Aloha 'Connie'
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS030603-10
Release Date: 6/3/2003 9:25:00 AM
By Equipment Operator 1st Class (SCW/AW) Kevin Cullen, Navy Region Hawaii
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- USS Constellation (CV 64) sailed out of Pearl Harbor May 27 for her homeport in San Diego, marking the last leg of an incredible journey that has spanned over 41 years. Not only will 'Connie' be going home after serving on her 21st overseas deployment, which included Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), but she'll be going home for good. Sadly, 'America's Flagship' is scheduled for decommissioning in August of this year.
Lt. j.g. Eric Harrington is the maintenance officer for aviation fuels aboard Constellation and has served aboard for the past three years. In the wake of her successful and final deployment, Harrington reflected on Connie's most recent accomplishments. "You couldn't have scripted a more appropriate ending. It's something I'll never forget for the rest of my life," he said.
Connie's crew of more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines played an integral part in the execution of the war against Iraq, flying over 3,200 hours of combat missions during OIF. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 deployed 1,775,397 pounds of ordnance during its tour on station, which included 80 days in the Arabian Gulf, without stopping.
"I think everyone understood what we were doing, so when we were told that we'd be extending our cruise by a month, no one said a word," said Harrington.
"I never thought I'd be going to war on my first deployment," said Airman Chris Soce. "It was pretty rough being out as long as we were, but it was a good experience, too," he said.
Connie's final visit to Pearl Harbor offered its crew some liberty, while saying 'aloha' to the island for the last time. According to local newspapers, the carrier battle group personnel (which included the Connie and several support vessels), spent more than $10 million during their five-day port visit to the island. Over 800 family members of the ship's crew, affectionately known as 'Tigers,' were also brought aboard to accompany the ship on its final voyage home to San Diego. The Tigers will enjoy a week of entertainment that will include tours of the ship, talent contests and an air show.
Approximately 1,500 Connie crew members will rotate off the ship in July in preparation for her decommissioning Aug. 7. A skeleton crew will sail her to Bremerton, Wash., where Connie will close the last chapter for the history books. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) will be commissioned July 12 and is poised to replace the Connie with its 'latest and greatest' naval weapons platform and aircraft.
As she sailed past the USS Arizona Memorial with her Sailors manning the rails for the last time, Constellation is yet another reminder of our proud naval heritage. Like those who sailed before her, and for all that remain on watch both on the water and below the surface, Connie's memory will be cherished - aloha.
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