USS HELENA (SSN 725) returns from deployment, earns Battle "E" and Supply Blue "E"
COMSUBPAC Release
Release Date: 1/23/2004 12:43:00 PM
By COMSUBPAC REP WEST COAST Public Affairs Office
NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA --Following a successful six-month deployment in the Seventh Fleet area of operations, USS HELENA (SSN 725) returned home to San Diego in mid-December in time to spend the holidays with their families. Upon their return, HELENA was awarded the 2003 Commander, Submarine Squadron Eleven Battle Efficiency "E" and Supply Blue "E."
The Battle "E" is awarded annually to the submarine that exhibits the highest state of departmental readiness in their group to carry out their wartime tasks. A submarine's performance during weapons inspections, training exercises, tactical readiness examinations, operational performance and overall readiness all contribute to the award.
While on deployment, HELENA participated in various exercises with U.S. assets and allied countries, including a multi-national exercise with Australia. In addition to its numerous operating commitments HELENA was able to enjoy port visits in South Korea, Japan, Australia, Guam and Saipan.
"The deployment was an enormous success, thanks to the fantastic job of the entire crew," said HELENA's Engineer, Lt. Cmdr. Trent Hesslink. "We were able to meet all of our operational commitments and get in some quality liberty along the way. It was an especially big morale boost to get the elusive port of Brisbane (Australia)." Storekeeper Seaman, Deon Brown added, "Brisbane was the highlight of WESTPAC, I've never had so much fun in my life."
One of the high points of the deployment occurred on the Sunday prior to boat's return to San Diego when HELENA received word that Saddam Hussein had been captured. "It was surreal, no one really registered the magnitude of the event until much later," said Machinist's Mate First Class Timothy Ostrow. "While we were not directly involved in Operation Enduring Freedom, we certainly felt its affects everywhere we went, so it is a huge relief knowing that we are at least one step closer to victory," he added. Ostrow is an Engineering Laboratory Technician on HELENA.
As the day of return approached, the crew's anticipation of reuniting with family and friends was almost palpable. Navigation Electronics Technician Third Class Petty Officer Nic Walker exclaimed, "I'm really excited to see my wife, I've been thinking about this moment for the past two months. I can't believe that the moment is finally here!"
Lt. Cmdr. Dan Robertson, HELENA's Executive Officer, was especially pleased at the ship's ability to remain upbeat and positive throughout the deployment. He was very satisfied with the advancement in rank of numerous HELENA sailors. "It was a good deployment that culminated with a great homecoming. "
HELENA's wives humorously displayed their approval of their husbands' return with a series of signs along Sylvester Road departing the base. The signs read, "WELCOME HOME . . . USS HELENA SAILORS . . . YOUR . . . WIVES . . . STAND . . . RELIEVED!"
The Supply Blue "E" is awarded to the Squadron submarine that has the most outstanding Supply Department. According to Lt. Cameron Rogers, Squadron Eleven's Supply Officer, the Supply Department of HELENA, which includes Storekeeper's, Culinary Specialist's and a Supply Officer, maintained an impressive department throughout the year. "The boat had a major supply inspection early in the year and performed tremendously scoring an above average," Rogers explained. "They were also able to maintain their high standards throughout the year."
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