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USS Michigan Gold Crew Returns Home Following 7th Fleet Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101122-09
11/22/2010

By Lt. Ed Early, Commander, Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs

BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors from the Gold Crew of the guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727) returned to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor Nov. 20, after a three-month deployment, receiving a warm welcome from families and friends.

A welcome-home event at Bangor Plaza marked the final leg of the Gold Crew's long journey. Earlier in the day, the Gold Crew arrived at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., after a flight from Guam, where it recently conducted a crew turnover with Michigan's Blue Crew.

"It's just absolute relief to be back," said Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Kyle Peterson. "The challenge of serving your country so far from home is difficult, but the reward of coming home to your family makes all of this absolutely worth it."

Rear Adm. Bob Hennegan, commander, Submarine Group 9, and Capt. Dennis Carpenter, commander, Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 19, were on hand to greet Gold Crew Sailors and their families.

During its three-month deployment, which began Aug. 17, Michigan's Gold Crew conducted operations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

In addition, Michigan made a September port visit to Yokosuka, Japan.

"My crew did an outstanding job out there, and now we're glad to be back," said Capt. Phil McLaughlin, Gold Crew commanding officer.

Gold Crew families put together a "welcome home" event at a Bangor Plaza restaurant, featuring refreshments for all attendees and entertainment for younger family members as they waited for their Sailors to return.

"This is my husband's first deployment – I can't wait for him to be home," said Sarah Gibbens, wife of Electronics Technician Seaman Joshua Gibbens.

The deployment was the second for Michigan since its conversion from a Trident ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to a guided-missile submarine (SSGN) in 2007. Michigan, USS Ohio (SSGN 726), USS Florida (SSGN 728) and USS Georgia (SSGN 729) made history in June when all four SSGNs were deployed simultaneously.