JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — 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.
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.”
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.
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.
“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.
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Finally home USS Thomas Hudner returned home to Naval Station Mayport on Thursday. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
Eight-month deployment 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. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
Family Family reunited after months over seas. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
A happy little man Family eagerly awaits the crews return home from an eight-month deployment in the Mediterranean. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
Welcome home Families eagerly await their loved ones return home at Naval Station Mayport from an eight-month deployment. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
Proud crew During their deployment, Thomas Hudner served as an air defense unit for the strike group off the coast of Israel. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
Missing you This dad is elated to be reunited with family. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
'We miss you' Families gather at the docks for the return home of their loved ones at Naval Station Mayport. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
Waiting, patiently Family and friends waited to greet the crew of USS Thomas Hudner as it returned home on Thursday. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
Pure joy Family reunites as USS Thomas Hudner returned from deployment. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
Huggs Crew members embrace the love from family. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
USS Thomas Hudner returning home USS Thomas Hudner returning home to Naval Station Mayport following an eight-month long deployment. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
USS Thomas Hudner comes home The crew of the USS Thomas Hudner waits to dock. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
So much love Family is where the heart is. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
About sums it up A warm embrace as navy families finally reunite with their loved ones. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
Dressed to impress This young man celebrates the return home of USS Thomas Hudner. (S.E. NORR
S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)
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