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USS Arleigh Burke Returns to Norfolk

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS141017-23
Release Date: 10/17/2014 11:38:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II, USS Arleigh Burke Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) returned to her Norfolk, Va., homeport, Oct. 17, after completing an eight-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.

Arleigh Burke began her deployment Feb. 15, and traveled a total of 32,250 nautical miles in support of ballistic missile defense, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf.

While there, the ship and its crew took part in multiple naval air and surface exercises with allied and partner nations, serving as an opportunity to foster larger partnerships and coalitions among navies and military services around the world. Arleigh Burke also responded to emergency calls of man overboard incidents and distress calls from maritime vessels from various nations in danger of piracy.

'We originally set out as an independently deployed ship and later integrated with the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) Carrier Strike Group, which gave us many opportunities to seamlessly work together,' said Cmdr. Camille Flaherty, Arleigh Burke's commanding officer. 'Another highlight was working with foreign navies, including Great Britain, France, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, all of which strengthened interoperability.'

While operating in both theaters, the ship made port visits to France, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, and Italy. The crew enjoyed liberty, performed ship upgrades, maintenance, and underwent various shipboard inspections, all while participating in numerous community relations projects, establishing and enhancing friendships with each host nation.

Throughout each port visit, Sailors proved that they were true ambassadors of the U.S., by consistently displaying professionalism whether they were working side-by-side with host nation counterparts or out on liberty.

The accomplishments and highlights did not stop there. In September, the ship made front page news on major media networks worldwide as it led a tomahawk missile launch, followed by U.S. and partner nation airstrikes, in the first series of precisely targeted strikes in Syria against the terrorist group named the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL.

'You never know what's going to be asked of you,' said Flaherty. 'All our practice was put into action and this deployment certainly proved that Arleigh Burke can do whatever is asked of her to protect the nation and people around the world.'

Upon return to homeport, Arleigh Burke's crew of more than 250 Sailors received a warm welcome by family and friends. The homecoming was especially exciting for Arleigh Burke Sailor and a father to a newborn son, Electronics Technician 1st Class Jose Partida.

'This has been the longest deployment and time away from my family,' said Partida. 'I can't wait to hug and kiss them and finally meet and hold the newest member of my family. That feeling will be incomparable.'

'I feel we made all surface combatants proud and it was a team effort to reach near perfection in all our warfare areas that we have practiced for so long,' said Flaherty. 'Arleigh Burke is coming home a new ship, both materially and professionally, and the crew has reached a standard that we have been working a long time to reach. I am really proud of them all.'