Navy
GalleryUSS Manchester returns to San Diego after 18-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific
Stars and Stripes
September 12, 2024
Lt. Cmdr. Megan E. Ricker, executive officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets a loved one during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)
The USS Manchester returned to Naval Base San Diego on Wednesday after an 18-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific.
“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments made by the USS Manchester crews throughout their 18 months of deployed operations,” Capt. Douglas Meagher, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, said in a service news release. “Littoral combat ships like Manchester have and continue to demonstrate strategic value through relevant presence and unique access in the Indo-Pacific, strengthening relationships with maritime allies and partners.”
Manchester, an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, participated in several multinational exercises, including Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2023, Oceania Maritime Security Initiative 2023, Pacific Griffin 2023 and Maritime Training Activity Malaysia.
During deployment, Manchester conducted port visits to six partner and allied nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. While in port, Manchester sailors fostered strong relationships with host nations.
The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14) moors pier side at its homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)
Cmdr. Matthew G. Farrell, commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), poses for a photo with loved ones during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)
Chief Operations Specialist Miguel Murillo assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets loved ones during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)
Lt. j.g. Michael Root, assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets a loved one during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)
Operations Specialist 1st Class Joseph Skiles, assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets a loved one during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)
Mineman 2nd Class Humberto Nieves, assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets loved ones during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)
Lt. Christopher D’Ambra, right, assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets a loved one during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)
Operations Specialist 1st Class Dominick Torres, assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets a loved one during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)
The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14) moors pier side at its homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)
In Subic Bay, Philippines, Manchester provided ship tours to the Philippine Navy and a damage control demonstration. In Sriracha, Thailand, sailors volunteered at the Child Protection and Development Center.
“One of the greatest aspects of deploying to the Indo-Pacific is the opportunity to work alongside our allies and partners. Whether that was with the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Philippine Navy or the Republic of Singapore Navy, it was an honor to work side-by-side with them,” said Cmdr. Matthew Farrell, commanding officer of the Manchester Gold crew.
Manchester repeatedly demonstrated resilience and littoral combat ship sustainability by consistently maintaining extended operations at sea. During deployment, Manchester spent 32 continuous days underway supporting theater priority operations.
After being apart for a year-and-a-half, family and loved ones eagerly embraced their sailors as they returned to port.
“I am proud to have sailed throughout the Indo-Pacific with this crew of warfighters, and we are excited to return home to San Diego to spend time with family and friends,” Farrell said.