Epic Homecoming: USS Indianapolis Concludes Endurance-Testing Deployment

In March 2024, the USS Indianapolis deployed as part of a dual-crewed command mission, marking a significant moment in naval operations. The deployment involved two command exchanges between LCS Crew 112 and Crew 118. For LCS Crew 118, this was their second 5th Fleet deployment of the year, culminating in the combination of both crews into a unified command. The crew had set sail on May 5, 2024, heading to the U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations, reinforcing the Navy’s mission to uphold freedom of navigation and international maritime order.

Cmdr. Matthew Arndt, commanding officer of the USS Indianapolis, praised the crew’s accomplishments. “The team’s achievements during this deployment will have lasting impacts on maintenance planning and tactical development,” he stated. The Indianapolis played a crucial diplomatic role in the Arabian Gulf, allowing missile systems to realign for threats in the Red Sea while supporting the overall mission by providing strategic options for the 5th Fleet commander.

Upon arrival at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the crews of LCS 118 and 112 combined, further integrating a detachment from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, known as the “High Rollers”. Together, they supported operations under Task Force 52 and collaborated with Task Force 59, the Navy’s pioneering unmanned and AI development force. The Indianapolis also engaged in various interoperability and aviation training exercises with regional partners, enhancing cooperation and strategic reach.

Cmdr. William Green, the ship’s executive officer, noted, “This deployment stands as a significant milestone in the ship’s history, proving the LCS class’s capability to meet operational and strategic objectives. This success is the result of immense teamwork and dedication from our Sailors, whose efforts, backed by support from their families, were indispensable.”

Throughout the deployment, the USS Indianapolis validated the littoral combat ship concept, achieving both operational and administrative milestones. In the final months of an 18-month deployment, the ship successfully completed a Mobility Aviation Reset and two Initial Ship Aviation Team Training events for HSC 28.7 and HSC 28.9, secured certifications in Explosive Safety and Cyber Security, and demonstrated superior navigation during a performance assessment.

The vessel received maintenance support from the Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center, with assistance spanning several Middle Eastern locations and Rijeka, Croatia. Senior Chief Darrell Shelton, the USS Indianapolis’ Senior Enlisted Leader, commended the crew: “Their resilience and exceptional performance exemplify the highest standards of naval excellence, ensuring mission success and bolstering maritime capabilities.”

Designed for versatility, Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) like the Indianapolis are fast, agile platforms suitable for near-shore and open-ocean operations. They are tasked with countering asymmetric threats and ensuring forward presence, security, control, and deterrence in maritime environments. The U.S. 5th Fleet operates across a vast expanse of over 2.5 million square miles, encompassing the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. This region includes 20 countries and critical maritime passageways such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb.

The U.S. Sixth Fleet, based in Naples, Italy, conducts a wide range of joint operations alongside allies and partners to enhance stability in Europe and Africa. Meanwhile, the reestablished 2nd Fleet operates in the Atlantic and Arctic, ensuring force readiness across multiple domains to secure U.S. and allied interests.