Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Saturday personally welcomed home sailors of the USS Gerald Ford after a record 11-month deployment.
The USS Mahan and USS Bainbridge also returned home on Saturday.
The USS Ford is the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier.
The sailors aboard the USS Ford participated in the highly successful Maduro capture, among other missions.
“To the warriors of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group—WELCOME HOME,” Hegseth said.
“You made history, answered the call with strength and resolve, and made our nation proud,” he added.
To the warriors of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group—WELCOME HOME.
You made history, answered the call with strength and resolve, and made our nation proud. pic.twitter.com/sfmXxRmnP9
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) May 16, 2026
The sailors beamed with pride as Hegseth personally greeted them at Norfolk.
WATCH:
.@SECWAR coined eight sailors of the USS MAHAN.
WELCOME HOME pic.twitter.com/SeAHtWDbkq
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) May 16, 2026
Hegseth also greeted the wives and children of the deployed sailors.
.@SECWAR and Mrs. Hegseth greeted the new babies and families of the USS BAINBRIDGE. pic.twitter.com/2hm8UZ1PQm
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) May 16, 2026
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