USS Stockdale returns to San Diego following 7-months underway

by U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

10 April 2026
SAN DIEGO

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) returned to its homeport of Naval Base San Diego following a 7-month underway to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations, April 10, 2026. 

While underway, the crew of Stockdale, with embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachments (LEDET) 103 and 105 and U.S. Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37.5, demonstrated superior performance in support of Operation Southern Spear (OSS).

Under Coast Guard authorities, the team successfully interdicted two vessels and over 2,500 kg of cocaine, as well as detained five suspected smugglers. On Sept. 28, 2025, the ship interdicted a vessel, and the USCG LEDET seized a record-breaking weight in contraband. Stockdale was the only Navy vessel in 2025 to conduct successful counter-narcotics seizures in the Caribbean Sea.

As a lethal, agile force, the Sailors and Coastguardsmen aboard Stockdale exemplified the warrior ethos and readiness required to defend the United States and its interests at a moment’s notice. 

"Demonstrating exceptional readiness and flexibility, the Stockdale crew excelled, executing a variety of complex missions and operations and directly supporting national priorities," said Cmdr. Jacob “Beck” Beckelhymer, commanding officer of Stockdale. "The grit and heart these Sailors showed every day was both humbling and inspiring. Being a part of this team and watching them perform with such professionalism and care for each other has been the most rewarding experience of my career. We are all incredibly grateful to be home and thankful for the unwavering support of our friends and families." 

The courage and integrity displayed by the crew throughout their deployment directly honored the legacy of their ship's namesake. Stockdale is named in honor of Vice Adm. James Stockdale, a Medal of Honor recipient who demonstrated extraordinary heroism as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. The ship's motto, "Return with Honor," is a direct tribute to his sacrifice and leadership. 

As a multi-mission surface combatant, Stockdale is capable of conducting Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) operations. 

The U.S. Coast Guard LEDET has unique legal authority to conduct U.S. law enforcement operations in the maritime domain both independently and in conjunction with the Department of War. Utilizing the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction, the Stockdale embarked LEDET personnel to perform vessel boardings, searches, and seizures in U.S. and international waters, targeting drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and transnational crime with a nexus to the U.S. southern border. With LEDET’s tactical expertise guiding interdiction efforts, the Stockdale located and intercepted suspect vessels, effectively extending Coast Guard authority through naval power to enhance maritime security operations. This collaboration ensured a robust, legally empowered response to maritime threats, strengthening U.S. border protection efforts.

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.