Navy
GalleryUSS Stockdale returns to San Diego after 7-month deployment, recognized for actions in the Middle East
Stars and Stripes
February 23, 2025
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
“The most lethal destroyer in the Navy” has returned home.
The USS Stockdale arrived at Naval Base San Diego on Friday after a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation with the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. Family and loved ones were there to welcome the sailors home.
“This has been a historical deployment, and the crew answered every challenge with strength and resilience. Driven by their determination, professionalism and training,” said Cmdr. Lauren Johnson, the ship’s commanding officer. “Team 007 demonstrated that we remain the most lethal destroyer in the Navy. I could not be more proud of every crew member and our families at home who supported us along the way.”
Stockdale was recognized as Destroyer Squadron 21’s recipient of the 2024 Battle Effectiveness Award, and sailors were awarded the combat action ribbon for their actions in the Middle East.
While deployed to 5th Fleet, Stockdale alongside the USS O’Kane successfully repelled multiple Iranian-backed Houthi attacks when the destroyers were escorting U.S.-flagged and U.S.-owned merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden. Stockdale engaged and defeated one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems, anti-ship ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)
The vessels were not damaged in the engagement, and no service members were hurt. O’Kane returned to their homeport in San Diego on Feb. 7.
“The crew of Stockdale displayed immeasurable courage and unwavering dedication while serving in some of the most complex naval combat operations since World War II,” Johnson said.
Additionally, Stockdale also held bilateral partnership meetings to reinforce regional stability and capability. Stockdale made a port call in Safaga, Egypt and participated in an at-sea sailing exercise with Egyptian Navy corvette ENS Abu Qir (F941) to increase interoperability.
In the Republic of Maldives, Stockdale hosted the Chief of Defense Force for the Maldives National Defense Force and other leadership during an onboard reception and dinner.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) pulls into their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 21, 2025. (Kristine Joy Nool/U.S. Navy)