USS Stockdale Triumphantly Returns Home After Epic Seven-Month Dual Fleet Mission

USS Stockdale has returned from an independent deployment, leaving San Diego on July 24, 2024, to join the U.S. 5th Fleet as part of an effort to enhance regional stability. The ship also operated alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group from August to November 2024, staying active in the region even after the group’s departure.

Commending the crew’s efforts, Cmdr. Lauren Johnson, Stockdale’s commanding officer, praised their bravery and dedication during what she described as some of the most complex naval operations since World War II. She noted the crew’s determination, professionalism, and rigorous training, which helped them maintain their status as one of the most lethal destroyers in the Navy.

In the 5th Fleet area, Stockdale fended off multiple attacks from Iranian-backed Houthi forces while traversing the Bab el-Mandeb strait and escorting U.S.-flagged vessels in the Gulf of Aden. The ship successfully countered threats from uncrewed aerial systems, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and anti-ship cruise missiles without suffering damage or casualties. The crew’s readiness and support were pivotal to these successful defenses.

Stockdale’s deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility aimed to strengthen U.S. military presence in the Middle East, deter regional tensions, and promote security. Collaborative efforts with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and CENTCOM joint forces focused on supporting global maritime security operations.

Strengthening international ties, Stockdale held bilateral meetings to enhance regional stability. In Safaga, Egypt, the crew engaged with Red Sea Naval Base leadership and participated in joint exercises with the Egyptian Navy to increase operational compatibility. In the Maldives, they hosted a reception for the Chief of Defense Force and other officials, reinforcing the U.S.’s commitment to its international partners.

Over the course of the deployment, Stockdale, alongside a detachment from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71, covered more than 44,000 nautical miles and conducted numerous operational maneuvers, including 12 replenishments-at-sea. The unit achieved significant milestones, such as an air-to-air kill of an Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial system.

For their efforts, Stockdale’s crew received accolades, including the 2024 Battle Effectiveness Award and the Combat Action Ribbon. The leadership team was crucial in navigating the ship through its mission, contributing to U.S. 3rd Fleet’s broader goals of promoting freedom and security in the Indo-Pacific region.