USS Milius (DDG 69) returned to San Diego, Oct. 8, after completing a six-month deployment as part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group.Milius and assigned visit, board, search and seizure teams deployed with Amphibious Group 7 and embarked elements from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. She also sailed alongside USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Rushmore (LPD 47) to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.
Milius supported MSO in the Persian Gulf through presence activities and interaction patrols, which helped to generate support and awareness of the coalition’s efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in international waters so that commercial shipping and fishing could occur safely in the region.
MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel weapons or other material.
“We did a lot of great things out there to support the fleet,” said Cmdr. Edmund B. Hernandez. “The morale and attitude of the Sailors on this ship never faltered, and all of us were proud to get the job done.”
Hernandez praised the work of Milius Sailors in getting involved with the community during the deployment.
“One of the highlights of this deployment was working with our Philippine allies and Habitat for Humanity, which helped make a success out of all of the community relation projects we participated in,” said Hernandez.
Information Systems Technician Seaman Alex Quintero, assigned to Milius, echoed similar thoughts.
"I'm so proud of the work we did out there, but at the same time I couldn't be happier to be home,” said Quintero.