MAYPORT, Fla. – The USS Winston S. Churchill docked at Naval Station Mayport on Monday morning, its new homeport.
Working out of its last port, Norfolk, Virginia, the Churchill conducted missions across the world for 20 years. Its most recent deployment included eight transits through the Straits of Hormuz and through the Straits of Bab-el-Mandeb, between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Capt. Timothy Shanley is proud of their work of the work of his crew of 330.
“We were named the Arizona Memorial trophy award winners, which is the most combat-ready ship of this type in the U.S. Navy,” Shanley said. “When we deployed in August of last year to when we got back in March, we never had a COVID-19 case. In addition to deploying, we kept COVID off the ship, which is a big deal during a pandemic.”
The Churchill will be heading into drydock for intensive repairs and complete refurbishing before its next mission.
“We’re going to get the latest and greatest combat systems, ASW suites, new engineering equipment, to make sure it can survive another 25 to 30 years in the fleet,” said Cmdr. Brian Anthony, the ship’s executive officer.
The Churchill was the third ship to arrive at the base in as many days, making for hundreds of happy reunions.
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Master Chief Brandy Gennette is from California and ready for a new chapter in her Navy career.
“It’s my home now,” Gennette said. “I’ll be here for the next three years and I’m super excited about the new adventure and all that Florida has to offer.