USS O'Kane Deploys
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050210-09
Release Date: 2/10/2005 3:03:00 PM
By Journalist 3rd Class Ryan C. McGinley, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) left Pearl Harbor Feb. 7 for a six-month, around-the-world deployment as part of the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Carrier Strike Group.
More than 350 officers and Sailors said goodbye to family and friends, deploying to support the nation's cooperative security commitments to friends and allies overseas, and promote peace and stability wherever it is needed.
"I look forward to every deployment, because it's fun and filled with experience," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Arthur Saodna. "Our goal for the deployment is to do well and make sure everyone comes back safely."
This is Saodna's first deployment aboard O'Kane, and he said this one is especially difficult because his wife just gave birth to a new baby girl.
"It's hard leaving your family, but the best part is coming home to see them," he said.
Electronics Technician 3rd Class Christopher Reinke agreed the deployment would be challenging, because he is now married and experiencing being separated from his wife for the first time.
"I'm looking forward to this deployment, but I'm married now, so this one is going to be harder than the first one," he said. "Leaving is definitely tough, but this is why I joined the Navy."
The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at Pearl Harbor realizes the difficulties associated with deployments and offers support to families who are separated.
"While the active-duty member is deployed, the FFSC encourages family members to communicate regularly with the Sailor (letters, phone calls, pictures, tape recording, videotapes, etc.), and attend family support group meetings and command functions," said Verdi Fujimori, work and family life supervisor for FFSC. "As the ships approach the end of the deployment, the FFSC is also available to provide classes to the Sailors, such as anger management, building a loving relationship, new parents' baby shower, returning to children and stress management."
Reinke said he hopes to take advantage of the opportunity by keeping busy with his job and earning qualifications.
"I hope to get surface warfare qualified while on deployment, and take college courses to further my knowledge," he said.
O'Kane last deployed Jan. 17, 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and contingency operations. That deployment incorporated numerous taskings, including operations with coalition forces supporting the global war on terrorism, high value shipping escorts, Tomahawk cruise missile tasking, ballistic missile defense duties and patrol of Iraqi territorial waters.
Carl Vinson left San Diego Feb. 1 to begin an around-the-world deployment. The strike group is comprised of Carrier Air Wing 9, Destroyer Squadron 31, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), the guided-missile destroyers USS O'Kane (DDG 77) and USS Mustin (DDG 89), the fast-attack submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717), and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Det. 9.
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