Last Groton-Based Submarines Return Home After OIF Deployments, Combat
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS030813-02
Release Date: 8/13/2003 8:41:00 AM
By Journalist Seaman Woody Paschall, Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarines USS Providence (SSN 719) and USS Augusta (SSN 710) returned to Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) this week to the waiting arms of family and friends.
The faces of those family and friends were welcome sights to the Sailors, but it was the faces not seen before that were the most precious of all.
Chief Fire Control Technician (SS) Pete Keller, a Providence Sailor, had only seen photographs and video of his four-month-old daughter before the homecoming, and held her for the first time Aug. 9.
"I'm just overjoyed to be here. It has been a long six months, and I'm glad to be home," he said.
His wife, Sarah, admitted she was looking forward to her husband spending some time with their daughter now that he was home.
"Tonight I'm going to share him, have dinner and let him get his 12 hours of sleep, but tomorrow, I'm going to hand her to him, then I'm going out for a couple of hours," she joked.
This separation, like all deployments, was difficult, but Sarah said that her friends at SUBASE and from as far away as Great Lakes - as well as the chaplains, visiting nurses, and new parents' support services - helped her through the final months of pregnancy and the first few as a new mother. "I have lots of Navy friends!"
"I really, really hoped for him to be here for our first born. It's hard, but that's what we signed up for. The mission comes first," said Keller.
Providence and Augusta departed SUBASE in February and deployed across the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean and Red Seas. While underway, the submarines launched Tomahawk missiles in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The submarine force accounted for nearly one-third of Tomahawk missiles launched during the war. The two submarines were the final two of five Groton-based submarines to return from the conflict.
The joys of being home were not isolated to Providence. When Augusta tied to the pier and the first Sailor came ashore, his wife welcomed him home with the "first kiss."
"The best part about being home is that I'm back with my family," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SS) Todd Estes.
Sailors from both ships can agree with that sentiment, but the stress of the war was probably worse on the families than on the Sailors.
Sonar Technician (Submarine) 3rd Class (SS) Nathaniel Holley, an Augusta Sailor, thinks that the constant training during underway periods makes submarines a safe environment and extraordinary events routine.
"The fact that we do train so much ensures that we do every thing by-the-book," he said. "It's vigourous. We train every day underway.You've got to know the whole (boat), that way when something happens, you can deal with it."
That "can-do" attitude was prevalent when Providence Sailors responded to a call for help from La Maddelena, Italy. A brush fire erupted and began moving toward Naval Support Activity La Maddalena and USS Emory. S. Land (AS 39) when firefighters from the activity, Sailors from Emory S. Land and submariners from Providence took measures to combat and ultimately halt the advancing flames.
It was an eventful deployment for both submarines, and Cmdr. Mike A. Haumer, commanding officer of Augusta, was happy the Sailors were able to enjoy the reunions while keeping in mind the people and missions still ongoing.
"We're happy that every one made it home safe, and hope that everyone who is still in harm's way makes it home safe, as well," he said.
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