Guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) returned to Naval Station Norfolk following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, Dec. 30.

San Jacinto deployed June 1 as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG), supporting combined task forces (CTF) 51, 55, and 61.

The ship also served as the air and missile defense commander (AMDC) under the guidance of Commanding Officer Capt. Dennis Velez in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

"This deployment was a huge win for our crew and for the Navy," Velez said. "The deployment was a culmination of long weeks of training, preparation, and assessments following compressed basic and advanced phases. The crew came together and demonstrated their ability to perform every mission with superb professionalism. I could not be more proud of the crew and the fantastic job they did."

San Jacinto traveled more than 52,500 nautical miles during the deployment through the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and Arabian Gulf. The ship conducted port visits to Naples, Italy; Manama, Bahrain; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; and Piraeus, Greece. The ship completed 29 replenishments-at-sea, on-loading more than 5.2 million gallons of fuel and more than 1,000 pallets of stores for sustainment.

The embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, Det. 1, flew missions almost daily using two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The squadron conducted more than 950 flight hours for surface search and classification (SSC) and anti-submarine missions.

San Jacinto hosted a number of distinguished visitors, including U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah's 3rd Congressional District; Vice Adm. Robert P. Burke, chief of naval personnel; Rear Adm. James J. Malloy, commander, CSG-10; and Commodore Konstantinos Leondaras, harbor master of Piraeus, Greece.

Qualifications were at an all-time high for San Jacinto. Eighty-five Sailors qualified as enlisted surface warfare specialist; four officers qualified as surface warfare officer; and one qualified as surface warfare supply corps officer. Four new chief petty officers were pinned and welcomed into the Chiefs Mess, and 45 Sailors were promoted to the next pay grade.

"The crew worked extraordinarily hard over the last seven months, from daily tasks to earning qualifications," said Command Master Chief Mario Rivers. "Everyone came together to accomplish everything that was asked and remained flexible. I am very proud of every Sailor on San Jacinto who played his or her part in making this a successful deployment. The Sailors of San Jacinto have been excellent ambassadors for our Navy and our country."

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