Carrier Roosevelt expected to return in early June
By JACK DORSEY, The Virginian-Pilot
© April 28, 2003
Last updated: 6:30 PM
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| TalkNet: Roosevelt message board / Ship profile Background: Truman will make it home first |
Although an official Navy announcement has not been made, families and crew members were told of homecoming plans over the weekend. That ended a week of uncertainty during which families were concerned that the Roosevelt would have to remain at sea into the summer and possible even the fall.
The early-June return would have the Roosevelt and its crew of 5,000 home after a five-month deployment that began on Jan. 6. However, some of the carrier's 11-ship battle group may not be returning until later.
The 12-ship Truman battle group, also based in Norfolk, is expected back just before Memorial Day weekend -- two weeks ahead of the Roosevelt.
The good news for Roosevelt crew and family members was being tempered with word that not all of its accompanying ships would steam home together. Navy officials warned families that some of the battle group's surface ships and submarines, particularly those capable of firing Tomahawk cruise missiles, might stay deployed until July.
Those ships are needed to maintain a Tomahawk presence in case they are again needed for Operation Iraqi Freedom, said one official who spoke only on condition of anonymity.
``There are a lot of proposals out there, concerning which ships go where and we don't want to give up future operations,'' he said.
Reach Jack Dorsey at jdorsey@pilotonline.com or 446-2284.
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