Logistics Specialist Seaman Zion Dunnhedgepeth assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) reunites with family during the ship’s homecoming at Naval Base San Diego, Aug. 16, 2024. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)

Hit hard, hit fast, hit often — motto of the USS Halsey — represents the fighting spirit of the ship’s sailors who returned to Naval Base San Diego on Friday after a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet.

Families and loved ones welcomed the sailors on the pier and celebrated their return home.

The USS Halsey departed San Diego on Jan. 10 as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, serving as a carrier escort before detaching to conduct operations across multiple warfare areas to provide regional stability and support a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group also went to the Red Sea to secure the Middle East from Houthi attacks.

According to Cmdr. Sara Lynch, Halsey’s commanding officer, sailors of the Halsey operated successfully in different operations with allies and partners from around the world while deployed.

Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Samuel T. Monsoor assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) reunites with his girlfriend during the ship’s homecoming ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, Aug. 16, 2024. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)

Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Roger A. Rodriguez assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) reunites with his wife during the ship’s homecoming at Naval Base San Diego, Aug. 16, 2024. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)

Retail Services Specialist 3rd Class Cesar Cardenas assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) reunites with his family during the ship’s homecoming at Naval Base San Diego, Aug. 16, 2024. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)

“I am tremendously proud of my sailors’ sense of ownership and dedication to each other and the mission,” Lynch said.

Halsey participated in various multi-nation exercises such as Noble Dingo, Milan, Tiger Triumph, Tenacious Trident and Valiant Shield, which reinforced America’s commitment to allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region and increased force interoperability.

Halsey contributed to enduring partnerships critical to maintaining an international rules-based order, including key trilateral operations with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy during Freedom Edge.

Halsey participated in several operations with the Royal Australian Navy, including flight operations, tactical maneuvering and a personnel exchange before participating in Exercise Milan 2024, a multinational exercise in India with maritime events from anti-submarine warfare to live fire engagements of an unmanned aerial vehicle.

“I am incredibly proud of this crew for always rising to the occasion,” Lynch said. “I am also extremely grateful to the families and friends back home who supported our sailors during these last seven months.”

Vice Adm. John Wade, commander of the U.S. 3rd Fleet, salutes sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) during a homecoming ceremony held at Naval Base San Diego, Aug. 16, 2024. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) returns from a seven-month deployment to its homeport at Naval Base San Diego, Aug. 16, 2024. (Maria G. Llanos/U.S. Navy)