NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — The USS Elrod has returned to Norfolk Naval Station following the frigate’s completion of its final scheduled deployment.

The Navy says the Elrod returned Saturday after her deployment to the 6th Fleet area, with port visits to Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.

Cmdr. Brad L. Stallings called it gratifying to work with African partners and to continue to build relationships.

The crew also visited Greece, Portugal and Italy.

The Elrod was commissioned in 1985 and named after U.S. Marine Corps aviator, Maj. Henry T. Elrod. He was the first aviator to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor in World War II, which was awarded posthumously for his heroism in the defense of Wake Island on Dec. 11, 1941.

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