The USS Milius is slated to return home to Naval Base San Diego on September 11. The guided-missile destroyer has been on an eight-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf.
Cmdr. Nicholie T. Bufkin, commanding officer of Milius, said of the deployment:
"Milius deployed to provide ballistic missile defense capabilities. Our day-to-day operations were theater security cooperation conducting maritime security operations to build partnerships and good will. As a multi-mission capable destroyer, Milius was always ready to accomplish all tasking. I'm proud of the great job done by the officers and crew."
The Milius took part in exercises to protect Iraq's infrastructure with Kuwait's navy, the British navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard, according to Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs. The ship also provided security to local fishermen and merchants in international waters while deployed.
