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.

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