USS Greeneville Returns Home

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A crowd lined the submarine piers for a warm aloha welcome as the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772), returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aug. 25, following a deployment to the Western Pacific.

Family and friends showed off signs, banners, and leis as the submarine came into view in the harbor.

The submarine's commanding officer, Cmdr. Martin Muckian said the crew was outstanding during deployment.

"I am very proud of the crew," said Muckian. "They performed superbly in every area, from the tactical watchstanders, to the nuclear propulsion plants operators, to the cooks. Every Sailor did his job and did it well, and that enabled Greeneville to do some great things for 7th Fleet on this deployment."

The 150-man crew of Greeneville was forward deployed for more than six months, completing a variety of operations and missions vital to national security.

For a young seaman, it was his very first deployment, while for a seasoned senior chief, it was his 12th deployment.

In addition to gaining the experience of operating in the Western Pacific, the deployment afforded Sailors the opportunity to work on critical qualifications.

Over the course of the deployment, 15 enlisted Sailors and two officers became submarine qualified and are now able to wear their respective submarine warfare insignia, or "dolphins."

"The crew is feeling sky high after this deployment," said Muckian. "They were asked to do some difficult things and they know they delivered. It's a great feeling for them. When you combine that feeling of accomplishment with the joy of seeing your family and friends again, it makes homecoming a great day."

While on deployment, Greeneville's crew helped strengthen community ties in Guam, as well as with foreign allies in South Korea and Singapore.

Muckian said Greeneville Sailors were great ambassadors for the U.S. Navy, and they had a lot of fun on deployment and did everything from mountain hiking in South Korea to scuba diving in Guam.

"It was a memorable experience for everyone," added Muckian.

It became apparent that Greeneville was finally home as the crowd cheered and clapped their hands upon the submarine's return.

For Meghan Scassero, having her husband, Electrician's Mate 1st Class Joshua Scassero, home after such a long time meant the opportunity to enjoy their anniversary together.

"Tomorrow is our anniversary!" said Scassero. "So we're going to spend time together. I've missed him terribly, so it is nice to have him home!"

USS Greeneville is the 61st Los Angeles-class submarine and the 22nd Improved Los Angeles-class attack submarine.

USS Greeneville was commissioned a U.S. naval warship at Norfolk Naval Base Feb. 16, 1996. Greeneville changed homeport to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in March 1997.