The guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) returned to San Diego, July 8, after a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
Bunker Hill is part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and departed on a deployment to the Indo-Pacific, Jan. 17.
“While this deployment has been unlike many deployments of the past, the Bunker Hill team is excited to return home to San Diego after completing a very successful deployment,” said Capt. Shea Thompson, commanding officer of Bunker Hill. “The crew executed a broad spectrum of missions over the last six months while serving as air defense commander for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9. During the course of our six-month deployment, we supported multiple freedom of navigation operations directly enhancing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. I couldn’t be more proud of this high-powered team.”
Bunker Hill’s primary mission was conducting maritime security operations while in U.S. 7th Fleet, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. Both ships also engaged in theater security cooperation engagements and multiple joint exercises with the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force.
Bunker Hill participated in expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations in the Philippine Sea in March with the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and the USS America Expeditionary Strike Group highlighting the interoperability of joint forces.
Bunker Hill participated in dual carrier strike group operations in June that showcased the tactical power of two individual carrier strike groups, demonstrating flexibility, endurance, firepower, maneuverability, and capability unmatched in the history of warfare.
Additionally, Bunker Hill participated in freedom of navigation operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in accordance with international law.
Although COVID-19 inhibited many scheduled port visits, Bunker Hill was able to visit several ‘safe haven’ ports. Bunker Hill made port visits in Saipan, Vietnam and Guam while Russell was able to visit Sasebo, Yokosuka, and Guam. Prior to the COVID pandemic, Sailors participated in community relations events and experienced local culture in Vietnam, Sasebo, and Saipan.
Bunker Hill is home ported in San Diego, the home of the U.S. 3rd Fleet.
USS Bunker Hill is named after the Battle of Bunker Hill. A battle between the British and Americans during the American Revolutionary War on Breeds Hill in Charlestown.