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USS Philadelphia Returns From Historic Deployment

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040122-04

Release Date: 1/22/2004 10:56:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman Tim Prunyi, Commander, Navy Region Northeast Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) returned to Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) Jan. 18 after completing a seven-month deployment.

Philadelphia departed SUBASE June 18, in support of the global war on terrorism.

Families and friends waited outside in heavy snow to welcome the returning Submariners. They huddled under tarps until someone spotted Philadelphia, and everyone ran out to the water to greet their loved ones.

The weather may have prompted many to bring umbrellas, but the snow did not dampen the spirits of the families who had come to welcome their Sailors home.

"Today is such a happy day. I'm so excited he's home. I would come here in a blizzard or rainstorm," said Kimberly Meier, wife of Lt. j.g. Joseph Meier.

The families were so excited to see their Sailors that one traditional first kiss was not enough. The Philadelphia Family Support Group allowed five "first kisses."

Philadelphia Ombudsman Robin Wright said, "We wanted to be fair and give everyone a chance to have their own special moment."

This deployment was a historic one. The Philadelphia became the first Los Angeles-class submarine to complete 1,000 dives. Philadelphia achieved this important milestone Dec. 4, during normal operations. The dive took place on the equator in sunny 85-degree weather, in stark contrast to the temperature at SUBASE.

Some Philadelphia Sailors were proud to make history on their first deployment.

"It's great to be back from my first deployment. It was a great adventure. We had a job to do, and we did it, and we excelled. I remember when it went out over the 1MC that we were making our 1,000th dive, everyone was excited," said Sonar Technician (Submarine) (SS) Charles Coyle.

Coyle now has his own mission of bringing that pride back to the sub's namesake city.

"I'm proud of what we've done, and I'm proud to be back and look forward to going to my hometown of Philadelphia," said Coyle.

That kind of pride helped Philadelphia earn a Golden Anchor award while on this deployment. The Golden Anchor is only given to commands with superior retention rates.

Now that Philadelphia is back home at SUBASE, the crew will have some time to rest and be with their families.

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class (SS) T'Challa Duhart said, "It feels good to be home after completing our mission. I'm going to go to sleep, and then spend some time with my wife and my kids."