USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) Sets Sail for Strategic Fourth Fleet Mission

The USS Thomas Hudner is set to deploy to the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR), aiming to enhance maritime cooperation and security in the region through bilateral and multinational operations. The mission will involve Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) port visits, strengthening ties with regional partners.

Cmdr. Cameron Ingram, the Commanding Officer of the USS Thomas Hudner, emphasized the crew’s readiness for the mission. “Our team is prepared to ensure maritime freedom in the Caribbean and protect our interests throughout the region while fortifying maritime partnerships,” he stated.

Earlier this year, the Thomas Hudner returned to Mayport, Florida, after an eight-month deployment within the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations. During that mission, the ship was part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and played a crucial role as an air defense unit off the coast of Israel, in addition to leading a Surface Action Group in the English Channel, focused on advanced warfare tactics.

The U.S. 4th Fleet is tasked with employing maritime forces to maintain access, boost interoperability, and cultivate lasting partnerships, promoting regional security within the USSOUTHCOM AOR. Covering 31 countries and 16 dependencies, including large portions of Latin America, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Sea, the region is vast, representing a significant portion of the world’s landmass under regional unified commands.

Under the auspices of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, there is a persistent commitment to delivering combat-ready, well-trained forces to support numbered fleets and combatant commanders globally.