USS Sioux City returns to Mayport from deployment in time for Christmas

106 sailors return after 4 months away

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The USS Sioux City returned to Mayport Friday morning from deployment, and just in time for the holidays!

A total of 106 sailors returned home after working to get drugs off the streets in Central and South America. The sailors seized more than 1 thousand pounds of cocaine.

The USS Sioux City was on deployment for 4 months, traveling over 14,000 nautical miles.

It was AD3 Ryder Clark’s first deployment.

“Super glad to be back for Christmas, Clark said. “It was fun, that’s for sure. Great experience.”

9-year-old Grace Anne welcomed her brother home on her birthday.

“I was like, oh my gosh, what’s about to happen?! Am I going to start crying, ya know? Cuz I didn’t know if it was him or not!” Grace Anne said.

This is definitely a holiday they will forever cherish.