260913-N-VW723-1133 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Sept. 13, 2026) - Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS St. Louis (LCS 19) departs Naval Station Mayport in support of U.S. Northern Command's mission to secure the southern border of the United States, Sept. 13, 2026. Littoral combat ships are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments and defeat 21st-century coastal threats, supporting the U.S. Navy's goals of forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Keenan Daniels)

Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) salute the national ensign during morning colors before departing Naval Station Mayport to begin operations in support of its scheduled deployment, Aug. 28, 2026. Jason Dunham is a multi-mission surface combatant capable of conducting anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare operations.

Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Charles Slonaker, receives the traditional "first kiss" as Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Cooperstown (LCS 23), Aug. 31, 2026, returns to Naval Station Mayport following a four-month deployment in support of the U.S. Northern Command mission to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Keenan Daniels

Seaman Apprentice David Mapes

By Petty Officer 1st Class Keenan D

Cryptologic Technician Maintenance 1st Class Dorian Marko, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57), embraces his child on the pier at Naval Station Norfolk following a historic 11-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.