This surge deployment follows a 2021 deployment with the Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth Strike Group (CSG-21), from which The Sullivans returned dwelling simply earlier than Thanksgiving.
The Sullivans was in sustainment when it departed Naval Station Mayport in January 2022. Ships within the sustainment part of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan stay prepared for contingency tasking earlier than getting into a upkeep part.
“Regardless of the dynamic schedule and demanding operational tasking, The Sullivans crew displayed resiliency, grit and decided self-sufficiency to perform all missions,” mentioned Cmdr. James Diefenderfer, Jr., commanding officer of The Sullivans. “We’re extremely pleased with our crew’s accomplishments.”
The crew navigated over 20,000 nautical miles, working within the Irish, North and Baltic Seas, and carried out 12 sea and anchor particulars, 11 underway replenishments, and port visits to Copenhagen, Denmark; Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Ponta Delgada, Portugal; and Rota, Spain.
Whereas deployed, The Sullivans participated in NATO Train Dynamic Guard 2022 within the North Sea. Dynamic Guard, hosted by Norway, is a biannual, multinational digital warfare train collection designed to supply tactical coaching for the NATO Response Drive and NATO nationwide items. For the primary time in three years, two U.S. vessels participated to additional improve the continued cooperation, energy and interoperability between NATO Allies.
The Sullivans continued operations with three NATO international locations inside Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1, which was comprised of the German Navy Sort 702 Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Berlin (A1411), the Royal Netherlands Navy Karel Doorman-class multi-purpose frigate HNLMS Van Amstel (F831) and the Royal Danish Navy Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate HDMS Peter Willemoes (F362).
Through the ship’s 2021 deployment, the crew operated with the Royal Danish Navy Absalon-class frigate HDMS Esbern Snare (F342) within the U.S. sixth Fleet space of operations. Nearly a yr later, Esbern Snare escorted The Sullivans by means of the Danish Strait, demonstrating knowledgeable seamanship, navigation and cooperation by means of one of many busiest waterways on this planet.
“Whereas we take time to get well and spend nicely deserved time at dwelling, we’re focusing our efforts on making certain The Sullivans can proceed to function at peak efficiency for years to return,” mentioned Diefenderfer. “Our rapid mission is the knowledgeable execution of our upkeep availability and continued coaching to organize the ship and crew for future tasking. I do know this crew might be prepared for no matter comes subsequent – We Stick Collectively!”
As The Sullivans returns to Mayport, the crew now seems to be ahead to reuniting with their households, pals, and family members.
“I need to acknowledge the unbelievable braveness at dwelling that our households demonstrated whereas we have been deployed for 10 of the final 12 months,” mentioned Diefenderfer. “It’s not a simple process to ship your Sailor over the horizon for such an prolonged length, and we thanks on your unwavering help.”
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the altering world safety atmosphere, develops and employs maritime forces able to combat throughout a number of domains within the Atlantic and Arctic with a purpose to guarantee entry, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and companion pursuits.
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