U.S. Navy’s amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) completed its historic maiden deployment as it returned to its homeport of Norfolk on May 3.
During the seven-month deployment, the ship completed missions in both the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.
Commanding Officer Capt. Sean Bailey said: “Arlington’s maiden deployment marks the opening chapter in what I’m positive will be a long and outstanding legacy of naval excellence. Each member of the crew should be justifiably proud of their personal contribution to the defense of our nation.”
During the deployment, Arlington transited 36,740 nautical miles and conducted port visits in Lisbon, Portugal; Souda Bay, Greece; Eilate, Israel; Aqaba, Jordan; Bahrain; Kuwait; Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; and Marseille, France.
Throughout the historic deployment, the ship qualified more than 150 personnel as enlisted surface warfare specialists, more than 60 information warfare specialists, and three surface warfare officers.
Arlington’s maiden deployment was completed with a crew of largely junior Sailors on their first enlistment, along with a handful of plankowners that have been with Arlington since the ship began construction in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
“Being a plankowner and having the opportunity to complete the ship’s first deployment has truly been an amazing part of my career,” said Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Joshua Dean .