USS Thomas Hudner and crew make emotional return home after eight-month deployment

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Naval Station Mayport, family, and friends patiently waited on Thursday as the USS Thomas Hudner and its crew returned home after an eight-month deployment.

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It was an emotional time for many as pictures sent in show the loving embrace of family and friends.

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According to NS Mayport, “Hudner deployed as a part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defend U.S. allied, and partner interests.”

Read: Two missiles fired from Yemen toward Mayport-based warship

Thomas Hudner served as an air defense unit for the CSG off the coast of Israel. The Navy guided-missile destroyer was reported in NavyTimes on Nov. 23, 2023 to have shot down “multiple one-way attack drones” while it was operating in the Red Sea. Those drones were launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, the U.S. Central Command said in a briefing.

Read: Sailors and families reunited at Naval Station Mayport Thanksgiving dinner

NS Mayport said that on Fri., Jan. 5, the USS Thomas Hudner will hold a change of command ceremony as Cmdr. Shelby Nikitin will be relieved as Commanding Officer by Cmdr. Cameron Ingram.

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“This exceptional crew will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am thankful for all the memories and accomplishments we have shared over the past three years. I have no doubt this family of elite warfighters will continue to meet any challenge with professionalism and grace, and I look forward to following their future successes,” Nikitin said.

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Finally home USS Thomas Hudner returned home to Naval Station Mayport on Thursday. (S.E. NORR S.E. Norr/Naval Station Mayport)

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