PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) will return home from a deployment to the Western Pacific, May 3.

During the ship's seven-month deployment, the crew of Reuben James conducted maritime security operations and traning exercises such as Cooperative Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), while in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

"First and foremost, thank you to the crew of USS Reuben James for your outstanding performance," said Reuben James Commanding Officer Cmdr. Daniel Valascho. "Our motto is 'Back With A Vengeance,' but now we're back with a sense of satisfaction, knowing we did our part operating forward, strengthening partnerships and protecting freedom."

Having completed her final deployment Reuben James will be decommissioned this August after 27 years of service to the fleet.

"They maintained readiness, showed their pride and professionalism and always looked out for each other on and off duty," said Command Master Chief CMDMC(SW) Johannes J. Gonzalez. "I'm very proud of them all and I cannot think of a better crew to represent Reuben James on her final deployment."

During the ship's history it has completed deployments to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, to the Eastern Pacific in support of counter-drug operations and it appeared in the 1990 motion picture The Hunt For Red October.

"I also want to thank all the families and friends who stood by us and prepared a native Hawaiian welcome for the entire crew. It will be great to see you all pierside," added Valascho.

Guided-missile frigates are multi-mission surface combatants, capable of Under-Sea Warfare (USW) and Surface Warfare (SW) missions. Reuben James is assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31 under Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, in Hawaii.