NORFOLK, Va. — The USS Oscar Austin left Naval Station Norfolk for a homeport shift at Naval Station Rota in Spain.
It's part of the Navy's long-term range to rotate Rota-based Missile destroyers.
About 330 men and women said their goodbyes to loved ones as they jumped aboard USS Oscar Austin for a two-week journey to Rota, Spain.
It was an exciting day for new sailors, parents, and those who share a mix of emotions ahead of the day.
Jennifer Rogoff watched from afar as her daughter set sail on her first deployment.
"I'm a Navy wife and Navy mom," said Rogoff. "My husband is retired. Might have been easier to see him go than it is to see her go."
This mission is significant because the USS Oscar Austin is the first of two missile destroyers to be forward deployed to naval forces in Europe, broadening its reach to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command.
"The ship will be home for 6 to 8 years and then will be rotated out with another ship of similar design," said Scott Burrill, the Commanding Officer of USS Oscar Austin.
Deployments on USS Oscar Austin could range from a year to two years, depending on military orders.
Sailors set to begin their two-week travel to Spain shared their excitement for the journey, but also noted the challenges ahead.
"I'm super excited to take the ship out to do all the hard work that we've been preparing to do and to take her across the Atlantic and experience, Spain," said Lieutenant Nancy Smith. "I think it's going to be very great for us and for the ship."
Other sailors told 13News Now they're thinking about the loved ones they will leave behind.
"Very, very different, very hard to talk to our families," said Anthony Freeman, GSM3. "There will be a six-hour time difference, but we're going to be proud knowing we're actually overseas fighting the fight and doing what we have to do."
The departure weighs especially heavily on parents of sailors who said watching their child go is a mixture of emotions, but also brings a sense of pride.
"A little bit different being on this side," said Rick Bickel, a father and former Navy Veteran. "I've had to deploy, so it's very different being on this side."
"You think you're prepared and know what's coming," said Christine Bickel. "It's different when it's your baby."
Four ships are already in Spain. USS Oscar Austin will be the fifth to arrive. In 2026, ship number six is scheduled to deploy.
According to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, the name of that ship will be announced closer to that deployment.