Bangor gets a new ship on the block
COMSUBPAC Release
Release Date: 10/17/2002
by: JO3 JESSICA BENIGNI, Subase Public Affairs
The first Trident submarine to change homeports to Bangor in more than 15 years pulled into port at Marginal Pier Oct. 17. The Gold crew of USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) piloted the ship from its former homeport, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., to Bangor in about 80 days.
Pennsylvania is the first of two boats to come to Bangor from the East Coast with D-5 capabilities. USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) will arrive later this year. The plan over time is for Pennsylvania and Kentucky to help even out the fleet after the four oldest Bangor Tridents leave for Sub-surface Guided Nuclear conversion.
"Pennsylvania will help keep Bangor's security posture on par. It is here to keep a good balance of submarine deterrence capabilities on both the East and West coasts," said Senior Chief Machinist's Mate Brad Green, Pennsylvania Blue chief of the boat. Though the change of port took about 80 days, the crew and family have been preparing for months.
"The administrative portion of the change of homeport took more than a year to complete. It included making sure the people coming here wanted to come," said Green. The Blue crew arrived in the first week of August to man the off-crew office and make administrative preparations for the boat's arrival.
"Moving [to Bangor] on my own with my son was quite an experience," said Frances Humm, wife of Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SU) Brent Humm, Pennsylvania Gold. "I feel more independent now and the Lord has definitely blessed us. With patience and guidance, we were able to do what we had to do to get things done. We're glad to be here," she said.
The Blue crew has taken over the ship for the refit process to prepare it for its first Pacific deterrent patrol.
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