Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111), with embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71 Detachment, returned to its home port of Naval Base San Diego, concluding a 12-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 7th, and 5th Fleet areas of operations, Nov. 13.

Spruance deployed as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG) under Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, operating alongside flagship Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9.

During the deployment, Spruance steamed more than 88,000 nautical miles and played a pivotal role in sustained combat actions during Operation Epic Fury in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Serving as Surface Action Group Commander, Spruance spearheaded forward probing maneuvers near the Strait of Hormuz and enforced maritime blockade operations, including disabling the illicit cargo vessel M/V TOUSKA and ensuring maritime compliance across 15 vessels.

Operating under persistent threat from anti-ship cruise missiles and one-way attack drones, Spruance destroyed 12 unmanned aerial vehicles and four anti-ship cruise missiles. Between February and August 2026, the ship launched dozens of Tomahawk Land-Attack Cruise Missiles against Iranian military targets, degrading adversary capabilities threatening international shipping. Spruance also managed the force tactical datalink architecture across multiple strike groups and amphibious ready groups, maintaining real-time joint battlespace awareness.

While operating in C7F area of operations, Spruance executed high-precision navigational transits through the San Bernardino, Singapore, Malacca, Balabac, and Surigao Straits.

Over the 12-month deployment, Spruance sustained high-tempo combat readiness through 43 underway replenishments, transferring 8.6 million gallons of fuel, while supporting its HSM-71 detachment in flying over 190 sorties and 1,150 flight hours.

“Leading the ship and crew has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Cmdr. Leigh R. Tate, commanding officer of Spruance. “Spruance Sailors made a difference. They represented their families, their ship and the United States Navy with distinction. It is also important that we recognize the extraordinary contributions of their families. Behind every Sailor is a someone back home standing their own watch.”

Spruance and units of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and Combat Action Ribbon in recognition of exceptional gallantry, unwavering determination, and superior combat performance in action against hostile forces during Operation Epic Fury and during months spent in a combat zone in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the region and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute our Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations – from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster response. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the region. 

For more news from U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/COM-US3rdFleet. 

For more information on Carrier Strike Group 3 and Spruance’s deployment, please visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/ABECSG or https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSSP.

From Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs, Nov. 13, 2026