USS Thomas Hudner returns to Mayport after 8-month deployment involving Venezuela blockade and Iran war strikes

Published Aug 10, 02:00 PM UTC

The USS Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, returned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, after an eight-month deployment. The ship and its 300 sailors first participated in a blockade of Venezuela in the Caribbean, seizing oil tankers ahead of the January 2026 attack on Caracas. In February, it was redeployed to the Middle East, where it took part in the opening strikes of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. war with Iran, firing Tomahawk missiles at Iranian targets. The destroyer later operated in the Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean before heading home. This was the second time in a year the Thomas Hudner engaged in combat with Iran, having previously helped intercept Iranian missiles aimed at Israel during the 12-Day War and fought Houthi militants in the Red Sea. The ship's commander praised the crew as 'true American Patriots.'