Story Number: NNS040122-05
Release Date: 1/22/2004 10:57:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class Steven Feller, Commander, Navy Region Northeast Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor subzero temperatures could keep 300 friends and family members of USS Memphis (SSN 691) Sailors from gathering at Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) Jan. 16 to welcome them home.
Memphis returned to port on the coldest day of the year after a regularly scheduled six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.
Although people lined the waterfront to greet Memphis, they were not left out in the cold. SUBASE opened the old Squadron 2 building for those seeking shelter, and free donuts and coffee were provided by Dunkin' Donuts to the cold and hungry. WCTY 97.7 FM was also on hand to play music for those waiting.
Many friends and family came from all over the country, eagerly awaiting the crew's arrival. Johnny Crawley, a Vietnam veteran and father of Sonar Technician (Submarine) 2nd Class (SS) Jason Crawley, said he and Jason's grandmother came all the way from Houston to see his son.
"He's (Jason) been in the Navy now for five years, and this was his second deployment," said Crawley. "He said he's got orders to go back overseas, but for right now, we're going to enjoy his company."
Arguably, the most anxious family member on the waterfront was Megan McKinney, wife of Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SS) Benjamin Smith. McKinney was the recipient of the envied "first kiss." McKinney said she and her husband got married just two months before he deployed, leaving her to find a new place for them to live.
"I'm very nervous and excited," said McKinney. "I have a home-cooked meal for him when he gets home, and then we are going to check out our new apartment. I've been waiting for this for a long time."
After waiting for nearly two hours in the bitter cold, family members saw Memphis pull into SUBASE and moor. Ice covered the sail, and many Sailors departed the ship without their coats, a sign that submarine living keeps them oblivious to the weather conditions of the outside world.
Nikki King, whose cousin Nicholas Coleman is a Sailor aboard Memphis, said she drove eight hours in the ice and snow to get to his homecoming.
"Our family is very proud of him serving (in the military)," said King. "As long as he is doing well and doing something he likes, we will support him."
For related news, visit the Commander Navy Region Northeast Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cnrne. ~~~ http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11509
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USS Philadelphia Returns From Historic Deployment
Story Number: NNS040122-04
Release Date: 1/22/2004 10:56:00 AM
By Journalist Seaman Tim Prunyi, Commander, Navy Region Northeast Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) returned to Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) Jan. 18 after completing a seven-month deployment.
Philadelphia departed SUBASE June 18, in support of the global war on terrorism.
Families and friends waited outside in heavy snow to welcome the returning Submariners. They huddled under tarps until someone spotted Philadelphia, and everyone ran out to the water to greet their loved ones.
The weather may have prompted many to bring umbrellas, but the snow did not dampen the spirits of the families who had come to welcome their Sailors home.
"Today is such a happy day. I'm so excited he's home. I would come here in a blizzard or rainstorm," said Kimberly Meier, wife of Lt. j.g. Joseph Meier.
The families were so excited to see their Sailors that one traditional first kiss was not enough. The Philadelphia Family Support Group allowed five "first kisses."
Philadelphia Ombudsman Robin Wright said, "We wanted to be fair and give everyone a chance to have their own special moment."
This deployment was a historic one. The Philadelphia became the first Los Angeles-class submarine to complete 1,000 dives. Philadelphia achieved this important milestone Dec. 4, during normal operations. The dive took place on the equator in sunny 85-degree weather, in stark contrast to the temperature at SUBASE.
Some Philadelphia Sailors were proud to make history on their first deployment.
"It's great to be back from my first deployment. It was a great adventure. We had a job to do, and we did it, and we excelled. I remember when it went out over the 1MC that we were making our 1,000th dive, everyone was excited," said Sonar Technician (Submarine) (SS) Charles Coyle.
Coyle now has his own mission of bringing that pride back to the sub's namesake city.
"I'm proud of what we've done, and I'm proud to be back and look forward to going to my hometown of Philadelphia," said Coyle.
That kind of pride helped Philadelphia earn a Golden Anchor award while on this deployment. The Golden Anchor is only given to commands with superior retention rates.
Now that Philadelphia is back home at SUBASE, the crew will have some time to rest and be with their families.
Culinary Specialist 3rd Class (SS) T'Challa Duhart said, "It feels good to be home after completing our mission. I'm going to go to sleep, and then spend some time with my wife and my kids."
For related news, visit the Commander Navy Region Northeast Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cnrne. ~~~ http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11510
