The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday to a cheering crowd and waiting families after a record deployment of 11 months.
CVN-78 arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, accompanied by the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) and USS Mahan (DDG-72). Together, they carried over 4,500 service members from the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group.
During its deployment, the carrier spent a total of 326 days away from home, operating in the North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Red Sea in support of US military operations, including Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle welcomed the warships and addressed the crew, expressing gratitude for their service.
Speaking on the deck of the destroyer, Hegseth said he was humbled by their extended service, describing it as “an extraordinary amount of time for naval deployment.”
“I recognize that,” he continued. “The President of the United States recognizes that, and that’s why we’re here today – to honor your skill, your proficiency, your dedication, and your heroism.”
Hegseth also presented the crew with the Presidential Unit Citation award, the highest collective honor a military unit can receive in the US Armed Forces.
“You didn’t just accomplish a mission, you made history. You made a nation proud. You showed the world what American strength is all about.” He stated.
Admiral Caudle acknowledged the naval crew as well, stating that the record deployment time was not the norm and deserved recognition.
“That’s not routine demand; that’s strategic demand. And the crew has answered every single time,” he remarked.
“Stay ready, stay disciplined, stay lethal,” he concluded.