Friends and family members watch as USS Nashville returns to Naval Station Norfolk following a three-month surge deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Gregory A Roberts
Posted on 08/29/2005 6:00:24 PM PDT by SandRat
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va., Aug. 29, 2005 – USS Saipan, USS Nashville and USS Nicholas returned to Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 25 from a three-month “surge” deployment.
The ships surged May 25 under the Navy’s Fleet Response Plan. The Navy developed FRP to find new ways of operating, training, manning and maintaining the fleet so as to improve combat power and readiness, particularly in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
Unlike most ships, these three deployed with less than two months to prepare, but the sailors on board understood why, said Vice Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, Commander U.S. 2nd Fleet, at the time of the deployment.
“Our sailors all understand that the mission requirements they're meeting are very important to fighting the global war on terror,” he said.
Both the sailors aboard and the families on the piers were excited for the ships’ arrival.
“I’m very excited right now. My wife is here," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Josue Jaramillo, a sailor aboard Nicholas. "It’s good to be back."
“It’s exciting,” said Seaman Apprentice Brandon Bedwell, a Nicholas Sailor. “I get to see my girl, my family. It’s wonderful.”
Those involved thought the surge deployment was a success.
“The Fleet Response Plan works,” said Capt. Richard Fitzpatrick, commanding officer of Saipan. "We’re trying to stay ready.”
While underway, the ships participated in a number of exercises in support of the global war on terrorism. Saipan, along with the embarked staff of Commander, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 2, participated in Exercise Adriatic Engagement with forces from the Mediterranean.
Nashville, along with embarked COMPHIBRON 2, Capt. Donna M. Looney, participated in Exercise Barbary Thunder II, a joint exercise focusing on maritime interdiction operations.
Two other ships that deployed in May, the Naval Station Mayport, Fla.,-based USS Philippine Sea and Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va.,-based USS Gunston Hall, remain deployed and will return to their respective homeports at a later date.
NAVY COMES HOME!!!!
I know him. And I got a picture of him and his wife during the *Welcome Home*. Um, I guess I should upload all the pictures from the *Welcome Home*. That might be nice, huh? LOL!
Welcome Home Nicholas, Saipan, and Nashville!!
Well, yeah!!!!!!! We want pictures!!! What a slacker! :o)
I concurr with LUV W, we want photos.
The Sailor just informed me that one of the packages sent by the Canteen/Proud Patriots was to him. Wait to go folks!!
Ma-->Remember the bucket of gum you sent??? The Sailor promises to tell you what Bedwell did with it. LOL!
These three month "surge" deployements make it a lot tougher for the female sailors to get knocked up in advance and get out of shipping out.
I am reminded of the wonderfull joke we used to tell the married guys when we were returning from a deployment. "You're coming back to your wife the same way you left her; freshly ....."
The USS Nicholas doesn't have any females serving onboard.
Welcome Home USS Saipan, USS Nashville, and USS Nicholas!!
Welcome Home, Heroes!!
USS Nicholas, USS Saipan, USS Nashville!!
I like that Hat!
LOL! Me too.
Yeah - what's up with thos pictures???
My comment was directed towards the new policy of "surge" deployments.
BTT!!!!!!!
BTTT!!!!!!
BTTT!!!!!!
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