NORFOLK, Va. — More than 300 sailors aboard the USS Gonzalez returned to Naval Station Norfolk on Saturday after a seven-and-a-half month deployment.
The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer deployed to Europe and the Middle East where sailors conducted ballistic-missile defense in the Persian Gulf and other missions.
The crew ensured freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and advanced U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.
Commanding officer Capt. Christopher Schwarz reunited with his wife Francine and their two sons.
"There have been missed holidays, missed birthdays, summer was a little rough," Francine said.
"But they're coming home now, so they're ready."
Capt. Schwarz said he was proud of the ship's crew during its deployment.
"We left as a crew but came back as a family. And I truly mean that," he said.
"Deployment is never easy but we have an outstanding ship and outstanding crew and awesome support all around."
Some highlights during the ship's deployment included:
- In the 5th Fleet Area of Operation, Gonzalez conducted BMD in the Arabian Gulf, participated in several joint exercises with partner nations, and ensured freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Gonzalez conducted maritime security operations in the 6th Fleet Area of Operation, supporting the fleet’s mission of conducting full joint and naval operations, which are often conducted in concert with ally and interagency partners such as NATO in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
RELATED: Visitors get rare opportunity to tour USS John C. Stennis during Hampton Roads' Fleet Fest 2019
Follow 13News Now on and Twitter
► Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13News Now App.