Jacksonville — The USS Fort McHenry has returned to Naval Station Mayport with more than 300 sailors aboard, who get to see their families for the first time in 7 months.
The McHenry was supporting maritime security operations in Europe and the Middle East, according to the Navy. The ship was part of the more than 4,500 Sailors and Marines serving in the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
While deployed, the ARG participated in several military exercises and made port calls in the Baltics, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East that the Navy said deepened existing relationships with allies and partner nations.
Gallery: USS Fort McHenry Returns Home
The McHenry was named for Fort McHenry, located in Baltimore, which inspired Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812. That poem, set to music, became our country’s national anthem in 1931.
The ship has 22 officers and 391 enlisted people on its crew.
The USS Fort McHenry is back home at Mayport. @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/znvJrpKUUv
— Steven Ponson (@steven_ponson) July 18, 2019
Happening soon: More than 300 sailors are returning home to Naval Station Mayport as the USS Fort McHenry comes home after being deployed for seven months. This family tells me they drove all the way from Northern Kentucky to see their husband/father/son come home @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/AFvRrQOR65
— Steven Ponson (@steven_ponson) July 18, 2019
Their story is one of many here at Mayport. Dozens of family members are here to welcome back their loved ones. @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/rCo4WrQg88
— Steven Ponson (@steven_ponson) July 18, 2019