Thousands of family and friends waited anxiously to welcome home their loved ones aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) after completing her seven month deployment May 7. With Sailors manning the rails in their white uniforms as they pulled into San Diego Bay, Roosevelt was greeted with cheers from the crowd as she pulled pier-side.
Roosevelt left on deployment Oct. 6 and spent the majority of their time supporting Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel, providing forward presence and maintaining security of the seas in U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.
Sailing more than 56,000 miles, and conducting port calls in four different countries, the Roosevelt crew remained extremely busy while at sea.
“Over the past seven months, the 6,000 Sailors and Marines of the TR Carrier Strike Group have performed superbly in every mission and in every task that was asked of them,” said Rear Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9. “This team has embraced a culture of excellence that comes directly from their routine professional approach to everything they do. They continue to exceed expectations and set a phenomenal standard for all to emulate. I could not be more proud of them or more honored to serve with them, and it’s great to be home with the family and friends that enabled them to serve so well.”
The ships Commanding Officer, Capt. Carlos Sardiello, said, “What Rough Riders have accomplished during this deployment was truly inspirational. Earning the privilege to be called the best one day at a time; every Sailor and Marine made what is very difficult look easy. We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication that was exhibited as well as the sacrifices of the families. We are looking forward to heartfelt reunions with loved ones, upon our return.”
According to the Navy, approximately 70 aircraft from the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 flew 8,319 hours and 1,164 combat flights and conducted counterterrorism operations in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Two of those squadrons flew off the ship yesterday, May 6, returning home to greet their families a day early. Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 gave Coronado residents a treat as they flew back to North Island in formation.
The Theodore Roosevelt was awarded the 2017 Battle Efficiency “E” award as well as the the Jackie G. Brown Fleet Logistics Excellence award.
“This is just another way our Sailors have shown their top standing and ability to compete amongst the fleet’s best aircraft carriers,” said Theodore Roosevelt Command Master Chief Andrew Frederick. “Going into our maintenance period, I’m confident that we will come out an even better fighting force than we were during this deployment. I know that our Sailors and Marines feel excited to return home and finally reunite with their families.”
