171215-N-VC599-028 NORFOLK (Dec. 15, 2017) The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk following an eight-month deployment to the 5th Fleet area of operations. Vella Gulf departed Norfolk as an independent deployer to support maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf utilizing their missile defense capability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Wolpert/Released)