The USS Delbert D. Black’s deployment from Naval Station Mayport marks as the first deployment of the new year for the base.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The USS Delbert D. Black became the first ship of the new year to deploy from Naval Station Mayport Saturday morning, as families gathered to say emotional goodbyes. The deployment comes amid heightened global tensions, with U.S. forces on alert in multiple regions following U.S. airstrikes carried out in Venezuela early Saturday.

“I’ve been on ships and I can tell you this is the best ship that I’ve ever been on because of the resilience and the dedication of the crew to make sure that the ship is ready to go,” said Cmdr. Ezra Hatch.

The guided-missile destroyer carries about 300 sailors and is designed to operate in the air, on the surface, and below the sea. Hatch said the crew trains for a variety of missions to ensure readiness.

“Gone to the fact that it’s a multiple mission warship, we train for every warfare area that could be anything from service, war subservice, warfare service, fire support even into the cyber room, so just being prepared for every different type of mission,” said Hatch.

Chandler Stiles, born and raised in Jacksonville, is heading out on his first-ever deployment.

“We’re really hard-working,” Stiles told First Coast News. “We want to go out there and do our jobs. We want to do it well. It’s a great crew and I’m very happy to be a part of this crew.”

Stiles said his father, Gylenn, who served 24 years in the Navy, was a major inspiration.

“This is extremely proud you know, cause again, I look at the age of the crew, they’re young and they’re the best trained in the world and I think they’re gonna do great,” said Gylenn Stiles.

Chandler Stiles’ wife, Hannah, who married him in July 2025, shared her thoughts on the deployment and her husband’s character.

“I know I always had so much honor and integrity ever since the first night I met him,” she said. “I say this a lot, but he truly is the best man I’ve ever met. I’m pretty sad, definitely. I’m really proud of him, proud of the crew and all the hard work they put in.”

Navy officials confirmed the ship is ready for a range of missions, but cannot discuss specific destinations due to operational security measures. Family members, like Hannah, said they are proud of the crew.