SAN DIEGO - The guided-missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) will return from its six-month, independent deployment to the Western Pacific, Nov. 28.

Vandegrift participated in five exercises in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2012. CARAT is an annual bi-lateral naval exercise series between the U.S. and Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Vandegrift also conducted operations with the carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while deployed.

"The honor of commanding this outstanding crew and returning this proud warship to its homeport after a successful deployment is matched only by the respect deserved by our Sailors and their families," said Capt. H. Thomas Workman, Vandegrift's commanding officer. "Their mutual dedication to our national objectives is unmatched and represents the cornerstone of Vandegrift's and our Navy's success."