MAYPORT, Fla. (Feb. 12, 2023) Rear Adm. Jim Aiken, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, welcomes home Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) following the ship's return to Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Feb 12, 2023, following a four-month deployment. The ship received a Meritorious Unit Commendation medal for sustained superior performance from Oct. 26, 2022 to Jan. 22, 2023, having consistently provided a combat-ready force to U.S. Central Command, deployed in response to a forces surge deployment, conducted flag-verification operations in the Gulf of Oman and participated in multinational operations and exercises in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. 4th Fleet employs maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor)