missile destroyer is named for African American Ship’s Cook First Class William Pinckney, who received the Navy Cross for his actions aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) during the Battle of Santa Cruz, in which he saved the life of several crew members.
DDG-116 Back From World Tour
The USS Thomas Hudner departed from Naval Station Mayport on December 1, and initially was deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations, joining U.S. Navy forces supporting the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) buildup and blockade of Venezuela. The first Flight IIA Technology Insertion variant of the Arleigh Burke-class, DDG-116, participated in tracking and seizing sanctions oil tankers off the coast of the South American nation prior to the military actions that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January.
In February, the USS Thomas Hudner was dispatched to the Middle East, remaining until July 13, when it began its long journey back to the United States.
“Over the past almost nine months, this crew has demonstrated exceptional resilience and tactical proficiency across three different fleets,” said Cmdr. David Cook, commanding officer, USS Thomas Hudner. “Their dedication is unmatched, and we are absolutely thrilled to be back in Mayport to reunite with the families and loved ones whose unwavering support made our success possible.”
DDG-116 is named for U.S. Navy Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Thomas J. Hudner Jr. He received the nation’s top military honor for his heroic and selfless actions while attempting to save the life of his wingman, Navy Ensign Jesse L. Brown, during the Korean War, the U.S. Navy explained. Hudner’s effort to save Brown is told in the 2022 film Devotion, with actor Glen Powell playing Hudner.
