Military

USS Jarret Returns Home

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070912-42
Release Date: 9/12/2007 8:39:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Bernard Cantollas, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Jarret (FFG 33) returned home to Naval Station San Diego on Sept. 11, after a five-month deployment supporting multinational training with armed forces from Asia.

During deployment, Jarret took part in the 13th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise, which began in early May. The focus of the exercise was to build strong relationships between the armed forces of Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

CARAT training consisted of maritime interdiction and surveillance; visit, board, search and seizure operations; amphibious operations and force protection. The joint training offered hands-on applications in real-time scenarios.

“We got to do a lot of hands-on training with the other armed forces of Asia, which I felt strengthened our relationships,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Josh Lane.

For many of the families waiting at Pier 4, it was a joyous occasion even considering that the ship’s arrival coincides with the six-year anniversary of the attacks to the World Trade Center in New York and to the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

“It’s been four years since I last saw my son,” said Lane's father. “So this is a real treat and surprise for me and my wife to see him. We are very proud of his service to his country.”

Signs and banners flew in the wind as Jarret Sailors made their way from the ship onto the pier where they were greeted with flowers, hugs and kisses from thankful family members and friends.

“I’m happy today knowing my husband does his part for his country,” said one family member. “I’m very proud of him.”