USS Delbert D. Black is back home in Florida following Mediterranean Sea deployment

Sailors man the rails of the USS Delbert D. Black as it returns to its homeport of Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (USS Delbert D. Black/Facebook)

The Trailblazers of USS Delbert D. Black are back home in Florida after a three-month surge deployment in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and its crew returned to a warm reception from family and friends on the pier at Naval Station Mayport on Sunday. The ship deployed with USS The Sullivans Dec. 1, relieving USS McFaul and USS Thomas Hudner and joining the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group in the Mediterranean Sea to support deterrence efforts following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

“I was fortunate to return home from deployment on my birthday this year and was greeted by my family,” Damage Controlman 1st Class Tyler Pascale said in a Navy news release announcing the ship’s return. “Seeing the birthday signs and welcome home signs along with my nephews’ smiles makes it all worth it.”

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and its crew returned to a warm reception from family and friends on the pier at Naval Station Mayport on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (USS Delbert D. Black/Facebook)

During its 79 days underway, the ship operated with Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, conducted joint training evolutions with the Italian navy and provided ballistic missile defense to the European continent.

The crew operated at sea for a continuous 46 days through the holidays.

“With the surge deployment, the crew spent the holidays at sea, but that did not stop the holiday spirit,” Ensign Rachel Anthony, Delbert D. Black’s MWR Fun Boss said. “While underway the crew enjoyed 20 MWR events, which included redecorating the main deck in holiday decorations, a lip sync battle and some delicious grilled cheese made by the command triad.”

A USS Delbert D. Black sailor enjoys a cupcake after returning to Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (USS Delbert D. Black/Facebook)

Also during the deployment, the Delbert Black:

Conducted seven underway replenishments.
Logged more than 180 flight hours.
Sailed more than 21,000 nautical miles.
Safely transferred 1.2 million gallons of fuel with zero mishaps.

“I quickly learned how resilient the Sailors of this command were,” Master Chief Keona Johnson, Command Master Chief (CMC) of Delbert D. Black said. “We were ready for anything on this deployment but still maintained high morale while answering our nation’s call. This crew was able to maximize qualifications and become stronger warfighters.”

Delbert D. Black is named for the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, the Navy’s most senior enlisted rank. His initiatives improved the quality of life for the Navy’s junior ranks and established the importance and value of having an empowered enlisted force in the Navy, according to the news release.

The USS Delbert D. Black and its crew returned to a warm reception from family and friends on the pier at Naval Station Mayport on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (USS Delbert D. Black/Facebook)

Family and friends greet the crew of the USS Delbert D. Black with a sign welcoming them home, at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (USS Delbert D. Black/Facebook)

Family and friends greet the crew of the USS Delbert D. Black at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (USS Delbert D. Black/Facebook)

Brian McElhiney

Brian McElhiney is a reporter for Stars and Stripes based in Okinawa, Japan. He has worked as a music reporter and editor for publications in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Oregon. One of his earliest journalistic inspirations came from reading Stars and Stripes as a kid growing up in Okinawa.

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USS Delbert D. Black is back home in Florida following Mediterranean Sea deployment

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