USS Thomas Hudner and crew make emotional return home after eight-month deployment

Joshua Jacobs
·2 min read

Naval Station Mayport, family, and friends patiently waited on Thursday as the USS Thomas Hudner and its crew returned home after an eight-month deployment.

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It was an emotional time for many as pictures sent in show the loving embrace of family and friends.

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According to NS Mayport, “Hudner deployed as a part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defend U.S. allied, and partner interests.”

Read: Two missiles fired from Yemen toward Mayport-based warship

Thomas Hudner served as an air defense unit for the CSG off the coast of Israel. The Navy guided-missile destroyer was reported in NavyTimes on Nov. 23, 2023 to have shot down “multiple one-way attack drones” while it was operating in the Red Sea. Those drones were launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, the U.S. Central Command said in a briefing.

Read: Sailors and families reunited at Naval Station Mayport Thanksgiving dinner

NS Mayport said that on Fri., Jan. 5, the USS Thomas Hudner will hold a change of command ceremony as Cmdr. Shelby Nikitin will be relieved as Commanding Officer by Cmdr. Cameron Ingram.

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“This exceptional crew will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am thankful for all the memories and accomplishments we have shared over the past three years. I have no doubt this family of elite warfighters will continue to meet any challenge with professionalism and grace, and I look forward to following their future successes,” Nikitin said.

USS Thomas Hudner returned home to Naval Station Mayport on Thursday.
USS Thomas Hudner returned home to Naval Station Mayport on Thursday.
USS Thomas Hunder was deployed as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations.
USS Thomas Hunder was deployed as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations.
Family reunited after months over seas.
Family reunited after months over seas.
Family eagerly awaits the crews return home from an eight-month deployment in the Mediterranean.
Family eagerly awaits the crews return home from an eight-month deployment in the Mediterranean.
Families eagerly await their loved ones return home at Naval Station Mayport from an eight-month deployment.
Families eagerly await their loved ones return home at Naval Station Mayport from an eight-month deployment.
During their deployment, Thomas Hudner served as an air defense unit for the strike group off the coast of Israel.
During their deployment, Thomas Hudner served as an air defense unit for the strike group off the coast of Israel.
This dad is elated to be reunited with family.
This dad is elated to be reunited with family.
Families gather at the docks for the return home of their loved ones at Naval Station Mayport.
Families gather at the docks for the return home of their loved ones at Naval Station Mayport.
Family and friends waited to greet the crew of USS Thomas Hudner as it returned home on Thursday.
Family and friends waited to greet the crew of USS Thomas Hudner as it returned home on Thursday.
Family reunites as USS Thomas Hudner returned from deployment.
Family reunites as USS Thomas Hudner returned from deployment.
Crew members embrace the love from family.
Crew members embrace the love from family.
USS Thomas Hudner returning home to Naval Station Mayport following an eight-month long deployment.
USS Thomas Hudner returning home to Naval Station Mayport following an eight-month long deployment.
The crew of the USS Thomas Hudner waits to dock.
The crew of the USS Thomas Hudner waits to dock.
Family is where the heart is.
Family is where the heart is.
A warm embrace as navy families finally reunite with their loved ones.
A warm embrace as navy families finally reunite with their loved ones.
This young man celebrates the return home of USS Thomas Hudner.
This young man celebrates the return home of USS Thomas Hudner.

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