USS Gettysburg returns to Naval Station Norfolk after 8-month deployment
Bittersweet homecoming for USS Harry S. Truman
The Ticonderoga class cruiser departed in September 2024, traveling to Europe and the Middle East to conduct combat operations in the Red Sea, as well as exercises with NATO allies.
'It was amazing in a lot of ways. We learned a lot. We have a lot to share with the fleet based off our experience in the Red Sea in particular, but the feeling to be home as well, it's amazing,' said Captain John Lucas, Commanding Officer of USS Gettysburg.
Retired naval aviator shares insight on 'friendly fire' incident in the Red Sea
The ship was in headlines back in December following an instance of friendly fire, shooting down a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet over the Red Sea.
'It's under investigation, those results have not been revealed yet to the public. I can tell you again, we took on a lot of lessons from that event,' said Captain Lucas.
After the deployment was extended twice, families of the roughly 330 returning sailors gathered along the pier at Naval Station Norfolk to welcome their loved ones home.
'It's a very long time. We're kind of used to it. We have another child in the military, so we've been down this road. But this is her first time having been gone so this long, so it was tough. We're going to take her home and whatever she wants to do is what she wants to do. It's her break, with us along for the ride,' said Carrie Ayd, mother of returning sailor.
Captain Lucas said while the Navy is retiring certain cruisers, he's not certain what the future holds for USS Gettysburg, but said he and his crew will be ready when called upon.
'I think we're all ready for a nice long winter nap in the summer. All I can tell you is my job and this crew's job is going to be to be ready to go again when called upon, whenever that might be. I'm excited to maintain and be a part of the team for as long as they'll have me,' he said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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