USS Wyoming Crew Visits Namesake State
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090726-03
Release Date: 7/26/2009 8:45:00 AM
By Commander, Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs
Kings Bay, Ga. (NNS) -- Crew members of USS Wyoming (SSBN 742)(Gold) conducted a namesake visit to the State of Wyoming July 16-24.
Cmdr. Diego Hernandez, who will become the commanding officer of Wyoming (Gold) in a change of command ceremony on August 7, joined six other crew members in a number of special events.
On Friday, the Sailors met with Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen and Governor Dave Freudenthal, they also enjoyed a welcome luncheon arranged by the Chamber of Commerce at Frontier Park. The crew made a stop at The Wrangler, a western-style clothing store and Cheyenne landmark since 1892.
On Saturday, the Wyoming Sailors were joined by crew members of USS Cheyenne to participate in Frontier Day, the world's largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration.
Both crews marched in the Grande Parade, attended the rodeo and enjoyed a bar-b-que dinner at the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 1881.
"This has been a trip like no other," said Hernandez. "The support we feel is amazing. I am absolutely overwhelmed by the support and patriotism of the people of Cheyenne."
The crew also traveled to Casper. Where, they visited the USS Barbel memorial; Barbel is one of the 52 lost submarines from World War II. The submarine service suffered the largest loss rate among the armed forces during the war; in recognition each state was assigned a submarine for an official monument (California and New York were assigned two each). The crew also traveled to Buffalo to visit with the residents of the Veterans' Home of Wyoming.
"You always hear about southern hospitality, but what we experienced here has been tremendous. They truly appreciate what we do and that makes it all worth while," said Kelly.
USS Wyoming is homeported in Kings Bay, Ga. It is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel to bear the state's name and was commissioned at Groton, Conn., on July 13, 1996.
For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg10/.
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