NORFOLK (Oct. 13, 2022) Recently promoted Information System Technician 2nd class Nicholas Thayer, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsage (LHD 3), greets his family on the Pier 10, Oct. 13, 2022. USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, returns from a seven-month deployment operating in the High North and Baltic Sea. More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Kearsarge ARG supported a wide range of interoperability opportunities and exercises across the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations increasing combat readiness and crisis response capabilities while strengthening relationships with both NATO Allies and partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan M. Wideman)