SAN DIEGO - The guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) will return from a six-month, independent deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation, Feb. 5.

"Team Gridley performed exceptionally well for the past six months during our deployment," said Cmdr. Rick Kratzer, Gridley commanding officer. "Team Gridley met and accomplished every assigned task with professionalism and served as great ambassadors during nine port visits, promoting peace and stability when interacting with the local population."

While deployed, Gridley participated in various multi-national, high-visibility exercises bolstering interoperability and proficiency with regional naval partners. During the first International Mine Countermeasures Exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Gridley trained with international forces strengthening partnerships among participating countries.

The ship also participated in the "Keen Sword" exercise, improving combat readiness and strengthening the U.S. Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force partnership.

The ship conducted multiple successful Strait of Hormuz (SOH) transits, and conducted high-visibility operations in 7th Fleet, maintaining U.S. maritime presence and improving regional stability.

Gridley helped provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and humanitarian/disaster response.