USS Thomas Hudner returns to Naval Station Mayport after 8-month deployment

USS Thomas Hudner returned to its homeport at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on Sunday after an eight month deployment that took the ship through three different regions.

After months at sea, families and friends welcomed the crew home with embraces and colorful banners.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be back in Mayport to reunite with the families and loved ones whose unwavering support made our success possible,” said Cmdr. David Cook, commanding officer of Hudner, in a service news release.

Hudner operated across the Caribbean, Middle East and European regions, the release said. The guided-missile destroyer, carrying about 300 sailors, departed Mayport for the scheduled deployment on Dec. 1, 2025.

“This crew has demonstrated exceptional resilience and tactical proficiency,” Hudner said. “Their dedication is unmatched.”

A sailor assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner returns to family and friends at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Aug. 9, 2026. (Keenan Daniels/U.S. Navy)

Operations Specialist 3rd Class Breijah Powell, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, reunites with family and friends at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Aug. 9, 2026. (Keenan Daniels/U.S. Navy)

A sailor assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner embraces family at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Aug. 9, 2026. (Keenan Daniels/U.S. Navy)