Navy destroyer arrives home to Jacksonville base following maiden deployment, 2 more on the way
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Crew members of the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) line the rail of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer as it returned to its homeport of Naval Station Mayport on Saturday morning after its maiden deployment. It supported operations in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (Fran Ruchalski/The Florida Times-Union)
Hugs, kisses, cheers and seven new babies greeted the officers and crew of the USS Thomas Hudner on Saturday as they returned home to Naval Station Mayport from the ship's maiden deployment.
The Thomas Hudner was the first of a trio of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers scheduled to arrive over three days at the Navy base.