Navy
USS Comstock returns to San Diego after conducting exercises in the Philippines and India
Stars and Stripes
June 8, 2025
Families of sailors aboard USS Comstock watch as the ship returns to Naval Base San Diego following a three-month deployment, June 5, 2025. (Eliora Sims/U.S. Navy)
The USS Comstock returned to Naval Base San Diego following a three-month deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations participating in exercises Tiger Triumph in India and Balikatan 25 in the Philippines.
Families and loved ones greeted the sailors at their homeport on Thursday.
“Our ship’s successful completion of Tiger Triumph and Balikatan 2025 is a testament to the dedication, resilience and skill of our crew,” said Cmdr. Byron Stocks, the commanding officer of the Comstock. “Together, we strengthened partnerships, honed our readiness, and proudly represented our nation on the world stage.”
Engineman Fireman Mikel Whaley, a native of Milford, Delaware, shares a first hug with his daughter after the ship returns to Naval Base San Diego following a three-month deployment, June 5, 2025, in San Diego. (Eliora Sims/U.S. Navy)
Operations Specialist Seaman Samuel Garces, a native of Bronx, N.Y., hugs his family after the ship returns to Naval Base San Diego following a three-month deployment, June 5, 2025. (Eliora Sims/U.S. Navy)
Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Bonnie Edwards, right, a native of Old Fort, North Carolina, shares a first kiss with her spouse after the ship returns to Naval Base San Diego following a three-month deployment, June 5, 2025, in San Diego. (Eliora Sims/U.S. Navy)
Families of sailors aboard USS Comstock prepare to greet their loved ones as the ship returns to Naval Base San Diego following a three-month deployment, June 5, 2025. (Eliora Sims/U.S. Navy)
Operations Specialist Seaman Samuel Garces, and a native of Bronx, N.Y., greets his baby for the first time after the ship returns to Naval Base San Diego following a three-month deployment, June 5, 2025. (Eliora Sims/U.S. Navy)
Families of sailors aboard USS Comstock watch as the ship returns to Naval Base San Diego following a three-month deployment, June 5, 2025. (Eliora Sims/U.S. Navy)
USS Comstock sailors hang the ship’s banner on the brow after returning to Naval Base San Diego following a three-month deployment, June 5, 2025, in San Diego. (Eliora Sims/U.S. Navy)
During the deployment, Comstock worked alongside 115 Marines and sailors from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division.
For two weeks, the Comstock and embarked Marines, worked with Indian counterparts during Tiger Triumph. Featuring approximately 3,000 personnel, two warships and seven aircraft, Tiger Triumph was an opportunity for the forces to refine humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, conduct amphibious beach landings and build relationships and camaraderie through cultural exchanges.
“The tireless work ethic of the U.S. and Indian armed forces at all levels directly contributed to the successful execution of the amphibious landing,” said U.S. Marine Capt. Erik Ayala, commander of troops for Alpha Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division.
Following Tiger Triumph, the Comstock participated in Balikatan 25, the 40th iteration of the largest annual bilateral exercise conducted between the Philippines and U.S. The Commstock alongside the Philippine Navy and the Japan Maritime Defense Force tested maritime maneuvers and validated interoperability of doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures at sea.