 USS Ruben James returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam May 3rd. While deployed, the crew of the Ruben James participated in cooperative afloat readiness and training, helicopter operations, a search and rescue practical, and surface gunfire drills in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. I'm honored to be the commanding officer for the final deployment of Ruben James. There's been 27 years of great service by this ship and I'm the final commanding officer so that's a great honor and it felt great to bring the ship back this final time. The crew did a great job. Everyone should be really proud of themselves for what they did. This is likely to be Ruben James' last deployment prior to decommissioning August 27th. From Defense Media Activity, I'm Petty Officer Jonathan Pankoff.