PCU North Carolina SSN-777 Sailors Perform at NFL Game

Since 11-23-04

Excerpted from NSL UPDATE 11-15-2004

By Chief Journalist (SW/AW) Mark O. Piggott, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (NNS) -- Sailors from Pre-Commissioning Unit North Carolina (SSN 777) had the honor of presenting colors Nov. 7, during a Veteran's Day tribute at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C. The tribute was held during the Carolina Panthers vs. Oakland Raiders football game.

"It was a great opportunity to show an area like Charlotte, N.C., who we are," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Wayne C. Tyler, 20, a native of Dakota City, Neb. "They're used to seeing the other services, like the Army and Marine Corps, because of the close location of their bases."

Tyler, along with Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SS) Joshua A. Newcomb, Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SS) Erik Kline, and Fire Control Technician 1st Class (SS) Brian L. Beach comprised the four-man color guard unit. Beach, 27, from Newport News, Va., said he was honored by the chance to represent the Navy and especially the submarine force during the game. "To represent the Navy at any function is an honor," he said. "I was able to talk to many of the fans and enlighten them about the Navy's mission, but most of the questions I got were concerning submarines, which I know a great deal about."

North Carolina is the fourth submarine of the Virginia class, the only major combatant designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind to dominate the littorals while maintaining undersea dominance in the open ocean. North Carolina is being built by General Dynamics Electric Boat Division in Groton, Conn., and Northup Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va. The submarine's keel was laid May 22, 2004, and the boat is scheduled to join the fleet in 2006.

Along with Sailors from the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Charlotte, N.C., the Navy was well represented on the field during the pre-game festivities and the halftime salute to the armed forces.

"I thought it was flattering that I have honored the Navy enough to be a representative at a nationally broadcasted event like this," Tyler said.

Beach added, "For a first-time experience, I was shocked. On TV, everything looks so much bigger."

Though Carolina lost to Oakland 27-24, it was still a memorable experience the North Carolina Sailors will never forget.

"I hope we get the opportunity to do this every year," said Newcomb, 30, a native of Anaheim, Calif. "This was a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience I don't think any of us will ever forget," he added.