USS Mitscher Returns to Naval Station Norfolk from Deployment to 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Operations
18 June 2026
Naval Station Norfolk --
NORFOLK, Virginia – Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) returned to Naval Station Norfolk June 16, concluding an 11-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.
The warship, assigned to Destroyer Squadron Two, departed Naval Station Norfolk for a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility July 25, 2025. Mitscher conducted its pre-deployment certification as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, but deployed independently to U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.
“Team Mitscher continues to take great pride in service to our nation,” stated Cmdr. Stephen Prugh, commanding officer, USS Mitscher. “This team has worked tirelessly over the last 11 months operating throughout the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations as an independent deployer and integrating with the Gerald R. Ford, Abraham Lincoln, and UK Prince of Wales Strike Groups. I’m impressed with the crew’s resilience, perseverance, and grit. I could not be prouder of their accomplishments at sea. Seize the Day!”
Equipped with the Aegis combat system, Mitscher provides multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities to conduct anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare, and ballistic missile defense.
Commissioned on Dec. 10, 1994, USS Mitscher is the second U.S. Navy warship named to honor Admiral Marc A. Mitscher (1887-1947), famed naval aviator and World War II aircraft carrier task group commander.
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