James Crider, who is 96 years old, served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. He said one of his last wishes was to experience being on a Navy destroyer. That became reality Friday at Naval Station Mayport. But there was one thing that made the experience even more meaningful.

The Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Indianapolis will return to the Naval Station Mayport Tuesday after a seven-month deployment.

Naval Station Mayport will welcome a new ship for the second time in as many days on Monday.

Naval Station Mayport celebrated the retirement of military working service dog Oosage after nine years of service with a heartfelt sendoff.

Live from Naval Station Mayport, River City Live’s Rance, Jana, Producers Vaughn and Tom, and Intern Taylor- dive into the daily life of Jacksonville’s dedicated sailors. From tackling Taco Tuesday in the galley to high-energy fire drills, they capture the unique spirit, resilience, and camaraderie that define life on base.

Starting the show at Naval Station Mayport, the USS Lassen's vibrant colors and sharp presentation set a lively, inspiring scene.

Jacksonville's Naval Station Mayport serves as a bustling hub for sailors, home to some of the Navy's most formidable vessels. Recently, River City Live’s hosts, Rance Adams and Jana Angel, along with Producer Vaughn, took on a unique assignment to explore a day in the life of the sailors stationed here. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access, they stepped into the daily rhythm of ship life, discovering firsthand the resilience, challenges, and dedication that defines these service members.

River City Live’s Rance Adams spiced up his day with a unique foodie adventure in the galley at Naval Station Mayport, where Taco Tuesday was in full swing!

Military Working Dog Bronco, a chocolate Labrador, will receive a full retirement ceremony Friday at Naval Station Mayport.

All ships departed from the Naval Station Mayport Tuesday to prep for Tropical Storm Helene.

Naval Station Mayport sailors, Navy security forces and first responders held a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Wednesday.

Naval Station Mayport held its annual Mayport Mud Run on Saturday morning.

It was a joyous reunion Tuesday at Naval Station Mayport for hundreds of sailors aboard the USS Mason.

The USS Mason will return home Tuesday after extended combat operations over nine months.

A retired admiral said the dangerous mission of the USS Carney highlights Naval Station Mayport’s overall significance to America’s defense.

The USS Carney returned to Naval Station Mayport on Sunday morning after a dangerous and historic seven-month deployment in the Middle East.

More than 500 people went to Naval Station Mayport Sunday morning to welcome the heroes aboard the USS Carney who returned after a dangerous and historic seven-month deployment in the Middle East.

The USS Carney will return to Naval Station Mayport on Sunday morning after a dangerous and historic seven-month deployment to the Middle East.

Friday marks 37 years since two Iraqi missiles struck the USS Stark in the Persian Gulf, killing 37 sailors and injuring dozens more.

The USS Carney returned to the United States after a dangerous and historic seven-month deployment from Naval Station Mayport to the Middle East.

The aircraft carrier, USS George Washington, kicked off its Southern Seas 2024 route with a stop at Naval Station Mayport Tuesday.

Naval Station Mayport will host its Tri-Base Career Expo on March 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the University of North Florida.

Two teams from the Oasis Galley at Naval Station Mayport face off in the River City kitchen!

Two teams from the Oasis Galley at Naval Station Mayport face off in the River City kitchen!

The USS Delbert D. Black returned to Naval Station Mayport Sunday after being deployed for almost three months in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Hundreds of men and women aboard the USS Farragut returned to Naval Station Mayport Saturday morning.

Naval Station Mayport sailors and their families took a dip Friday morning in the frigid base beach waters for a “Polar Plunge” with “Mayport Mitch,” the famed base groundhog.

January is national Stalking Awareness Month. And on Monday, counselors at Naval Station Mayport spoke out against stalking and shared available resources to Sailors and their families.

The USS Thomas Hudner changed commanding officers on Friday after an eight-month deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations.

The USS Thomas Hudner of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 returned to Mayport after an eight-month deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations on Thursday afternoon.

After months away at sea, some crew members from the USS Indianapolis are back home at the Naval Station Mayport — just in time for Christmas.

Jana takes River City Live along for a holly jolly ride around Naval Station Mayport to judge the 2nd Annual Decoration of Lights competition.

Sailors aboard a Jacksonville-based warship are getting credited for fighting off rebel attacks on cargo ships in the Middle East.

Sailors — both active and finished with their service — sat down for an enjoyable meal to celebrate Thanksgiving and embrace connections.

It’s the latest littoral combat ship to call Naval Station Mayport home.

On Monday, the Mayport Naval Station will welcome a new ship called the USS Marinette.

The USS Mason deployed from Naval Station Mayport Friday for the eastern Mediterranean. It’s part of an effort to deter hostile actions against Israel and an expansion of the war underway.

Among the ships accompanying the USS Ford will be two ships from Naval Station Mayport: the USS Carney and the USS Thomas Hudner. Both are guided missile destroyers.

Crew members of the USS Carney are deploying Wednesday from Naval Station Mayport without any certainty about their coming paychecks because of a looming government shutdown.

More than 900 sailors assigned to the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales arrived at Naval Station Mayport Wednesday morning.

Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Five people were taken to a hospital Monday after a fire broke out at Naval Station Mayport on the USS Winston S. Churchill — a guided missile destroyer, officials confirmed.

Sea turtle watchers have set up orange barriers across Mayport beach to protect 17 Loggerhead sea turtle nests -- an unexpectedly high number for the beach since several dunes were destroyed in recent hurricanes.

Loved ones of sailors on the USS Milwaukee will enjoy a long-awaited happy homecoming Monday when the ship returns to Naval Station Mayport after an eight-month deployment.

Cmdr. Katie J. Lunser took the reins of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50 during a Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday at Naval Station Mayport.

Members of the Navy ESPORTS Team, Goats & Glory, paired with wounded warriors to participate in the first-ever Navy ESPORTS Wounded Warrior Tournament.

Naval Station Mayport is taking new steps to offer sexual assault and misconduct survivors support.

Hundreds of sailors are back at Naval Station Mayport with their families after USS The Sullivans most recent four-month deployment. Missions included seizing illegal weapons while visiting 21 different countries.

Naval Station Mayport held its own new tradition for Groundhog Day called “the Mayport Dunk.” Dozens of individuals were seen diving into the chilly water of the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday morning.

A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office task force arrested a husband and wife linked to the mysterious death of a young girl in central Alabama.

A Mayport sailor was arrested this week on one count of video voyeurism, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

The pre-commissioned USS Cooperstown arrived Sunday morning ahead of possibly deploying early next year.

A part of this training includes navigation, meteorology, seamanship and damage control.

It has been a historic sea turtle season in Mayport.

This will be the Naval ship's third deployment within a year.

The U.S. 4th Fleet ordered all ships and aircraft Monday to make preparation for Hurricane Ian’s expected arrival in Florida later in the week.

Naval Station Mayport on Thursday demonstrated how it’s giving back to those who have spent their lives serving our nation.

The base staged fire trucks and police vehicles in front of base headquarters and raised the American flag at 8 a.m.

Naval Station Mayport is hosting a tri-base job fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7 at the University of North Florida.

Mayport will be the USS Mason’s new home port. The stop is a scheduled homeport shift from Norfolk, Virginia. The sailors are expected to arrive around 8 a.m.

An electrical fire was sparked onboard the USS Milwaukee on Friday afternoon, according to Naval Station Mayport.

The Naval Station Mayport reports that Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers discovered nest 52 at NAVSTA Mayport Friday morning.

Naval Station Mayport might be on track to keep several ships threatened with decommissioning.

The USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul docked at Naval Station Mayport around 9 a.m.

On Sunday morning, 330 sailors returned to Naval Station Mayport Sunday when the USS Jason Dunham docked following a nearly seven-month-long deployment.

So far, just in the area of Naval Station Mayport, 21 Loggerhead nests have been spotted.

Tuesday, May 17, marks 35 years since two Iraqi missiles struck the USS Stark in the Persian Gulf, killing 37 sailors aboard. Naval Station Mayport held its annual remembrance ceremony to honor those who lost their lives that day.

A federal grand jury has indicted a Naval Station Mayport sailor, who is accused of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse videos.

The Arliegh Burk-class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) returned to Naval Station Mayport after a three-month deployment to the European theater of operations Monday morning.

The USS Milwaukee is returning to Mayport on Saturday.

The Coast Guard Cutter Valiant and crew returned safely to Naval Station Mayport on Friday after completing a 30-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea.

A U.S. Navy warship remains in port at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, with about two dozen sailors — or nearly a quarter of its crew — testing positive for COVID-19, according to U.S. defense officials.

The USS Iwo Jima, which was stationed at Naval Station Mayport for the last seven years, is heading to a new homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, in Friday.

