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Ships Returning to Pearl Harbor

Navy NewStand

Story Number: NNS030414-07
Release Date: 4/14/2003 2:12:00 PM

By Chief Journalist (SW) Tim Paynter, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Following images of liberated Iraqis in Baghdad April 9, news quickly broke that the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Battle Group was relieved by the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Battle Group, and the ships of the Lincoln Battle Group were headed home after one of the longest naval deployments since the Vietnam War.

Great news for hundreds of Pearl Harbor families with parents and spouses stationed aboard USS Reuben James (FFG 57) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60); two Pearl Harbor-based ships sailing with the Lincoln Battle Group and scheduled to return to home port in the coming weeks.

"This has been a long time coming," exclaimed Michelle Cloud, the Reuben James' ombudsman. When the country first caught wind of the battle group's return, many families breathed a sigh of relief. "It was absolutely incredible! Thursday morning, I woke up and had 15 e-mails and six phone calls -- and it wasn't from just families on-island but friends and families in the mainland that heard the news," Cloud added.

The two ships departed Pearl Harbor Aug. 2, 2002, and have conducted one of the longest deployments since the Vietnam War.

"This has been a really long deployment, and they've done a great job, and a lot of families are just waiting to welcome them home," said Donna Holder, ombudsman for Paul Hamilton.

The lengthy deployment makes these homecomings even more exciting for the families. Both ships have a "first kiss" planned and a total of at least 11 new fathers who will get to see their newborn babies for the first time.

"The Pacific Fleet Band is scheduled to play, and we have hula dancers and a giant lei for the ship," Cloud added.

Although the global war on terrorism pushes ahead and work in Iraq continues, these families are glad to have their Sailors home safe and are proud of the job they've done.

"It's also bittersweet," Cloud added. "There are still so many men and women deployed over there. We need to keep them in our prayers."