The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) returns from an eight-month deployment to its homeport at Naval Base San Diego, Oct. 15, 2024. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)

The USS Russell returned to San Diego on Tuesday after an eight-month deployment conducting global maritime security operations with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.

Family and loved ones welcomed the ship’s crew back during a homecoming ceremony.

“Our Red Dragon team performed superbly on deployment. No matter the challenge, our sailors rose to the occasion and represented our ship, Navy and country with honor,” said Cmdr. Mike McInerney, Russell’s commanding officer.

Families and friends welcome the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) during the ship’s homecoming ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, Oct. 15, 2024, following an eight-month deployment. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)

Lt. Zachary Vaughan, from Tucson, Ariz., a chaplain assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) shares the first hug with his children during the ship’s homecoming ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, Oct. 15, 2024, following an eight-month deployment. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)

Cmdr. Michael McInerney, from Virginia Beach, Va., commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) reunites with his family during the ship’s homecoming ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, Oct. 15, 2024, following an eight-month deployment. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jesus Ayala, from Benito, Texas, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) reunites with a Sailor during the ship’s homecoming ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, Oct. 15, 2024, following an eight-month deployment. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)

Quartermaster 3rd Class Christian Sanford, from Spring Valley, Minn., assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) reunites with his wife and newborn baby during the ship’s homecoming ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, Oct. 15, 2024, following an eight-month deployment. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer left San Diego on Feb. 10 to join the Roosevelt, which deployed in January from San Diego to the Indo-Pacific region. The aircraft carrier and its strike group were redirected in late June to the Middle East to relieve the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

While deployed to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th fleet areas of operation, Russell provided primary ballistic missile defense support and secondary air and missile defense support to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.

Additionally, Russell executed 161 MH-60 Seahawk helicopter deck hits, to include refueling and personnel and parts transfers, from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron.

Russell participated in a trilateral exercise in April with TRCSG, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Navy. In September, Russell conducted a bilateral exercise with the Italian Navy, increasing interoperability between the two countries’ navies.

“Keeping Russell in its highest state of readiness for eight months straight is no easy feat, yet our crew of 300 did this with a self-sufficient mindset, grit, and determination,” Mclnerney said. “We have a proud, combat ready and battle-minded crew. I’m honored to be part of this fantastic team, and the crew is excited for some well-earned time off with loved ones.”

The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) returns to its homeport of San Diego, Oct. 15, 2024. (Melanie Perez/U.S. Navy)