Photos show the final cruise of the USS Leyte Gulf as the US Navy phases out its cruiser fleet

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'A model for maritime teamwork' Lt. j.g. Alescia Austin greets her family as USS Leyte Gulf returns to Naval Station Norfolk. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Manvir Gill Perry commended sailors aboard the Leyte Gulf for completing the vessel's final deployment, calling the crew "a model for maritime teamwork" after conducting multiple drug interdictions alongside the Valkyries helicopter squadron and the Coast Guard. "This is a profound final chapter for one of the Navy's finest ships, and their crew should be proud of all they accomplished," Perry said. Diaz, the commanding officer of Leyte Gulf, echoed the sentiment, recalling the "generations of sailors who have manned the helm" of the storied warship. "This ship is full of history. Each period brings its own far-off journeys, along with generations of Sailors who have manned the helm," Diaz said in a statement. "Our last deployment was full of Sailors who made their own mark on the story of this great warship." "Though our namesake comes from a battle long ago, the US is still performing with a level of combat expertise and professionalism that we've always had as we protect the homeland," he added.