Navy Fireman Dakota D. Saunders of Lometa, along with fellow sailors and Marines aboard USS Dubuque, Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (PELSEG), homeported in San Diego, Calif., recently returned from a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

During the deployment, PELSEG conducted maritime security operations, theater security cooperation, community relations projects, and participated with coalition nations in training exercises. The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in training exercises Eager Mace and Infinite Moonlight.

Additionally, the PELSEG rescued six mariners from a sinking vessel in the Strait of Balabac and thwarted a pirate attack on a civilian merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden.

During a change of command ceremony, Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey, Dubuque's commanding officer, turned command over to Capt. Thomas E. Nosenzo, previously executive officer aboard USS Abraham Lincoln.

Dubuque made port visits to Phuket, Thailand; Manama, Bahrain; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong, China; and Guam.

MSO also helped develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack, or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials.

Saunders, the son of Teresa and John Saunders of Lometa, is a 2007 Lometa High School graduate.

Saunders joined the U.S. Navy in 2007.