USS Sterett returns to San Diego after 9-month deployment

by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brianna Walker

12 August 2025
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) returned to its homeport of San Diego following a nine-month deployment to U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations, Aug. 13.

The Sterett departed San Diego on a deployment with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (VINCSG), Nov. 17, 2024. As part of the VINCSG, the Sterrett conducted various independent missions, including aiding the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) while in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO).

“We navigated the mission set with bravery, skill and a lot of tenacity,” said Cmdr. Kurt Albaugh, commanding officer of the Sterett. “As long as you have a good team that sticks together, like what we have on the Sterett, you can adapt to a lot of things that you didn’t anticipate beforehand.”

The Sterett conducted defense operations in support of the VINCSG while operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO.

In addition to defense operations with VINCSG and HSTCSG, the Sterett also worked alongside U.S. Central Command joint forces while conducting maritime interdiction operations to promote increased global maritime security.

While in the U.S. 7th Fleet AOO, the Sterett participated in multinational operations and exercises to increase interoperability and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. Alongside VINCSG, the Sterett participated in Pacific Steller 2025, a multi-large deck event with the French Navy Carrier Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The Sterett also conducted exercises with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy to increase readiness to respond to a provocation or crisis.

Throughout its deployment, the Sterett, with an air wing detachment from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, traveled over 77,000 nautical miles and conducted 35 replenishments-at-sea and 20 sea and anchor details. The Sterett was recognized as Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1’s recipient of the 2024 Battle Effectiveness Award, and the Sailors were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for their actions in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO.

The Sterett was led by its Commanding Officer Cmdr. Kurt Albaugh, Executive Officer Cmdr. Brandon Moody and Command Master Chief Jessica Morales.

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is a multiplatform team of ships and aircraft, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

CSG-1 consists of the Vinson, embarked staffs of CSG-1 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers Sterett and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110).

CVW-2 is composed of nine squadrons flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, CMV-22B Osprey and MH-60R/S Seahawks.

As an integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.