Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group returns home just in time for the holidays
Dec 20, 2024
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- After a five-month deployment, Sailors aboard a guided-missile destroyer assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group have returned to San Diego. The servicemembers arrived to their Friday, just in time for the holidays.
The crew has been out at sea on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance, with Naval Base San Diego serving as their homeport. They departed back in July and were deployed to the 7th and 5th fleet area of operations.
“The Spruance crew continues to impress – there is no other team that I would rather be a part of. I am immensely proud of all that the team has accomplished and will continue to accomplish. This deployment was a test of our readiness and our Sailors exceeded every expectation,” said Cmdr. Thomas “Matt” Adams, commanding officer, Spruance.
The Sailors have been in the Indo-Pacific region to support regional security and stability. Their presence, according to Navy officials, was to reassure U.S. allies and partners of the Navy’s unwavering commitment.
“Facing advanced missile threats and attack drones in a high-stakes environment, they demonstrated exceptional tactical precision and a war fighter mindset," Cmdr. Adams continued. "From identifying incoming threats to controlling aircraft to executing flawless missile engagements, our crew neutralized every danger with unwavering focus and discipline.”
As explained by the Navy, throughout deployment, Spruance traveled 37,200 nautical miles, conducted 12 replenishments-at-sea, 28 sea and anchor details, Anti-Submarine Tactical Air Controller (ASTAC) controlled over 800 hours of rotary air wing control, and the Air Intercept Controllers (AIC) controlled 50 live runs with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and U.S. Air Force assets.