The USS Spruance (Arleigh-Burke class) has been recognized as the longest deployed ship since World War II with 343 days of service. This mission is still ongoing and is expected to exceed one year. The ship is likely still patrolling in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and has played a key role in the early stages of the war against Iran.
Mission Details
The record service of the USS Spruance began on October 23, when the USS McFaul returned to its base in Norfolk, Virginia after 333 days at sea. These two ships began their missions on November 21, 2025, and November 25, 2025, respectively, defending the interests of the United States and its allies in Europe and the Middle East during this time.
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USS Spruance's Role in Operations
On the first day of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026, the USS Spruance fired a Tomahawk cruise missile and has since conducted various operations, including enforcing a blockade on Iranian ships. According to sources, this ship also struck the Iranian cargo ship Touska on April 19, marking the first time since 1988 that a ship attacked another with naval weapons.
The USS Spruance is named in honor of Admiral Ray Spruance, a hero of the Battle of Midway in World War II, and has been in service since 2011. According to unofficial reports, there are currently about 330 sailors on board, nearing its maximum capacity.
In August, Navy officials announced that the strike group should remain together, but instead decided to separate the USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy and keep them in the Arabian Sea. Recent unofficial reports indicate that the USS Spruance is stationed in the Strait of Malacca.
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