Brothers Unite on Leyte Gulf: A Dramatic Deployment

Electronics Technician 2nd Class Zachery Tucker, hailing from Ellenton, Florida, has returned from deployment aboard the U.S. Navy’s Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55). The ship had been operating in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations. This deployment was particularly memorable for Tucker, as he served alongside his older brother, Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Anthony Tucker.

Growing up in Mount Vernon, Washington, the Tucker brothers shared a close-knit relationship. There are only two years between them, and they spent their childhoods enjoying activities like hiking. During their high school years, they endured a challenging move to Houston, Texas. Zachery enlisted in the Navy in August 2020, fulfilling a long-held aspiration. Anthony, initially not inclined towards military service, followed his younger brother’s lead and joined in December 2020 after witnessing Zachery’s successful adaptation to naval life.

Anthony had long encouraged Zachery to join a deployment aboard the Leyte Gulf. At the time, Zachery was stationed on the USS Cowpens (CG 63). He eventually submitted a special request to be temporarily assigned to the Leyte Gulf, a request that was unexpectedly approved. The brothers deployed together on January 28, 2024.

“It made deployment so much fun. We were truly lucky to share this experience,” said Anthony. Despite their separate duties, they found time to bond, whether through hanging out or working out together. Fellow crew members often noticed their resemblance and would inquire about their relationship. They gained special recognition from the commanding officer and were named Sailors of the Day.

The deployment offered unique experiences, including scuba diving in Jamaica and visiting the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During the journey, the brothers underwent the Navy’s traditional Shellback ceremony, marking their crossing of the equator. Additional stops included Guantanamo Bay, Barbados, Puerto Rico, and Miami for Fleet Week. This mission was notable for operations like seizing 6,470 kilograms of illicit drugs and intercepting a semi-submersible vessel. The deployment was the Leyte Gulf’s final mission before its planned decommissioning in September 2024.

The experience wasn’t without its difficulties. The brothers faced typical sibling conflicts and personal challenges, including concerns about their father’s health back home. “It meant a lot that we could be there for each other through those struggles and have someone who understood to talk to,” said Zachery. Previously, while deployed separately, they could only offer limited support to one another. This joint deployment allowed them to address issues together in real-time, thereby strengthening their bond.

Anthony reflected on the experience positively. “At the end of the day, he is my best buddy and we got to experience some irreplicable moments together. I would recommend anyone take the chance to deploy with a family member if they have it and deeply cherish it.”

Upon returning, Zachery reported to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). He aims to earn his Enlisted Surface Warfare pin during his tenure and hopes for another deployment, potentially to the Western Pacific. The Makin Island is currently undergoing selective restricted availability while homeported in San Diego.