USS Spruance to Return to San Diego Friday
The destroyer is scheduled to arrive at Naval Base San Diego after a nearly 12-month deployment that was extended in support of Operation Epic Fury.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Military
USS Spruance is scheduled to return to its homeport at Naval Base San Diego as soon as Friday, November 13, 2026, after a nearly 12-month deployment. The ship deployed November 21, 2025, as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, and its embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron is expected to return with it.
Why it matters
The deployment was extended in support of Operation Epic Fury, and the crew received the Presidential Unit Citation and the Combat Action Ribbon for service in the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran. The homecoming marks the end of a deployment spanning U.S. 3rd, 7th and 5th Fleets.
The Spruance deployed November 21, 2025, and the Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego in September after 286 consecutive days at sea without a port call. The exact arrival time at Naval Base San Diego has not been confirmed.
The players
USS Spruance
A Navy destroyer homeported at Naval Base San Diego and assigned to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group for this deployment.
USS Abraham Lincoln
A Navy aircraft carrier homeported in San Diego whose carrier strike group included the Spruance during the deployment.
The details
The Spruance crew received awards for bravery and combat performance against hostile forces while engaged in the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran. The ship's embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron is part of the deployment and is expected to return alongside the destroyer.
Timeline
November 21, 2025: Spruance deploys with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.
September 2026: USS Abraham Lincoln returns to San Diego after a nearly 11-month deployment.
As soon as Friday, November 13, 2026: Spruance scheduled to return to Naval Base San Diego.
Seasonal Patterns
The Spruance's return follows the Abraham Lincoln's September homecoming to San Diego from the same strike group, completing the group's return to its homeport after the Operation Epic Fury deployment.
Families and friends planning to greet the crew should confirm arrival details with official Navy channels before traveling to the base. Naval Base San Diego access may be restricted during the homecoming.
The takeaway
The return of USS Spruance closes a deployment that was extended to support Operation Epic Fury, and it shows how strike group rotations shape the homeport schedule for San Diego's naval community.
What happens next
USS Spruance is scheduled to arrive at Naval Base San Diego as soon as Friday, November 13, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Military coverage for context on naval deployments from San Diego.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Stars and Stripes.
