USS Bulkeley returns home after 5 and a half month patrol
20 December 2024
Rota,Spain --
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) returned home Friday after a five and a half month patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
Since arriving in Rota and joining the forward deployed Naval Forces Europe (FDNF-E) forces in August 2022, Bulkeley's crew has completed their third patrol working alongside Allies and partners to ensure security and stability throughout European and African waters.
The 78th Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who was the ship’s first commanding officer, welcomed the ship home.
“You have all operated with incredible professionalism and lethality in a situation that is not easy to navigate,” said Secretary Del Toro “Thank you all for your selfless service to this Nation and for your sacrifices while on patrol.”
This patrol saw significant operational milestones, including engaging multiple Iranian ballistic missiles in defense of Israel; assisting in the rescue of 65 people stranded adrift-at-sea; operating with NATO allies, leadership engagements and bilateral operations with the Republic of Cyprus; Carrier Strike Group Operations, and numerous gunshoot qualifications, underway replenishments, flight quarters, and small boat operations.
“The crew demonstrated an incredible amount of proficiency, teamwork, and resiliency on this highly successful patrol,” said Cmdr. Art Trejo, current commanding officer of Bulkeley. “I could not be more proud of their achievements, positive attitude, and high morale.”
After 168 days away from home and over 34,000 miles traveled, the ship returned to friends and family just in time for the holidays.
Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with Allied and interagency partners to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.