JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Amidst a backdrop of global unrest, the USS Delbert D. Black embarked on its mission as the first ship to leave Naval Station Mayport this year. Families gathered for heartfelt farewells as tensions escalated worldwide, following U.S. military actions in Venezuela earlier that day.

“Having served on various vessels, I can confidently say this is the finest ship I’ve been on,” stated Cmdr. Ezra Hatch. “The crew’s resilience and dedication ensure the ship’s readiness.”

This advanced guided-missile destroyer is home to approximately 300 sailors and is equipped to handle operations in the air, on the surface, and underwater. Cmdr. Hatch emphasized the crew’s comprehensive training across multiple mission scenarios to maintain peak preparedness.

“As a multi-mission warship, we train extensively for all warfare areas,” explained Hatch. “Our preparation covers everything from surface and subsurface warfare to fire support and even cybersecurity, ensuring we’re ready for any mission.”

For Jacksonville native Chandler Stiles, this marks his first deployment, adding a personal milestone to the ship’s journey.

“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.