Jacksonville, FL — 600 Navy Sailors returned from deployment after being gone for nearly nine months. The USS Farragut and USS Lassen arrived early Sunday morning to Naval Station Mayport. The two ships had an extended deployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This homecoming was not like past homecomings at the Mayport base. Families had to wait for their Sailor at their car and people were encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distance.
On deployment, the two ships sailed more than 70,000 nautical miles. In September 2019, Farragut sailed to the High North. It was a part of the East Coast Surface Action Group and sailed to Iceland where it was tested in rough seas and extreme temperatures.
In early May, alongside the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment Team, Lassen recovered more than 3,500 pounds of drugs from smugglers at sea. Families told Action News Jax they are thankful for a safe arrival home.
We’re all waiting patiently for USS Lassen and USS Farragut to dock! 600 navy sailors will be returning home to their loved ones in the next 15 minutes. @ActionNewsJax is so thankful for these brave men and women and can’t wait for their return 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/6gdW5G9yBj
— Meghan Moriarty (@MeghanANjax) June 14, 2020
🌈 over Naval Station Mayport. 600 sailors come home today @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/19Dn6uCJps
— Meghan Moriarty (@MeghanANjax) June 14, 2020
6/14/2020 USS Lassen and USS Faragut homecoming
— Meghan Moriarty (@MeghanANjax) June 14, 2020
Allie and Kevin got married last summer. A month later, Allie was deployed. It’s been nearly 9 months since their last kiss and today we got to witness the two reunite. Thank you Ally and all of the sailors for your service🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/BiBl9Y8kzq