Hundreds of sailors made it home in time for Thanksgiving when the USS the Sullivans arrived home to Naval Station Mayport on Wednesday following a seven-month deployment.

The crew aboard the USS Iwo Jima returned home Monday to Naval Station Mayport following a seven month deployment.

A Navy petty officer stationed at Naval Station Mayport was arrested early Sunday morning after a bizarre incident at Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport, in which she crashed into two planes that were parked on the ground, according to a report from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

After four months away, sailors on the USS Sioux City are finally back with their families. They spent time overseas in Central and South America fighting drug smuggling.

It’s a very happy birthday for a Jacksonville-area woman, who’s celebrating a century of life. And Naval Station Mayport made sure she was flying high at 100!

The USS Winston S. Churchill docked at Naval Station Mayport on Monday morning, its new homeport.

The USS Donald Cook docked Sunday morning at Naval Station Mayport, getting a warm welcome from the base it will now call home.

An alligator killed a family’s dog on Monday at Naval Station Mayport, base officials said.

A sailor surprised her three children at Neptune Beach Elementary School on Wednesday after 10 months apart.

Roughly 300 sailors aboard the USS Philippine Sea and its helicopter strike squadron returned home to Naval Station Mayport on Wednesday morning after a 10-month deployment.

Two U.S. Navy warships operating in the Mideast have been affected by the coronavirus, authorities said Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, with one already at port in Bahrain and another heading to port. Navy, via AP)DUBAI – Two warships U.S. Navy warships operating in the Mideast have been struck by coronavirus outbreaks, authorities said Friday, with both returning to port in Bahrain. A dozen troops aboard the USS San Diego, an amphibious transport dock, tested positive for COVID-19, said Cmdr. More than 1,000 sailors tested positive and one died. AdEarlier this month, three sailors tested positive as the aircraft carrier was conducting operations in the Pacific.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham sails into its new homeport of Naval Station Mayport. MAYPORT NAVAL STATION, Fla. – The USS Jason Dunham, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, arrived Saturday at its new homeport at Naval Station Mayport. Jason Dunham has been homeported in Norfolk since its commissioning in November 2010. Steve Puskas, commanding officer of Jason Dunham. I think any time you are able to get everyone on the same team in the same place, it’s a win.”AdThe Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alana Langdon/U.S.

Naval Station Mayport's Memorial Park was established Aug. 1, 1987, with the dedication of the USS Stark monument. NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. – If you see extra activity at Naval Station Mayport next Tuesday or hear gunfire sounds from the base, don’t worry, it’s another military exercise. Base personnel will conduct a small boat exercise within the basin of the installation as part of Exercise Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield 2021. A release from the base pointed out that this is a scheduled exercise and is not in response to any specific threat. Nearby residents may see increased security activity associated with the exercise and hear blank rounds of gunfire.

Sailors, first responders remember victims with tribute. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Naval Station Mayport held a remembrance ceremony Friday to honor the fallen and those who responded to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Friday marks 19 years since more than 3,000 people were killed when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon and into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The ceremony started with a prayer and address, followed by the raising of a flag and four prolonged blasts at 8:46, 9:03, 9:37 and 10:03 a.m. The blasts are in observation of the four separate crashes that took place on that day. While commemoration ceremonies looked drastically different due to the pandemic this year, it’s a day and time in our nation’s history that will never be forgotten.

MAYPORT, Fla. – Family and friends were on hand as the USS New York returned to Naval Station Mayport on Tuesday after deployment with the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. The amphibious transport dock ship deployed in December and participated in numerous exercises with allies. Group navigated over 50,000 nautical miles and made several transits through the Strait of Gibraltar, the Suez Canal, the Bab-el Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz. The ship was welcomed home to a dock full of loved ones, socially distanced but holding signs and socially distancing.' USS New York homecoming

