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USS Arleigh Burke Returns From African Partnership Station

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091022-14
Release Date: 10/22/2009 3:53:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian Goodwin, Naval Public Affairs Support Element – East

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) returned to homeport Naval Station Norfolk after completing a six month deployment.

Arleigh Burke deployed April 25 to the coast of the United Kingdom, eastern Africa and the Mediterranean in support of Exercise Joint Warrior and African Partnership Station (APS).

"We were building partnerships and friendships with the countries overseas and leaving a good impression," said Cmdr. Brian Moum, commanding officer of Burke. "It's all about how my crew was helping to build good coalition with the nations overseas. I can't say enough good things about my Sailors and their accomplishments."

After a six-month separation, family and friends awaited their Sailors with open arms on the pier.

"It was hard waiting here at home with the kids not really knowing what was happening while he was gone," said Kim Gill, wife of Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) Gill.

"It was very lonely while he was gone, but now that he's home, we're going to catch up on what we've been missing out on," said Amanda Williams, girlfriend of Engineman 1st Class Brian Shreckengase. Sailors said they look forward to catching up with the families they left behind.

"The hardest part of a deployment is seeing your family on the pier as you leave," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Lorenzo Garcia. "The most rewarding part is them here when you come off the ship."