American air defense systems and a Navy destroyer have helped Israel shoot down incoming ballistic missiles from Iran.

We’ve told you about the Jacksonville-based Navy ships, helicopters and crews involved in combat operations over the past year. And, as the US Navy continues to serve in the Red Sea, engaging with Iranian-backed Houthi missiles and drones, we wanted to take a closer look at the Jacksonville-based assets involved.

The USS Thomas Hudner changed commanding officers on Friday after an eight-month deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations.

The USS Thomas Hudner of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 returned to Mayport after an eight-month deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations on Thursday afternoon.

U.S. officials say a Navy warship shot down a drone that was heading toward the ship as it sailed in the southern Red Sea.

After the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented incursion from Gaza into Israel this weekend and Israel formally declared war on Sunday, federal, state and local leaders voiced their support of Israel in the conflict.

The U.S. is sending additional fighter jets and a warship to the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman to increase security in the wake of Iranian attempts to seize commercial ships there.

More than 300 sailors on board the USS Thomas Hudner returned to the bright smiles of their loved ones on Saturday after seven weeks of deployment in Europe.

Among the tear-filled, joyous reunions Saturday when the USS Thomas Hudner returned to Mayport, News4Jax captured a very special meeting between a father and son.