The Source for Navy News
Miami Returns From Deployment
Story Number: NNS040220-02
Release Date: 2/20/2004 8:22:00 AM
By Journalist 1st Class (SW/AW) Mark A. Savage, Commander, Navy Region Northeast
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Miami (SSN 755) returned to Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London Feb. 12, following a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and U.S. Central Command's Area of Responsibility.
After departing SUBASE Aug. 12, Miami steamed more than 34,000 miles, participated in 14 bilateral and multilateral exercises, operated with forces from different countries and enjoyed port visits to France, Italy, Turkey, Spain and Bahrain.
"We had an exciting deployment," said Cmdr. Joseph B. Wiegand, Miami's commanding officer. "It was very enjoyable, and the crew did a fantastic job. They're a seasoned group of warriors now, and even on our way back, we continued work-ups for our next deployment. I'm proud of my crew, what they've done and what they were able to achieve."
During their port visits, Wiegand had an opportunity to meet with flag officers of foreign navies and enhance the relationships between the United States and its European allies. The crew also used the time in port to relax and see some new sights.
"I saw a lot of nice things in Turkey, toured some castles in France and brought home a lot of nice pictures," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SS) Christian Zenker, Miami's leading torpedoman. "I also saw some of my friends in Bahrain who were stationed here in Groton with me. It was good to see them again."
While underway, Zenker also learned he and his wife Jennifer would be granted the traditional first kiss upon returning to Groton.
"I got to be the first kiss because I bought some raffle tickets," said Jennifer. "I was very surprised. I couldn't believe I'd won, because I didn't buy that many tickets."
While Jennifer waited to give her husband the first kiss, other wives waited to present to their husbands the newest members of their families.
"I was 37 weeks pregnant when my husband left," said Sara Wertz, wife of Lt. William Wertz, Miami's navigator. "I thought he was supposed to come home right after the baby was born, but he didn't get to return. Colin is five months now, and I'm very excited to have my husband home. He's never babysat before, but he'll be a great dad."
Colin was one of five babies born to four families of Miami crew members during the deployment. Like the new fathers waiting to get to know their new children for the first time, many veteran fathers were also excited about getting reacquainted with their children, whom they had to say goodbye to six months earlier.
"I missed my children very much, so it'll be good to see them," said Zenker. "I just want to sit at home and listen to them tell me everything that has happened in the last six months, which will be fun because they'll all tell me at the same time. It'll be kind of fun to decipher through all of that."
He'll have plenty of time for that, as he and the rest of Miami's crew, except for duty sections, will enjoy an end-of-deployment stand down period to relax and get reacquainted with their families and friends.
For related news, visit the Commander, Navy Region Northeast Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cnrne.
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