USS Bulkeley returns from deployment with Harry S. Truman carrier strike group

US Navy destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) returned to Naval Station Norfolk on November 11, completing a seven-month deployment to the Navy’s US 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

The ship operated as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) and also conducted independent operations in support of 6th Fleet combatant commander requirements.

“I could not be prouder of these naval warriors as they completely bought-in to the mantra of ’Engaging, Fighting, and Winning‘ and established a new standard of excellence,” said Cmdr. John Lucas IV, the ship’s commanding officer.

“We, the ‘Wolfpack’ of USS Bulkeley, truly showed our warrior spirit by executing across all mission areas, to include serving as a preferred firing unit for the fleet, while also logging significant hours as a local anti-submarine commander for allied force.”

During the deployment, the ship traveled more than 56,000 nautical miles and navigated the Strait of Gibraltar four times. The crew conducted 26 underway replenishments and more than 900 hours of helicopter operations in support of various missions.

The ship conducted port visits to Greece, Norway, Scotland, Spain, and Turkey.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is named in honor of Vice Adm. John Duncan Bulkeley (1911-1996), best known for his extraordinary heroism as commander of Motor Torpedo Squadron 3 in the Pacific theater during World War II. The ship is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.