The USS Ross Sets Sail from Norfolk Amid Strategic Deployment
At 8 a.m. sharp, the familiar notes of “The Star-Spangled Banner” resonated across Pier 10 at Naval Station Norfolk, marking the departure of the USS Ross. The destroyer, part of the George H. W. Bush carrier strike group, is setting off to potentially relieve the Gerald R. Ford’s carrier strike group in the Middle East. The Ford is currently on a mission expected to be one of the longest since the Vietnam War, having been deployed in the Red Sea since June 2025, rerouted to the Caribbean in October, and returning to the Middle East by February.
Reports have surfaced highlighting the challenges faced by the Ford’s crew during this extended deployment, including a fire onboard that left hundreds without bedding. Meanwhile, USS Ross’ commanding officer, Pia Chapman, exudes confidence in her crew’s readiness. “The team has trained incredibly hard, worked incredibly hard to make sure the ship is ready, my sailors are ready,” Chapman stated.
Chapman refrained from providing details on when the rest of the Bush’s strike group would follow or the expected duration of their mission, citing operational security concerns. However, she expressed strong trust in her team, saying, “No matter what’s coming our way, the team that we have on board is the team I want to deploy with.”
Among those present to bid farewell was Navy Capt. Maggie Dean, accompanied by her husband, Christopher, there to support their daughter Abbie on her maiden deployment. Maggie Dean shared mixed emotions, “I’m very excited for her. Obviously, it’s been accelerated because of ongoing events, but there’s a point where I think most people in the military reach that you are eager to leave while also sad to leave.” She advised her daughter to focus on building lasting relationships and gaining qualifications.
Hannah Donsonwhite was also on the scene, supporting her sister embarking on her fifth deployment. Although she felt a pang of sadness, Donsonwhite expressed pride in her sister’s service, recounting a farewell celebration they held, “We had a nice little going away party for my girl (on Sunday). We did a little kiki. So she’s feeling good about today. She’s going in with good spirits.”
Alongside the Ross, two additional ships from the Bush’s carrier strike group have embarked on their journey. The USS Mason and USS Donald Cook departed from Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Meanwhile, the USS Gettysburg, a guided missile cruiser, returned to Norfolk from the Caribbean Sea on Monday.
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