PACIFIC OCEAN -- Approximately 5,000 Sailors and Marines embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) are scheduled to return to San Diego, May 7, along with the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) after a successful seven-month deployment.

Theodore Roosevelt (TR) departed San Diego, October 6, and spent the deployment supporting operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel, as well as maritime security cooperation efforts in U.S. 5th and 7th fleets areas of operation.

The ship transited more than 56,000 miles, and made five port calls in four different countries, to include the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Republic of Singapore, and the Republic of the Philippines, as well as port calls in Hawaii and Guam.

Led by Rear Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, Theodore Roosevelt's crew performed at a high level.

"Over the past seven months, the 6,000 Sailors and Marines of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) have performed superbly in every mission and in every task that was asked of them," said Koehler. "This team has embraced a culture of excellence that comes directly from their routine professional approach to everything they do. They continue to exceed expectations and set a phenomenal standard for all to emulate. I could not be more proud of them or more honored to serve with them, and it's great to be home with the family and friends that enabled them to serve so well."

Roosevelt Sailors and Marines demonstrated more than just mission accomplishment on their deployment. They also gave back to the countries they visited to enhance cooperation and cultural understanding. A total of 383 Sailors and Marines contributed more than 1,200 hours during 19 community service projects.

"What Rough Riders have accomplished during this deployment was truly inspirational," said Capt. Carlos Sardiello, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. "Earning the privilege to be called the best one day at a time; every Sailor and Marine made what is very difficult look easy. We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication that was exhibited as well as the sacrifices of the families. We are looking forward to heartfelt reunions with loved ones, upon our return."

Theodore Roosevelt partnered with more than 10 countries including Japan, South Korea, France, India, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Republic of Singapore to increase theater security cooperation through maritime operations.

Approximately 70 aircraft from the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 flew 8,319 hours and 1,164 combat sorties and performed counterterrorism operations in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Theodore Roosevelt also earned the 2017 Battle Efficiency "E" award for West Coast aircraft carriers, and became the first aircraft carrier on the West Coast to earn the Jackie G. Brown Fleet Logistics Excellence award.

"This is just another way our Sailors have shown their top standing and ability to compete amongst the fleet's best aircraft carriers," said Theodore Roosevelt Command Master Chief Andrew Frederick. "Going into our maintenance period, I'm confident that we will come out an even better fighting force than we were during this deployment. I know that our Sailors and Marines feel excited to return home and finally reunite with their families."

Theodore Roosevelt is the flagship of CSG 9. The TRCSG consists of Theodore Roosevelt, Bunker Hill and the staff and ships of Destroyer Squadron 23 including the guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Sampson (DDG 102), and the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, which includes Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113, VFA-94, VFA-22, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30.