USS Charleston (LCS 18), an independence-variant littoral combat ship, returned to the homeport of Naval Base San Diego following a 26-month rotational deployment on June 14, 2023.
On April 7, 2021, Charleston embarked on her maiden deployment from San Diego with a detachment from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21.
During its 26-month deployment, USS Charleston completed joint missions in support of forward presence and maritime law operations.
Teaming up with the US Coast Guard’s Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Detachment 104 and HSC 21, the ship protected resource security and sovereignty in the US and Pacific Island Nations as part of the Secretary of Defense Oceania Maritime Security Initiative.
Additionally, USS Charleston was involved in conducting patrols in the East and South China Seas, participating in training exercises for contested maritime resupply operations, and operating alongside an Amphibious Ready Group.
Charleston also conducted combined naval operations with countries such as Australia, Japan, France, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Notably, it became the first LCS to undertake mine countermeasure training outside of US waters and also held the distinction of being the first commissioned US naval ship to enter the port of Manila, Philippines since 2019.
“Our presence in the Indo-Pacific strengthened partnerships, developed relationships, and increased the Fleet’s lethality,” said Cmdr. Nellie Wang, commanding officer of Charleston Blue crew. “I could not be more honored to have been a part of this deployment’s Charleston team.”
As Charleston returns to its homeport, San Diego, it joins two other Independence-variant littoral combat ships currently deployed for forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions.
