Navy
USS Gettysburg returns to Norfolk following Caribbean deployment
Stars and Stripes
March 23, 2026
Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Moreno, a sailor assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, greets his partner following the ship’s return to Naval Station Norfolk, March 23, 2026, after nearly six months supporting U.S. Southern Command missions. (Anderson W. Branch/U.S. Navy)
The USS Gettysburg returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, in Virginia, on Monday after a nearly six-month deployment supporting U.S. Southern Command missions, according to a service news release.
Families and friends gathered on the pier to welcome home the sailors.
“The ‘War Horses’ of USS Gettysburg conducted themselves honorably and professionally. ... We stand ‘GETTY ready’ to support our American warfighting team wherever and whenever we are called,” said Capt. John Lucas, commanding officer of the USS Gettysburg.
The Gettysburg was among U.S. military forces deployed to the Caribbean in support of Operation Southern Spear. The guided-missile cruiser worked alongside the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group and the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and transnational crime.
Lt. Cmdr. Jessica Fonseca embraces a family member following the Gettysburg’s return to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, March 23, 2026, after five months supporting U.S. Southern Command missions. (Anderson W. Branch/U.S. Navy)
Sailors assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg man the rails as the ship returns to Naval Station Norfolk, in Virginia, March 23, 2026, after five months supporting U.S. Southern Command missions. (Anderson W. Branch/U.S. Navy)
Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg returns to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, March 23, 2026, after five months supporting U.S. Southern Command missions. (Anderson W. Branch/U.S. Navy)
Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg returns to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, March 23, 2026, after five months supporting U.S. Southern Command missions. (Anderson W. Branch/U.S. Navy)