NORFOLK, Va. — The amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio returned to Naval Station Norfolk on Tuesday after an eight-and-a-half-month deployment in the Caribbean, where the ship supported missions under U.S. Southern Command, according to Navy officials.
About 300 sailors came ashore as families and friends gathered at the pier to greet the crew despite cloudy weather and light rain. The ship also carries capacity for about 700 Marines, many of whom disembarked earlier during the deployment.
USS San Antonio (LPD-17) completed its deployment with operations focused on countering narco-terrorism in the Caribbean region, according to Commanding Officer Capt. Thomas Uhl, who said the mission supported efforts to “safeguard the homeland.”
Family members described extended separation during the deployment. Sarah Kunze said she had not seen her brother in more than eight months and maintained limited communication during the deployment period.
Some families traveled long distances to attend the homecoming. George Davila drove from California to Norfolk with relatives to reunite with his daughter, who served aboard the ship. The sailor, OS2 Marisol Davila, said she planned to travel across the country with her family after returning home.
Capt. Uhl said personnel challenges during the deployment included family events at home, including births involving sailors’ spouses while the ship was at sea. He said some service members had not yet met their newborn children at the time of the ship’s return.
The USS San Antonio is scheduled to undergo maintenance following the deployment before its next assignment, Navy officials said.