NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A warm welcome home Tuesday to three destroyers that deployed back in April.

USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Nitze (DDG 94) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, where the sailors on board were greeted by excited family members anxious to see them.

The ships participated in operations in the Mediterranean as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

They also helped with maritime security in the Persian Gulf during tense times with Iran over the summer.

Each ship traveled more than 45,000 nautical miles during their seven-month deployment.

  • 191025-N-SS350-1041 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 25, 2019) Sailors carry the jack staff to the bull nose aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), Oct. 25, 2019. Bainbridge, attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, is independently deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason Waite/Released)
  • 191025-N-SS350-1012 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 25, 2019) Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Dristen Figuera, from Sacramento, Calif., stands a bridge watch aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), Oct. 25, 2019. Bainbridge, attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, is independently deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason Waite/Released)
  • 191025-N-SS350-1050 ROTA, Spain (Oct. 25, 2019) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) render honors to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) as the ships pass one another in port, Oct. 25, 2019. Bainbridge, attached to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, is independently deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason Waite/Released)
  • GULF OF ADEN (October 7, 2019) Ensign Peter Buskill shoots a M9 pistol during a gun qualification on the flight deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87). Mason is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet areas of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lasheba James/Released)
  • GULF OF ADEN (October 7, 2019) Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Gonzales holds a firehose while Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jose Salazar uses a wrench to attach another hose during a general quarters drill aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87). Mason is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet areas of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lasheba James/Released)
  • GULF OF ADEN (October 7, 2019) Damage Controlman Fireman Apprentice Rayelene Beck, right, Damage Controlman Fireman Joseph Pitner, center, and Damage Controlman 3rd Class Courtney Mossor simulate fighting a fire with a firehose during a general quarters drill aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87). Mason is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet areas of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lasheba James/Released)