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USS Connecticut Returns From Historic Deployment
Story Number: NNS040909-07
Release Date: 9/9/2004 1:50:00 PM
From Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- With Thin Lizzy's "The Boys are Back in Town," blasting through a pair of loudspeakers, USS Connecticut (SSN 22) pulled into Naval Submarine Base New London Sept. 2 after completing a nearly six-month deployment.
As the submarine made its transit up the Thames River, hundreds of family members and friends, flanked by Sailors from the Basic Enlisted Submarine School, gathered at Lower Base, eagerly awaiting their Sailors' arrival.
This deployment was truly an historic one. This was the first time an Atlantic Coast submarine deployed as part of the Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) concept.
As an integral part of the USS Wasp (LHD 1) ESG, Connecticut provided never-before-seen connectivity between itself and this expeditionary strike group.
Centering on the flexibility and readiness of a combined expeditionary unit and an amphibious readiness group, the total ESG provided operational freedom and expanded warfare capabilities, not only by land with embarked Marines, but by sea, as well.
In addition to being a member of the ESG, Connecticut is the first Seawolf-class SSN to moor outboard of a surface ship while forward deployed.
While Connecticut had a lot to brag about it upon its return, the homecoming was really about families reconnecting with loved ones.
Melissa May, wife of Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SS) Gregory May, said that despite the hardships faced during her husband's second deployment in five years, she had a great support system.
"The Family Support Group has been great," she said. "We did a lot of activities to keep busy while they (the Connecticut crew) were gone. It's (the deployment) been good."
Ecstatic families filled the pier, waiting to hug, hold, kiss and welcome their Sailors home. The Vandevander family was one. Stephanie Vandevander, wife of Chief Electronics Technician (sel.) (SS) Douglas Vandevander, had their three children decked out in shirts sporting their father's photo, as well as tailored covers that were half Dixie cup and half khaki garrison cover.
"Their father was selected for chief while he was deployed," said Stephanie. "Since he hasn't actually been pinned yet, the kids are wearing the half-and-half hats, to symbolize the transition (from E-6 to chief)."
She added that her husband is set to transfer to shore duty soon, another thing they all look forward to.
"This was our second deployment in two years," said Stephanie. "He will be transferring to Newport, R.I., soon, and having him home will be nice for a change."
While Connecticut will see its veteran Sailors depart the submarine for other commands and opportunities, some crew members will be around for its next deployment.
Machinist's Mate 3rd Class (SS) Thomas Marino, who said he will be aboard until 2007, noted his very first deployment was everything he expected and more.
"This deployment was all about the mission," he said. "Even though we had a lot of operational time, the crew was very self-supportive. The unity was great and we had a lot fun. I learned a lot, took on a lot of responsibility, took advantage of opportunities and got to see the world. It was great."
For related news, visit the Commander, Navy Region Northeast Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cnrne.
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USS Connecticut to Return Home - 9/1/2004
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