Guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk following a seven-month deployment to the 5th and 6th fleet areas of operations, Dec. 30.

Nitze deployed June 1 as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts.

"During this deployment we were faced with a variety of missions, and the crew outperformed my expectations," said Cmdr. Paul Kaylor, Nitze's commanding officer. "We have an incredible group of Sailors aboard Nitze, and they proved it day in and day out."

In October, Nitze conducted limited defensive strikes and launched Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) against three radar sites on the Yemeni coast in response to indications of inbound missile threats to USS Mason (DDG 87), amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), and afloat forward staging base USS Ponce (ASFB(I) 15). The action was taken only to respond to Houthi militias' provocations on U.S. ships and limited the Houthi's capabilities in the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, therefore ensuring the free flow of commerce throughout the region and the world.

"Coming into this deployment with one already under my belt, I had an idea of what we might get into," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class David King. "but once we launched the TLAMs I realized much more was expected of us this time around. It feels really good to know that you're part of a crew that directly played a role in stopping evil from spreading around the world."

During Nitze's 213 day, 53,200 nautical mile trip, 58 Sailors were promoted to the next pay grade, 65 earned the coveted enlisted surface warfare specialist pin, seven qualified as surface warfare officers, and one earned a surface warfare supply corps officer pin. Six Sailors also became proud new fathers.

"The men and women aboard Nitze, 'Cold Warriors' and 'Swamp Foxes' alike, represent the best and brightest of America," said Command Master Chief Sean Brown. "I am proud and humbled to walk among them each and every day."

Embarked aboard Nitze were a detachment of Swamp Foxes of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, who logged 932 flight hours during almost daily flight operations between their two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

Nitze had the opportunity to visit Trieste, Italy; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Manama, Bahrain; Duqm, Oman; and Villefranche, France.

"I am proud of everything that we accomplished this deployment, and am happy that we are home and can all get some well-deserved rest," Kaylor continued.

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