More than 300 Navy sailors return home on USS Fort McHenry after 7-month deployment

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — USS Fort McHenry, LSD 43, pulled into Naval Station Mayport on Thursday morning, carrying more than 300 sailors.

Since December, the sailors had been carrying out a seven-month deployment that supported maritime security operations in Europe and the Middle East.

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Naval Station Mayport said they were part of the more than 4,500 sailors and Marines serving the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, or ARG, and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, or MEU.

“It was 219 days. It was challenging, like all of the deployments are,” Cmdr. Officer Steven Schmidt, the commanding officer, said. “We provided presence operations, ready-assault capabilities in the Middle East and Europe.”

Proud families from across the country drove into Jacksonville for the sailors' homecoming.

Four sailors met their babies for the first time.

“It’s so good. I’m so relieved,” Navy sailor Robert Kennedy said. “Unbelievable. It's truly amazing.”

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“When I left, I could fit her (his daughter) in the palm of my hand and she couldn’t pick her head up,” Navy sailor Connor Coyle said. “Just awesome to finally see her again.”

“I’m just so excited to have some help and for them to get to know each other and create a special bond,” Coyle’s wife,” Hayley Coyle said.

Naval Station Mayport said that, while deployed, the ARG participated in several military exercises and made port calls in the Baltic States, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Overall, it said, their efforts deepened existing relations with allies and partner nations.

Cox Media Group