USS Halsey Set for Epic 2024 Homecoming Celebration

The USS Halsey returned to San Diego this week after completing a seven-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific region. Halsey had left San Diego on January 10 as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group before conducting independent operations.

Cmdr. Sara Lynch, Halsey’s commanding officer, praised her crew’s dedication and cohesion. “I am tremendously proud of my Sailors’ sense of ownership and dedication to each other and the mission,” said Lynch. “We operated successfully across a wide spectrum of operations with allies and partners from around the world and displayed the immense capability of Halsey Sailors and the U.S. Navy.”

During its time in U.S. 7th Fleet, Halsey played a crucial role in regional stability and supported a free and open Indo-Pacific. The ship engaged in numerous multi-national exercises, including Noble Dingo, Milan, Tiger Triumph, Tenacious Trident, and Valiant Shield. These exercises aimed to enhance force interoperability and reinforce America’s commitment to allies and partners in the region.

Halsey’s mission also included key tri-lateral operations with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Navy during Freedom Edge. The destroyer also conducted several joint operations with the Royal Australian Navy, which featured flight operations, tactical maneuvers, and personnel exchanges. These activities culminated in the multinational Exercise Milan 2024 in India, involving anti-submarine warfare and live fire engagements of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Cmdr. Lynch expressed her gratitude to the crew and their families, emphasizing the importance of the support network back home. “I am incredibly proud of this crew for always rising to the occasion,” she stated. “I am also extremely grateful to the families and friends back home who supported our Sailors during these last seven months.”

As a vital component of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet provides the necessary training for naval forces to perform across a full spectrum of military operations. These operations range from combat to humanitarian aid and disaster relief. The fleet collaborates closely with allies and partners to promote principles like freedom of navigation and the rule of law, which are essential for Indo-Pacific security.