Welcome Home USS Nitze
The USS Nitze (DDG 94) returned to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk on April 5th, 2023, after an eight-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.
The ship conducted a variety of missions, including maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and counter-narcotics and counter-weapons smuggling operations as part of Operation Unified Takedown. The crew had the opportunity to visit several regions and strengthen important allied and partner relationships.
The successful completion of their mission is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the crew, and the Americans for Stronger Navy organization is proud to welcome them home.
The ship supported maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts and worked with the Yemen Coast Guard to rescue three civilians from a burning boat in the Gulf of Aden.
In addition, Nitze participated in Exercise Juniper Oak 23-2, the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history, and the NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike 23.1. Key takeaways from the deployment include:
Nitze recovered two U.S. Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vehicles captured by an Iranian ship in the Red Sea.
Cmdr. Katie Jacobson relieved Cmdr. Sam Sareini as commanding officer during a change of command ceremony in the Gulf of Aden.
The ship completed numerous visit, board, search, and seizure operations, resulting in the seizure of 2,200 kilograms of hash and 320 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine worth an estimated $43 million.
The crew had the opportunity to experience the regions of Rota, Spain; Eilat, Israel; Aqaba, Jordan; Salalah, Oman; Duqm, Oman; Djibouti; Rome, Italy; Gölcük, Türkiye; and Valletta, Malta during scheduled port visits.
The deployment highlighted the Nitze’s commitment to advancing maritime security and strengthening relationships with allies and partners across the theaters.
Cmdr. Katie Jacobson expressed pride in her crew’s achievements and reflected on the ship’s role as ambassadors ashore.
This deployment serves as a reminder of the importance of a stronger navy to maintain peace through strength.