USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee returns to San Diego

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Weber | 251219-N-NS989-1011 NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (Dec. 19, 2025) USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), assigned to the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, returns to its homeport of Naval Base San Diego following operations in the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleets. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Timothy Weber.)  

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

12.19.2025

Courtesy Story

USS Higbee (DDG 123)

SAN DIEGO, CA – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) returned to its homeport of San Diego following nine months of operations in the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleets, Dec. 19.

Higbee departed San Diego with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMSG) on Mar. 26, 2025, with an air wing detachment from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49. As part of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG), Higbee conducted various missions, including protecting sea lines of communication, supporting maritime stability, and interdiction operations while in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations (AOO).

“I could not be prouder of this crew and their performance on Higbee’s Maiden mission,” said Cmdr. Stephen Skahen Jr., commanding officer of Higbee. “As Integrated Air and Missile Defense Commander, this team rose to the challenge and set the standard. From new mission sets in multiple fleets, interoperability with allies and partners, and representing the United States with distinguished guests; this crew answered the call with enthusiasm and precision. It’s my honor to be their Captain. Get Wins!”

In 5th Fleet, Higbee participated in freedom of navigation operations and worked alongside partners and allies to include the French, Indian, Japanese, and Pakistani Navies. Higbee was honored to host Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Caine, and Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, Vice Adm. George Wikoff as distinguished guests to demonstrate Higbee and its crew’s capabilities.

While in 7th Fleet, Higbee supported operations to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific, operating as part of the NIMCSG to provide credible deterrence and reassure allies and partners of enduring U.S. commitment to the region. Higbee participated in multinational operations, to include the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia and exercises to increase interoperability among allies and partners.

Higbee and the detachment from HSM-49 traveled over 75,000 nautical miles, flew 1,100 hours, conducted 46 replenishments-at-sea, and accomplished 22 sea and anchor details.

Higbee was led by Skahen, Executive Officer Cmdr. Donald Northrup, and Command Master Chief Gilberto Silvabecerra.

In addition to Higbee, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Nimitz, flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, embarked staff of CSG-11, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), and USS Gridley (DDG 101).

• Date Taken: 12.19.2025
• Date Posted: 12.29.2025 12:35
• Story ID: 555015
• Location: CALIFORNIA, US