USS Carl Vinson Arrives in Norfolk (WELCOME HOME! Have tissues ready)

Navy NewsStand ^ | Aug 8, 2005 | Journalist Seaman Davis J. Anderson

[SandRat]

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrived at its new homeport of Naval Station Norfolk July 31, after completing a seven-month trip around the world.

Carl Vinson Sailors embarked on a journey that took them from their Naval Station Bremerton, Wash., homeport into the Persian Gulf for a four-month deployment, then to their new home at Naval Station Norfolk. Carl Vinson’s arrival in Norfolk accomplished the final leg of a homeport shift to Norfolk for a scheduled 36-month Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH).

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have the Vinson here,” said Capt. Lloyd Pyle, commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk. “We’re delighted to have a team of warriors back.”

The Sailors aboard the ship were noticeably enthusiastic about their arrival in Norfolk.

“I’m stoked. I’m so excited,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Samuel LoGiudice.

Carl Vinson and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 launched more than 6,500 sorties, totaling more than 20,000 flight hours, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and maritime interdiction operations since relieving the Naval Station Norfolk-based USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) March 19.

The ship will spend nearly two thirds of the RCOH in dry dock to accomplish planned repairs. This period will also be used to install the latest technologies in computer software, combat systems, propulsion controls and aviation support.

The RCOH is scheduled to begin in November.

For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.

[SandRat]

050731-N-8720O-201 Norfolk, Va. (July 31, 2005) – Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Lawrence Drennen shares a first hug with his children at pier 14 on board Naval Station Norfolk, during homecoming celebrations for the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). USS Carl Vinson is completing a deployment to the Persian Gulf and a homeport shift from Naval Station Bremerton, at Naval Base Kitsap, Wash., to Norfolk, Va., where she is scheduled to undergo a 36-month Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at the Northrop Grumman Newport News Ship Yard. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Christopher Okula (RELEASED)

WELCOME HOME - U.S. Navy Lt. Brian Masterson embraces his 3-month old son at pier 14 on board Naval Station Norfolk during homecoming celebrations for the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in Viriginia, July 31, 2005. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Arlo K Abrahamson

[SandRat]

ping

[StarCMC]

Now to see the USS Nicholas safely home. :o)

[SandRat]

Prayers

O eternal Lord, God, you alone spread out the heavens and rule the raging sea. Take into your most gracious protection our country's Navy and all who serve therein. Preserve them from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy, that they may be a safeguard unto the United States of America, and a security for such as sail upon the seas in peaceful and lawful missions. In serving you, O Lord, may our Sailors serve their country; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

[StarCMC]

Now THAT deserved a hanky alert, too. *sniff*

[SoCalPol]

Most of the air wing on board the Vinson is based in
San Diego. They came home the other day.

[MoJo2001]

When we lived in Washington, the USS Carl Vinson was homeported in Bremerton.

There's nothing like seeing an aircraft carrier with Sailors manning the rails. It is a sight to behold!!

Welcome Home Carl Vinson!! See you in the Tunnel!! If you're new to the area, drive fast. Don't gawk at going under the Chesapeake Bay. We'll run ya over if ya do. Just kidding--sort of. Hehe!

[Marine_Uncle]

"... In serving you, O Lord, may our Sailors serve their country; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."

Amen to that. And I sure do hope those sailors and Marines on the USS Carl Vinson shall fully enjoy their return to our blessed shores.

[marmar]

I am glad they are home, I am so happy I am home. I was driving for US Joint Forces Command for the last 5 months and the roads around Norfolk are awful. When the ships dock they get more crowded. There is that great parking lot they call I-64.......I will never complain about traffic in PX.The prayer was beautiful....

[Crapgame]

The last time the Vinson left Alameda, Ca. (my home town) I was there to see her off. Took a lot of pictures of her from the breakwater, slowly steaming off under the Bay Bridge, headed for the Pacific. Every time I go home I still drive around the old Alameda NAS. It brings a tear to my eye to see the dilapidation, sure there is a lot of industry cropping up on the base but the majority of it is being over run with weeds. The Sailors and Marines never would have allowed that to happen...

[TASMANIANRED]

Amen.

[FourPeas]

Very cool.

[BlueNgold]

May God have mercy on the barmaids of Virginia Beach!

[Valin]

I'm sure the sailors are looking forward to some deep philosophical discussions about neo Hegalianism.

[Calpernia]

Carl Vinson Sailors embarked on a journey that took them from their Naval Station Bremerton, Wash., homeport into the Persian Gulf for a four-month deployment, then to their new home at Naval Station Norfolk. Carl Vinson’s arrival in Norfolk accomplished the final leg of a homeport shift to Norfolk for a scheduled 36-month Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH).

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!

[blackie]

USS Carl Vinson Arrives in Norfolk ~ Go Navy ~ Bump!

[v1hebrews11]

That's my sweetie and two of our children in the first picture! I am so proud of him and so grateful that he is home safely with us again.

[SandRat]

Congratulations on being a whole family; all together again. Service wives are very special. They deserve all the support and praise that they can get.