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Davis Returns to Homeport after Six-Month Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070614-01
Release Date: 6/14/2007 7:17:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Douglas G. Morrison, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Northwest Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) and its crew returned to Everett from a six-month counter-narcotics operations deployment in the Eastern Pacific, June 12.

While on deployment the guided-missile frigate conducted four port visits to Panama, a mid-deployment maintenance availability in Mayport, Fla., and played a part in confiscating approximately $2 billion retail-value worth of cocaine from illegal smugglers.

Eager to meet loved ones, dozens of friends and family members stood on the pier cheering as the ship moored pier side.

“If I were to put my excitement on a scale of one to 10, I’d give it a 100,” said Enginemen 3rd Class Joshua Dibble's wife. “The last time he saw his daughter she was 10 months old and now she is walking and talking. It is going to be so great once he gets off to meet us.”

Some family members on the pier had special privileges arranged and were able to meet their loved ones before anyone else.

“I’m so excited I can’t even think,” said a lucky wife who won a raffle that allowed her to receive the first kiss of the homecoming celebration. Upon receiving the long awaited kiss the crowd cheered as her husband jokingly handcuffed himself to her.

Also with front of the line privileges the wife of Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Matt Singleton nervously waiting to introduce two-month old son to his Dad for the first time.

“I am so excited -- every e-mail is about Jack,” said Singleton's wife. “We sent him pictures but I don’t think the package got to him in time so this will be his first time ever seeing him. Our other two children are also excited. I told them last Sunday we were going to pick him up so every day since they’ve woke up asking if they get to pick up daddy today.”

Many Sailors on board said they enjoyed the deployment and were glad to have had the chance to experience Panama for the first time.

“I went on a tour of the city and learned a lot,” said Storekeeper 2nd Class Doug Pimentel. “We also went on a canoe trip that took us back to see some of the local tribes.”

Seaman Michael Vides also said he enjoyed the port visits.

“I think our Morale, Welfare and Recreation sponsored trips were outstanding,” said Vides. “They did really well. I enjoyed myself.”