By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Swink,
Pacific Submarine Force Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Friends and families of the crew of
USS Hawaii (SSN 776) gathered at the submarine piers to welcome back the
Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, returning March 10 to Joint Base Pearl
Harbor-Hickam after completing a deployment to the Western Pacific.
"I couldn't be more proud of the crew of Hawaii,"
said Cmdr. William A. Patterson, Hawaii's commanding officer, a native of
Holliston, Massachusetts. "Every one of them represented the submarine
force, the Navy and the nation through seven port visits and did a fantastic
job tactically when we were out doing our mission."
Hawaii returned home with a new second in charge, as Lt.
Cmdr. Charles Phillips relieved Lt. Cmdr. Mark Robinson as executive officer of
Hawaii in a pre-scheduled relief during the deployment.
As this was the first deployment for more than one-third of
the crew, Phillips said one of the keys to mission success was how well Sailors
supported each other.
"Our junior crew members eagerly met all
challenges," said Phillips. "All first-time deplorer's took advantage
of every opportunity to start and finish as many qualifications as they
could."
During the deployment, 23 Sailors and six officers earned
their designation as qualified in submarines and now wear their coveted
"dolphin" warfare insignia.
Additionally, 18 Sailors advanced in rank and five Sailors
were initiated into the chiefs' mess.
During the seven-month deployment, Hawaii strengthened
relations with multiple countries taking part in maritime exercises and
conducted port visits to Stirling, Australia, and the cities of Yokosuka and
Sasebo in Japan.
Machinist's Mate 1st Class Darren Polston, a native of
Tucson, Ariz., expressed his pleasure in helping to coordinate community
relations events during the various port visits.
"During my 14 years of submarine service, I have always
heard of boats visiting Australia, and now I finally got to go," said
Polston. "I loved meeting current submariners and veterans from all over
the world, and being able to speak at an Australian High School."
"We were fortunate to be in town for the Royal
Australian Navy's 100th year celebration of their submarine force," said
Phillips.
Hawaii's crew participated in ceremonies held at the
Maritime Museum and hosted distinguished visitors including both senior
military and civilian leaders.
Upon her return from deployment, the "War Canoe,"
as the crew calls her, was escorted to the historic submarine piers of Joint
Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam by outrigger canoes from the Honolulu Pearl Canoe
Club, and greeted by hula dancers performing traditional chants.
"It was a huge honor to support the military community
in this way," said Jason Leavitt, an outrigger canoe paddler. "It's
not every day you get to paddle under the Ford Island Bridge, stop and pay your
respects at the Arizona Memorial, and then meet up with the submarine USS
Hawaii to escort her to the pier."
Friends and family crowded the pier with "welcome
home" banners as they greeted loved ones following their scheduled
deployment.
"It feels really amazing, I have been so nervous
lately," said 8-year-old Briana Polston, looking forward to seeing her dad
arrive. She said she was looking forward to doing the things they normally do.
"We usually just chill at the house and have family time," she said.
"I am looking forward to spending time with my wife and
daughter," said Polston, "as well as visiting with other family and
catching up with friends."
Commissioned May 5, 2007, Hawaii was the third
Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first to be named after the
Aloha state, recognizing the tremendous support the Navy has enjoyed from the
people and state of Hawaii, and in honor of the rich heritage of submarines in
the Pacific.
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