JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The USS Winston S. Churchill departed from Naval Station Mayport Saturday morning for a regularly scheduled deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group.
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The families of the sailors said their goodbyes and gave strong support as tensions rise overseas.
Evan and Tyler Cryer came to say goodbye to their cousin, Hunter, before departing. For all of them, including Hunter, they are experiencing their first deployment ever.
The destroyer will conduct routine affairs in the U.S. European Command Area as part of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group.
“Growing up, we used to play video games all the time together, and now it’s crazy seeing him growing up,” the Cryers said. “He said he was excited, and I was excited for him to do it too.”
As the vessel takes off, and even with heightened tensions around the world, families are still very supportive of their sailors.
The Ross family is also experiencing their first deployment with their father, who is a CSE.
They said supporting him while he serves his country means everything to them.
“Especially with everything going on right now, just not knowing what the possible outcome could be with this deployment. I support him 100%,” the Ross family said.
They gave him well wishes as he departed.
“I will always be by your side, even though I’m not there still, I’ll always be by your side. You got this, stay proud, be safe,” Ross said.