The USS Carney arrived Sunday at Naval Station Mayport after spending five years abroad. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. – The USS Carney arrived Sunday at Naval Station Mayport after spending five years abroad. The guided-missile destroyer was forward deployed to Rota, Spain, as part of Destroyer Squadron 60. Now, the USS Roosevelt is in Rota and the USS Carney is back at Mayport. “This is a huge accomplishment for Carney nation to return back to Mayport,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. As for the USS Carney, after a two-week journey from Spain, the ship will transition into a maintenance phase pier side at Mayport.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Naval Station Mayport is eagerly awaiting the arrival of its newest addition, the future USS St. Louis. Typically, littoral combat ships are small surface vessels designed for near-shore operations, but the USS St. Louis can also be deployed for open ocean missions. In a news release, a spokesperson for the naval station said the vessel is a fast, maneuverable, focused-mission platform. The future USS St. Louis will officially join the Mayport fleet during its commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Mayport August 8, but is set to arrive at the station at 10 a.m. this morning. The St. Louis is the eleventh ship to bear the name of Missouris major port city.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The captain of the USS Philippine Sea, a guided missile cruiser based at Naval Station Mayport, was relieved of command Monday. Erica Hoffman was removed from her post due to a “loss of confidence in her ability to command,” but no additional details were provided. A Navy spokeswoman said in an email Tuesday that a command investigation was conducted prior to Hoffman’s removal but noted the investigation was under review. “It is inappropriate to comment on the details of the investigation at this time,” the Navy spokeswoman said. Robert Thompson will take over for Hoffman as commanding officer of the Philippine Sea until the Navy names a permanent replacement.

MAYPORT, Fla. A small memorial ceremony took place at Naval Station Mayport on Sunday to commemorate the USS Stark being hit by Iraqi missiles. The USS Stark was assigned to patrol off the Saudi Arabian coast near the Iran-Iraq war exclusion boundary. Iraqs leader Saddam Hussein apologized and said the pilot mistook the Stark for an Iranian tanker. The following day, the USS Stark arrived in Bahrain, where she was temporarily repaired before setting course for Mayport. On May 22, 1987, President Ronald Reagan delivered a eulogy at Mayport for the 37 who died.

Published: May 13, 2020, 6:35 am Updated: May 13, 2020, 9:23 amJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The USS Tornado, a navy patrol ship, returned from deployment Wednesday morning. A Mayport spokesman said the station would use social media to welcome the heroes home because family members aren’t allowed to greet the returning sailors pier-side like usual because of COVID-19 precautions. USS Tornado (PC 14) Homecoming; welcome back! Posted by Naval Station Mayport on Wednesday, May 13, 2020The ship docked just after 9 a.m.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Navy bases across the country, including Naval Station Mayport, conducted active shooter and terrorist drills on Wednesday, ensuring personnel are prepared for worst-case scenarios. After boarding the vessel and simulating the shooting of two Navy sailors, an active shooter alert was announced over the vessel’s loud speaker. The active shooter entered a classroom and took two other sailors hostage. Naval officials say active shooter drills like this one ensure all agencies are on the same page. Navy personnel use the drill to evaluate any weaknesses in their defenses on the base or on their ships.

MAYPORT, Fla. – Wives, husbands, parents and children were all looking out on the tarmac at Naval Station Mayport on Friday as their loved ones came home. Ten members of the Mayport based Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Four Six, led by Commander David Bizzarri, have returned. “Getting the detachments back as a commanding officer is a great experience,” Bizzarri said. “It will especially be a good time for the families.”Families haven’t seen their loved ones in about nine months. Just happy to be home and got my family back.”More troops from the squadron are scheduled to arrive Saturday.

MAYPORT, Fla. It took five hours to put out a fire in a cargo hold of the USS Iwo Jima that injured 11 sailors, according to the U.S. Navy. The Navy said the fire aboard the amphibious assault ship that wad docked at Naval Station Mayport was reported at 11:45 p.m. Thursday by sailors who reported smoke. The ships crew along with sailors from USS The Sullivans, federal firefighters and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department worked to contain the fire. The 11 sailors reported minor injuries like smoke inhalation and exhaustion, according to the Navys Public Affairs Office. The ship, commissioned in 2001 and based at Mayport, was completing maintenance operations and did not have any weapons or munitions aboard, according to the Navy.

MAYPORT, Fla. - More than 80 sailors assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 46 returned Monday to Naval Station Mayport and reunited with their families after a seven-month deployment. The sailors were deployed aboard three guided-missile destroyers -- all part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. They provided anti-surface and anti-submarine protection for the carrier group. Photo: Naval Station Mayport Public Affairs Officer Bill AustinCopyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

MAYPORT, Fla. - Naval Station Mayport on Friday welcomed more than 1,500 sailors assigned to the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. This is the second visit from the British aircraft carrier to Naval Station Mayport. The first trip happened in September of 2018, after the ship's formal commission into the Royal Navy by her sponsor, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The ship will remain at Mayport Naval Station for nearly a week. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.