USS Greeneville Returns from Navy's First ESG Deployment
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS040302-06
Release Date: 3/2/2004 1:46:00 PM
From Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- USS Greeneville (SSN 772) returned to its homeport of Pearl Harbor Feb. 27, following six months at sea with the Navy's first Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).
According to Greeneville Commanding Officer Cmdr. Lee Hankins, the crew performed flawlessly. "This was a successful deployment. We were the first submarine to do an ESG deployment. We also conducted a forward-deployed exercise with the Advanced Seal Delivery System. Everything went very well. The crew was superb, and the family support we received was top-notch," said Hankins.
During the deployment, Sonar Technician (SS) 3rd Class Eric Boyd had a chance to further his naval career in the six months since he left Naval Station Pearl Harbor. "This was my first deployment, so I had the chance to finish getting my submarine qualifications. Overall it was good, and I had a great time."
Chief Electronics Technician Mark Wachter, navigation department leading chief petty officer, agreed with Boyd. "The deployment was excellent. There was a lot of maturing of the crew, but we are glad to be home with our families," he said.
The seven ships of ESG 1 are returning home following a six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.
The strike group is centered on flagship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), and combines the Navy Amphibious Squadron and Marine Expeditionary Unit with the proven strike, anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities of a cruiser, a destroyer, a frigate and the Los Angeles-class attack submarine Greeneville.
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