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O'Kane and Paul Hamilton Returns From Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070823-15
Release Date: 8/23/2007 3:09:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (AW) Eric J. Cutright, Fleet Public Affairs Det. Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Arleigh Burke-Class guided missile destroyers USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) and USS O'Kane (DDG 70) returned home Aug. 20 from a seven-month deployment with USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) carrier group to the Persian Gulf.

Both ships deployed Jan. 26, to conduct Maritime Security Operations with the Navy's 5th and 7th Fleets in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and Combined Joint Task Force around the Horn of Africa.

"I thought that we would never be coming back when we left because seven months seemed like such a long time, but we got out there and did the work that we had to do and I realized how important it is that we do this and that our presence is everywhere," stated Cryptologic Technician Seaman Jessica Staples of Aurora, Colo., as she disembarked O'Kane coming off her first deployment.

The commanding officers of both ships made many positive remarks on their respective crews as they both discussed the overall success of their deployments.

"The ship performed great. The crew did a tremendous job throughout and we did everything there is to do in surface warfare," stated Cmdr. Tom Druggan, commanding officer of O'Kane.

In addition to producing 15 new chiefs, and over 150 enlisted surface warfare specialist as well as turning polliwogs into shellbacks, both ships conducted multiple community relations missions while on deployment, which involved helping foreign communities to develop and to grow, as well as extending goodwill to people around the globe.

"The Paul Hamilton's crew was tremendous ambassadors for not only Paul Hamilton and the Navy, but also the United States," said Cmdr. Chris Bushnell, commanding officer of Paul Hamilton.

Hundreds of people, including family and friends, awaited the two ships to pull into the pier. Along with those awaiting their loved ones were several entertainers, performing local music and hula dancing. Food catering was also provided for the anxious crowd.